Lela Jane James

Lela Jane Duckering Payne James was known to most as Jane or Grandma Jane and loved by all. Jane was a proud World War II veteran serving in the Coast Guard as a SPARS (Semper Paratus - Always Ready). Jane was married to Richard T. Payne in March of 1944 and they were married for a short time, until he was killed in a plane crash. Jane married Harold (Buzz) James on April 13, 1945 and together they raised four boys.

Jane worked for ten years, once her children were school age, as an office manager for Dr. Emma Hatayama. She was a member of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, Eastern Star, SPARS, and Clovis Veterans Group who met and contributed to their own stories published in a book titled "Stories of Service" compiled by Janice Stevens.

Jane was preceded in death by her husband Buzz of 58 years and son Gregory H. James.

She is survived by son Kirk and wife Toni, granddaughter Keri and husband Mike, granddaughter Shelbi, grandson Kirk Jr. ad wife Cassey: daughter-in-law Kathi, grandson Brian and wife Sabrina, grandson Kevin and wife Tiffany; son Scott and wife Patti, granddaughter Miranda and husband Kevin, grandson Martin and wife Marcella; son Dean and wife Kathy, granddaughter Heather; great-grandchildren Kayley, Lindsey, Ryder, Ella, Otis, Brennan, Makena, Jack, Adaline, Thomas, Eve, Maddy and Meri.

Jane will be remembered for her beautiful generous heart and sweet spirit. She touched so many lives with her love and kindness. She will be dearly missed.

A graveside service for Lela will be held Thursday, December 30, 2021 at 1:00 PM at Sanger District Cemetery, 568 S. Rainbow Ave., Sanger, California 93657.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.whitehurstsullivan.com for the James family.