Joan F. James

Joan F. James of Monroe, CT, passed away peacefully on April 2, 2026, in Bridgeport, CT. She was 95 years old. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial service on Saturday, April 25 at 11:00am at Christ Church Easton, 59 Church Road, Easton, CT.

Born on November 19, 1930, Joan was the daughter of the late William and Dorothy Foltermann and the granddaughter of noted engineer and physicist, Dr. Clayton Halsey Sharp. She was raised in White Plains, NY and spent her summers in Cooperstown, NY on her beloved Otsego Lake. She was a resident of Mamaroneck, NY for 30 years before moving to Connecticut in 1979.

Married to the late William S. James for 59 years, theirs was a love match from the start. Together they raised a family, made lasting friendships, celebrated holidays and milestones, golfed and traveled. Always warm and welcoming, Joan was also generous, giving, steady and strong. She loved reading, theatre, pets, spending time with family and friends, and was a dedicated volunteer for years at United Hospital in Port Chester, NY. She will be remembered for her grace and elegance, her beautiful smile, her devotion to her husband and her unwavering love for her children and grandchildren.

Joan is survived by her son William and his wife Cindy, son Thomas and his wife Maria, daughter Cynthia Strachan and her husband Douglas, seven grandchildren: Stacey Iscaro (Jason), Shannon James, Shelley James, Alex James, Tori Liberto (RJ), Amy Strachan, Chris Strachan and four great grandchildren: James Iscaro, Olivia Iscaro, Kylie James, Robert Liberto. She was predeceased by her daughter Nancy, her sister Dorothy and brother William.

Burial of cremains will take place privately. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joan’s name, in loving memory of her daughter Nancy, to the American Cancer Society.