Lucille H James

Lucille H (Grillot) James, 87, born on December 4, 1935, in Dayton, Ohio, passed away peacefully at her home in Seffner, FL, on Sunday, April 16, 2023, with her daughters Kathleen and Jessica by her bedside providing her comfort. She is now free from the physical limitations and pain resulting from a well-lived life. In her words, “Don’t weep over me; I’m happy now. I’m with Dad and all my other family members and friends who passed before me. I can now walk and care for myself; my pain is gone.”

Lucille, a mother of eight, was loved by all who met her. We who are left behind will remember her strong, compassionate nature, sharp wit, and remarkable intelligence. She was active in her community, church, and her children’s school. All who knew her called her mom, as she made sure no one went hungry or without shelter. When she wasn’t taking care of her children or cooking one of her delicious meals for all to savor, she thrived on getting out in the fresh air and taking care of her animals and garden on the family farm in Cedarville, Ohio. After her youngest graduated high school, Lucille and Doyle started a new chapter in their life by loading up the truck and moving to Florida. Once in Florida, she loved to tend to her orange trees and tropical plants. Lucille continued with her compassionate nature by taking in and caring for all strays, whether it be a lost soul needing food and shelter or a stray animal needing a home.

Lucille was a faithful, devout Catholic who, at the end of her days, yearned to be with her Savior, Our Lord. She was a long-time parishioner of St. Augustine/St Charles Parish (Jamestown/South Charleston, OH), and more recently was an active parishioner in the St Francis of Assisi parish in Seffner, FL.

Lucille was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Doyle R. James (who has been patiently waiting on her arrival to Heaven on a bench near St. Peter’s gate), parents Cletus F. Grillot and Lucille H. (Carney) Grillot, sisters Dorotha West and Rose Eldridge, daughter Lucille H. (Robert) Williams, son Cletus A. James, grandsons Benjamin James and James Evans. She is survived by her sister Arlene Helpling; children, Marie I. (John) Craig, Kathleen M. James, Doyle R. (Patricia) James, Jr., Michael P. James, Jessica D. (Michael) Bertorello, Nicholas P (Gaye) James, 16 grandchildren: Henry (Laura) Dailey, Cletus (April) Dailey, David (Melissa) Dailey, Joshua (Jenise) Bland, Naomi (Greg) Jaschke, Erica (Robert) Simison, Charles (Jen) Evans, Jr., Elyse (John) Patenaude, Ariel (Stephen) LaCroix, Lynn Hines, Lexy James, Gabrielle Bertorello, Leo Bertorello, Joshua Cox, Trevor Cox, 25 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild, and many nephews and nieces.

In Florida, May 13, 2023 we will be having a Celebration of Life for Doyle and Lucille James at the family residence if everyone could arrive between Noon and 1:00.

917 Sligh Ave

Seffner, Florida 33584

In Ohio, June 10, 2023 we will be having a Visitation 9:30 to 10:00 am, followed by a mass at St. Luke's Church and ending up at Calvary Cemetary by 1:30.

St. Lukes's

1440 N. Fairfield Rd

Dayton, Ohio 45432

Calvary Cemetary

1625 Calvary Dr.

Dayton, Ohio 45409

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