Jo Ann "JoJo" James

Jo Ann “JoJo” (Ray) James, 88, of Gahanna, Ohio, peacefully went to be with her Lord and Savior on October 2, 2024, after a brief illness. Born April 27, 1936, in Sissonville, West Virginia to the late Cecil and Dessel Ray. Jo Ann finished the 11th grade and never pursued any further education. She married her long-lasting love Frank James on October 17, 1954, and they celebrated 38 wonderful years together until Frank was called to his Heavenly home in 1992. Their union and love produced three loving children, Lisa, Rich, and Birdie. Then the family was blessed in the late 70s with an adopted son, Efrain, who Jo Ann loved like her own.

In 1972, the family moved from South Charleston, West Virginia, to Gahanna, Ohio. There Jo Ann served as a devoted wife and stay-at-home mother until the late 1970s when she started work at Yenkin Majestic Paint Company as an office manager. She also served as a part-time dispatcher for Jefferson Township Fire Department. After retiring from both, Jo Ann took on the most important role of her later life as a full-time nanny for her beloved Chase Kallmerten. She loved and cared for Chase as if he was one of her own and proudly referred to him as her “grandson”. The years of caring for him kept her young and fulfilled her heart. There were many other special “grandchildren” in her life including Rileigh, Seth, Noah and Jacob Hill, and most recently Lochlan Hansford.

Jo Ann was blessed a second time when she met and married Gene James in 2005. They celebrated 6 wonderful years together until Gene was called to his Heavenly home in 2011.

Known for her huge heart, Jo Ann exuded nothing but kindness and compassion towards all she met. She deeply loved all of her family and considered all of her friend's family as well. Her hobbies included reading, working in her garden and flower beds, and watching old and current game shows.

Preceded in death by parents, siblings, Curtis, Richard, Gerald Ray, and Genevieve Scites. Loving husbands Frank James and Gene James and devoted son, Rich James. As well as many loving sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.

Survived by daughters Lisa James and Birdie Beals and son Efrain Illera Trujillo. Sister Wanda Santini and brother-in-law Bud Osivnik. Plus, many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and family friends.

The family would like to extend a very special thank you to all dear family friends but especially, Erin Kallmerten, Pam Hartschuh, Lisa Lawrence, and Amy and Justin Hill for their never-ending love and support during this most devasting time. And to the staff of Mount Carmel East’s step-down and palliative care units for their excellent care and compassion shown for Jo Ann during her last days.

Visitation for Jo Ann will be held at Schoedinger Northeast Funeral Home, 1051 East Johnstown Road, Gahanna, OH 43230 on Thursday, October 10, 2024 from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM with her funeral service beginning at 11:30am. Services will conclude with entombment at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, 5600 East Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43213.