Laureen Orella James

Affectionately known as Jakes or JK

Born Wednesday December 4, 1972, in Micoud St. Lucia

Eternal Rest commenced Friday May 2, 2025, in Las Vegas, Nevada

JK was an integral part of the James family, and her love spread to all who knew her and beyond. She helped raise and support each one of us in a very personal and special way. The way she was able to connect with so many people in her short time on earth is unparalleled. We all had our own special way with her from private conversations during lunch dates at her house, painting sessions, trips to Costco, vacations, dinners, birthday parties or just passing by in the hallway at work; Or the way she took care of our children, took us in when we had no place to go, paid a bill, made a meal, encouraged us to just live to see tomorrow because we mattered too; she was there. Or even perhaps it was the way she sacrificed her entire life to take care of her mother while she struggled to put one foot before the other; she was there. Her love and passion for caring for her family carried over into her professional life as well. Graduated from University of Phoenix with her bachelor’s degree in social work while beginning her career at the State of Nevada where she worked tirelessly providing oversight to youth and families in the Las Vegas area. She was awarded the hand in hand award 2019 for providing outstanding support and dedication to children with special needs and their families by the Nevada PEP. Jakes loved her Maxwell and her reggae and trying new recipes and consciously searched for ways to be healthier and eat better and be better. She stood for what was right in the world and she wasn’t afraid to say it. We all will forever miss the way she rolled her eyes and said her piece when reality didn’t align with her ideal of good reason. She strived to always be better and encouraged us all to do the same because you were her favorite person and for that, we will all miss her dearly.

Laureen was preceded in death by her mother, Sonia James, father, Jeremiah Cyril, sister Monica LaFerve, and nephew Eddie LaFerve.

Laureen (JK) was survived by her brothers Ethelbert James and his wife Chantel of St. Lucia; Ethelred James of St. Lucia; Bertrand James and his wife Shardy of New York; and Julian Estaphan II and his wife Toya of New York, Louise Clercin of New Jersey; and Cyrus President (Fatty) of Florida, several God children, aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family and friends.

A memorial service for Laureen will be held Wednesday, June 4, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Palm Mortuary - Northwest, 6701 North Jones Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89131.