Jane Flanagan James

Jane was born on July 28, 1940, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Frank J. Flanagan and Doris M. Flanagan. From an early age, she displayed compassion and selflessness that would define her entire life. After the loss of her father when she was just twelve years old, Jane naturally stepped into a nurturing role, helping her mother care for her four younger siblings. Even as a child, she possessed a gentle, protective heart and an instinct to care for others.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank J. and Doris M. Flanagan; her daughter, Tammy James LeBlanc; her sister, Doris Flanagan Conner; her grandson, Kyle Russo, and great-granddaughter, Krista Russo.

Jane is survived by her devoted husband, Albert Lawrence James; her sons, Tommy James and Timmy James; her daughters-in-law Kim Figueroa James, and Berlin Aurora Guzman James; her twin sister, Helen Flanagan Templin; her sister, Linda Flanagan; her brother, Frank Flanagan; her grandchildren, Louis LeBlanc, Raquel James Baxley, Rebecca James Acevedo, Timothy James, and Thalia James; her great-grandchildren, Zelda Baxley, Caiden LeBlanc, Illiana Baxley, Mila Baxley, Caleb LeBlanc, and Mateo Acevedo; her great-great-granddaughter, Dezeray Russo; and many beloved nieces, nephews, step-grandchildren, extended family members, and lifelong friends.

Jane met the love of her life, Albert Lawrence James, through a mutual friend. At the time, Albert felt she was too young, and life took them in different directions. Nearly ten years later, while riding a city bus, Albert happened to see Jane walking along the street. He asked the driver to stop the bus, got off, and reintroduced himself. That chance encounter became the beginning of a beautiful love story that lasted sixty-two years. Together they built a home filled with faith, laughter, and unconditional love.

Jane was a graduate of Behrman High School and devoted her life to her family as a homemaker. She was also an active substitute teacher in her children's schools, where she became a favorite among students because of her warmth, kindness, and genuine interest in every child she met.

More than anything, Jane loved people. She had an extraordinary gift for making everyone feel important. If you spent time with Jane, you knew she genuinely cared about you. She asked about your life, your family, your health, and your happiness because she truly wanted to know. Even when she asked a question she already knew the answer to, it was simply because she cherished conversation and wanted to spend time with those she loved. Her concern for others became one of her most endearing qualities. Family members often smiled at how much she worried over everyone, and Jane could laugh about it herself, because everyone knew her concern came from a heart overflowing with love. She wanted everyone to be safe, healthy, comfortable, and happy.

Jane's greatest joy was her family. She delighted in every opportunity to gather with her children and grandchildren, filling every greeting and farewell with hugs, kisses, and the words, "I love you with all my heart." She wasn't just a wonderful mother to her own children, she became a second mother to many of their friends, who found comfort, encouragement, and acceptance in her home.

A faithful member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Jane lived her faith through quiet acts of kindness, generosity, and unwavering devotion to those around her.

Jane will be remembered not for worldly accomplishments, but for the way she loved. She showed her family that love is expressed through kindness, compassion, patience, and genuine concern for others. Her warmth, gentle spirit, beautiful smile, and generous heart touched everyone fortunate enough to know her. Her legacy will continue in the family she cherished and in the countless lives she made better simply by loving them.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a funeral service on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. New Orleans, LA. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. with a funeral Mass beginning at 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Lake Lawn Park Mausoleum.