Judith Ann James

A long time resident of South Bend, Indiana, the only child to Robert (Bob) and Henrietta Allen Harris, Judy was raised on the Westside of South Bend. She graduated from Central High School and for a short time, married John Henry Kelley. From that union they had a daughter, Sharon Suzanne M. Kelley (Holland), who preceded Judy in death.  Judy later married Ronald Vernel James of 35 years, who preceded Judy in death and three children were born of that union, Beth Ann Anderson (Los Angeles, CA) Julie Ann Benton- James (Atlanta, GA) and Kyle Ronald James, who preceded Judy in death.

As The Matriarch of our family, Grandma was truly adored by her six grandchildren: Leigh Holland, South Bend, IN; Thomas (Joaquina) Holland, Los Angeles, CA; Brittany Anderson, Los Angeles, CA; Judith Lo’ren Benton, Atlanta, GA; Brandon Anderson, Los Angeles, CA and Darrell Landon Benton, Atlanta, GA.  Along with five great-grandchildren: Christopher Holland, Sydney Holland, Amaya Holland, London Benton and Shannon Giddens

Judy was a proud member of Olivet AME Church in South Bend, Indiana starting from the first address located on W. Monroe Street in South Bend, Indiana to its current location. Her favorite seat in the church was the 5th pew from the pulpit.  Judy was a Trustee and contributed much of her time with other auxiliaries within the church. 

To those who knew Judy well, she was the life of any party, but she was respected, valued and appreciated by many from her role as Quality Engineer at AM General of 33 years to her group of a lifetime of best friends, The Magnificent 10 a.k.a “The Mag 10.”   Judy enjoyed travelling and entertaining family and friends, but her favorite pastime was playing cards, Bid Whist.  That card game truly brought out the best in her along with Judy’s favorite red shade of lipstick and the constant act of flipping her hair.  If anyone had the pleasure to witness Judy during these occasions, you were guaranteed a good laugh and fun times filled with everlasting memories.

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