Jane James

Jane Anne James, 88, formerly of Dallas, passed away peacefully Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, at Tunkhannock Manor, Tunkhannock.

Jane was born in Wilkes-Barre on Aug. 9, 1937, to the late Nelson and Ida Smith. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 65 years, Charlie James in April of this year. In addition to her parents and husband, Jane was preceded in death by her brother, Robert, of Middletown, N.Y., and her son, Scott N. James.

Jane graduated from Elmer L. Meyers High School in Wilkes-Barre, followed by Bloomsburg State College, earning an education degree in math with a geography minor. Later, she received her Master's in Education from Wilkes College. She taught in Newport News, Va., for two years, then spent the remainder of her teaching career in the elementary school at Lake Lehman School District, retiring in 1997.

Jane was a member of Lehman United Methodist Church, where she volunteered regularly. She was a proud member of the Eastern Star as well as Delta Kappa Gamma honor society. She routinely volunteered with the local food bank and as a tour guide at the Dennison House in Forty Fort.

Jane was a lifelong learner and dedicated educator, with her love of teaching children readily apparent. Jane was also a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She was an avid traveler, where no museum was left unexplored, but equally appreciating the joys of Disney World. She enjoyed road trips with her husband, Charlie, family dinners, and lots of game-playing that followed.

Surviving to treasure her memory are Jane Anne's children and their spouses, Bonnie and Brian Connell, Harmony; and Charles and Sandra, Dallas; grandchildren, Kaitlin Bonner (Bob), Maureen Steele (Jonathan), Kyle Connell (Libby), Nicholas James (Marissa), and Emily and Ethan James; great-grandchildren, MacKenna Bonner, Harper and Morgan Steele, and Aoife Connell.

The family would like to send their sincerest thank you to Tunkhannock Manor and Serenity Hospice for their kind and compassionate care.

A memorial service will be held privately at the convenience of the family.

Donations, if desired, may be made to the Back Mountain Memorial Library, 96 Huntsville Road, Dallas, PA 18612; or Lehman United Methodist Church, c/o 1011 Mountainview Drive, Lehman PA 18627.