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Melba James Obituary
9/11/1931-2/5/2018
Melba N. James passed away peacefully at her home on the morning of February 5, 2018. She resided in Placer County her entire life.
She was born in Colfax on September 11, 1931. She was predeceased by her parents, Idamo and Ida Ridolfi; siblings Olive Cortopassi, George Carney, Wilma Riley, Florence Triano, Dante Ridolfi and Americo Ridolfi. Melba is survived by sister-in-law, Helen Ridolfi of Auburn, and many nieces and nephews.
Melba attended New England Mills School and St. Mary's Academy in Grass Valley. She graduated from Placer High School in Auburn in 1949. She always enjoyed keeping in touch with her Class of '49 classmates throughout the years.
Melba worked in Colfax most of her life. She is best remembered by her Colfax friends who knew her when she worked at the Colfax Pharmacy, D&M Market, and Colfax High School. She retired in 1993 having touched the lives of many as evidenced by the lasting friendships she had with many of the students and faculty.
Melba spent a lifetime building close and trusting connections with her neighbors, former co-workers and classmates. She will always be remembered by her family as a caring and loving daughter, sister, aunt and friend. Her wit and sense of humor will live on in the fond memories we have of her. Her colorful personality and active presence in and around Colfax will be sorely missed.
On Friday, March 2, 2018, the Rosary will be said at 10:30 a.m. prior to the funeral Mass at 11 a.m. at St. Dominic's Catholic Church in Colfax. Lassila's is handling the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, Melba asked that donations be made to your charity of choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Melba James
Sharon Scheuffele Torres
August 13, 2025
All of us CHS students loved Melba so much. She was the custodian, she disciplined us, she laughed with us, and most of all, she loved us!
Equally, we all loved her back!
Ruth Costa
February 4, 2023
Melba's classmates from PHS Class of 49 still meet for lunch once a month, though our numbers are getting smaller. We still remember how much we enjoyed Melba and her sense of humor when she was attending. We do miss her.
Nancy McIsaac (Steinbach)
February 28, 2018
Melba,
I've loved you like a Mother & I have the most precious memories of you with my parents at the Jimmy Inn partying & dancing with my dad & the usual gang in the bar until all hours of the night! Who could forget all those Fourth of July's.... so many friends and good times at the beer garden and Marson's Store!
I will never forget you and your memory will live on Forever! May God always Bless you dear Friend
Barbara Ricci
February 21, 2018
You will me missed.
Ruth Costa
February 16, 2018
What good times Melba and I had together at Placer High School starting as the two new girls on campus in 1948 in our Junior year. We became fast friends and remained so for all these years. We used to laugh and say "we never thought we would ever live this long" because anyone over 60 years old is OLD. Ha. She was truly a sincere and loyal friend to everyone she came to know. We loved seeing each other every month at our Class of 49 luncheon. Even my kids got to know her and loved her. She will truly be missed but certainly not forgotten. Rest in peace my good friend. My sincere condolences to the family.
February 13, 2018
My deepest condolences to your family during this most difficult time. There are no words that can ease the pain of losing someone so beloved. May you find comfort and peace in knowing that your loved one is in God's memory, because those who pass on are precious in his eyes. Psalms 116:15.
Jim & Sally Ellsworth
February 12, 2018
Melba was so much to fun to talk with on the CHS campus. She kept that place spotless and in tip top shape. A great gal.
Davis Family
February 12, 2018
Our deepest sympathy to the family. Times like these are very difficult but God promises that he will hear our cries for help. (Psalms 18:6)
Laura Marlar
February 10, 2018
Melba James was pure and simply "a good old Gal". In 1971, we became fans of hers-- soon after relocating to Colfax from the East Bay. Those were INDEED "the good ol'days!" Colfax was thriving, businesses were booming and everyone knew everybody's name. Melba was at the center of all of it...but, Melba is best remembered for her time spent at the ballpark and CHS with all of our (everone's) kids...each one a part of her extended family. She was a friend to all--always with a measured response and quick wit.
Melba was a faithful Parishioner at St. Dominic's Church, Colfax.
She was a good person.
--w/love, Leon & Tweedy Marlar.
Mick, Mindy & Kevin.
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