Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1944
DIED
2025
FUNERAL HOME
90 Simmonsville Road
Bluffton, South Carolina
John James Obituary
December 7, 1944 - February 21, 2025
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina - John D. James, born December 7, 1944, died peacefully on February 21, 2025. John was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY and graduated from Regis High School in New York City. He was also a graduate of LeMoyne College in Syracuse, NY where he met his wife, Marie G "Pidge" James. They were married in 1967. John served in the First Infantry in Vietnam. After his military service John and Pidge moved to Rochester, NY where he was Vice President of Marketing for Rochester Blue Cross /Blue Shield. In 1980 they moved to Des Moines, IA and John was Vice President of Marketing at Iowa Blue Cross/ Blue Shield for 3 years before he joined Pioneer Hi Bred International, from which he retired in 2000 as Senior Vice President. During John's career he had extensive international responsibilities and he and Pidge grew to love travel. In both Rochester and Des Moines John served on many non-profit boards to benefit those communities. And he served on the Board of Trustees of LeMoyne College in Syracuse and Drake University in Des Moines. John is survived by three children: Dore Smith, Steven James, and Chris James as well as 11 grandchildren: Chaz, Tyler, Brandon, Jade, Nigel, Trinity, Josh, Jack, Carter, Chloe, Piper, and 2 great grandchildren, Kai and Ezra. Memorial donations may be made to LeMoyne College or Jesuit Refugee Services or the St. Francis Center on St. Helena Island. A Memorial Mass will be held on Monday, March 3, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church, Bluffton, South Carolina.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John James
Jim ford
June 8, 2025
John was the best.
Bill an Laura LePage
March 8, 2025
Pidge
Very sorry for your loss, John was a special person, and a dear friend.
Paul von Ebers
March 2, 2025
To John's family, I met John when I was working for the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association and John was Vice President of Marketing at BCBS of IA. he hired the Association consulting group that I led for a marketing study. After John left for Pioneer, I took over his job at BCBS of IA and John served as a BCBS Board member. John was a high integrity person who always tried to help me in my career. He was thoughtful and kind. My prayers are with your family at this time of loss. Paul von Eber
cary and eileen griffin
March 2, 2025
Pidge, we have loving memories of John and feel blessed to have known such a good man. Cary and Eileen
Willona Goers
February 26, 2025
Pidge and Family,
John was a great leader at Pioneer. I recall the days at BIS, and the respect that we all had for his business acumen and kindness. A donation has been made in his honor at Jesuit Refugee Services. May your memories of him bring you comfort in this time of loss.
Lee Slater
February 25, 2025
Pidge & Family, My deepest condolences on the loss of John. He was such a a good man. I learned a lot from him at Pioneer and appreciated how he balanced what was right for the business with what was right for the person. Besides business we had some good comparing his experience in Vietnam and the loss of my brother there. We also talked about his adopting children and me being an adopted child. Steve & Chris - I stayed with you a few times when John & Pidge were traveling. I especially remember Steve's artwork and driving Chris to deliver papers. I also enjoyed visiting with Pidge about traveling and some of special home items like the antique herringbone wood floor. I'm lucky to have known John and know his spirit will continue to make himself known to you.
A group of us who worked for John decided to contribute to the Jesuit Refugee Services in his name. You may recognize some of these names -- Mari Hall, Willona Goers, Lori Madsen, Carmen Yancey, Jean Bromert, Terri Wallace, Julie Schwalbe, Nancy Betz, and me.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you.
Sister Canice
February 25, 2025
John will be missed by many people. We appreciate all john and his wife did and do for those in need. He was definitely the hands of Jesus while on earth.
May he rest in peace.
Sister Canice
Le Moyne College
February 25, 2025
Please accept the most heartfelt sympathies of Le Moyne College. We hope the love and memories you will forever hold in your heart bring you peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results
Make a Donation
in John James's name
Memorial Events
for John James
Funeral services provided by:
Sauls Funeral Home of Bluffton and Low Country Memorial Gardens90 Simmonsville Road, Bluffton, SC 29910
How to support John's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor John James's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
