Barbara Jean James

Wooster - Barbara Jean James, age 65, of Wooster, passed away at home on Friday, February 7, 2025, following a brief period of declining health.
Born on March 1, 1959, in Ashland, Barb was the daughter of the late William and Olive (Schmid) Sargeant. She was a 1977 graduate of Northwestern High School and the Wayne County Schools Career Center. On June 26th 1982, she married Randall James in Wooster, and together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and cherished family memories.
Barb dedicated 20 years of service to Frito-Lay, working in sanitation, before continuing her career with the Wayne Metropolitan Housing Authority, where she spent over two decades making a difference in the lives of others.
A woman with a kind and generous heart, Barb found joy in life's simple pleasures-curling up with a good book, hunting for treasures at thrift stores, taking peaceful walks, and watching classic episodes of I Love Lucy. She had a deep love for animals, especially birds and her beloved dogs, and her compassionate spirit extended to all creatures. Above all, Barb's greatest happiness came from time spent with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom she adored.
She is survived by her loving husband, Randall James of Wooster; her devoted daughter, Amber (Jarrett) Tapp of Wooster; and her treasured grandchildren: Shandell Chio, Sidnee Tapp, Sairra Tapp, Jarrett (Abby Ahrens) Tapp II, Macayden Tapp, Branton Tapp, Roman Tapp, and Kinzee Tapp. She was also blessed with two great-grandchildren, Noel and Jett. Barb is further survived by her sister, Donna (William Foote) Sargeant, and her brother, Richard (Lorene) Sargeant.
A graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, in the chapel at Crown Hill Cemetery in Orrville, with Kevin O'Brien officiating.
Memorial contributions in Barb's memory may be made to the Wayne County Humane Society, 1161 Mechanicsburg Road, Wooster, OH 44691 (wchs.org) or the New Pittsburg Fire and EMS Association, 1466 Perry Township Rd. 35, Wooster, OH 44691.
Barb's kindness, warmth, and unwavering love for her family and animals will be deeply missed but forever remembered.