Deborah Theresa James

Deborah Theresa James obituary, Chamblee, GA

Deborah Theresa James

Deborah James Obituary

Published by Legacy on Mar. 30, 2026.
Mrs. Deborah "Debbie" Theresa James, age 70, of Chamblee, Georgia, passed away on Friday, March 27, 2026, at Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital.

Mrs. James was born in Atlanta, Georgia on July 6, 1955, to the late Benjamin Franklin Deese, Jr. and Willie Mae Astin. She retired from NAPA, where she dedicated many years as an auto parts delivery driver.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Shawn James; her son, Kevin Pugh; and her brothers, Darrell Deese and Thomas Lee III.

Deborah will be remembered for her love of the simple joys in life. She enjoyed watching TV Land, especially her favorite show, The Andy Griffith Show. She was a proud Georgia Bulldogs fan and loved all things red, her favorite color. She especially loved the mountains of Ellijay in the fall and looked forward to apple season each year. She also found great comfort and companionship in her beloved cat, Kit Kat.

She was a loving and devoted grandmother who cherished her family deeply and took great pride in her grandchildren. She was especially proud of her great-grandson, Jude, and loved him dearly.

She is survived by her daughter, Tammy Oestrele; her grandchildren, Tiffany Wilbourn, Brianna Fuller, and Devin Bensley; and her great-grandchildren, Jude Bastedo, Noah Wilbourn, and Preston Wilbourn.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her family, extended loved ones, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Memorial Park Braselton Funeral, 5257 Hwy 53 Braselton, GA 30517 is in charge of arrangements. Send online condolences to www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Deborah Theresa James, please visit our floral store.

Legacy.com reports daily on death announcements in local communities nationwide. Visit our funeral home directory for more local information, or see our FAQ page for help with finding obituaries and sending sympathy.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

People and places connected with Deborah
How to support Deborah's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

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 more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
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
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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
Ways to honor Deborah 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
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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

Sign Deborah James's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?