Velda Fay James

Velda Fay James, 88, passed away Sunday, March 6, 2022, at home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 17, at St. Pius X Catholic Church. The service will be livestreamed on the Iles website. Go to IlesCares.com at 10:15 a.m. Thursday and scroll to the bottom of Velda's obituary to join in the service. Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at Hopeville Cemetery, Hopeville, Ia.
Velda was born March 30, 1933, in Barney, Iowa, to Robert and Florence (Palmer) Searl. She graduated from Murray High School and later from Creighton University. Velda married Gerald "Red" James in 1950. She dedicated her life to her kids, grandchildren and her church.
Velda is survived by her children, Jerome (Myra) James of Johnston, IA, Edward (Lulu) James of Grimes, IA, Sheila Stevens (Kevin) and Susan Donnelly, both of Urbandale, IA; two sisters, Betty Harper of Winterset, IA and Evalene Hannah of Des Moines, Iowa; and eight grandchildren, Zac Stevens, Lexi Donnelly, Luke Stevens, Emi Stevens, Jessica James, Noah James, Jordan James, and Hunter Schneider; two great-grandchildren, Kashton and Eli; and her dog, Toby. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Gerald "Red" James, and her brother, David Searl.
The family will receive friends from 5 - 7 Wednesday, March 16, at Iles Westover Chapel where a vigil service will be held at 7 p.m. Contributions may be made to the Catholic Worker House or DMARC Food pantry. Online condolences will be welcomed at IlesCares.com.
ARRANGEMENTS BY ILES WESTOVER CHAPEL
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