Josephine M. James
March 4, 1924 – June 29, 2020
Josephine “Jo” Mary (Hoffmann) James was born on March 4, 1924, the eighth child of Julius and Anna Hoffmann. She was welcomed into heaven on June 29, 2020.
She is preceded in death by her husband Walter Dudley James Jr, her parents, siblings: Frederick, Aloysius, Johanna, Amelia, Julius (Jute), Gregory, and Clemens Hoffmann, and grandson Christopher Rudloff.
She is survived by her sister, Agnes Hoffmann Schleppenbach; 10 children: Mary Ann (Mike) Sexton, Aggie (Mark) Albanese, Liz (Kevin) Joyce, Carol James (Richard Sparling), Walter Dudley James III, Vincent James, Joe (Shaun) James, Cecilia (Jim) Rudloff, Paul (Maria) James, John (Tracy) James, and daughters-in-law Carole Andersen and Elke James; Grandchildren: Paul (Shana) Sexton, Bridget (Brian) Downey, Dakota Sexton, Anne-Marie (Dan) Lerner, Lisa Albanese, Amy (Dave) Bittrich, Mark (Heidi) Albanese, Michael (Kim) Joyce, Sean (Tara) Joyce Whipp, Claire Sparling (Alexandre Borger), Adrien Sparling, Lucas Sparling, Taylor James, Delaney James, Alexandra James, Sabrina James, Dan (Jac) James, Alex James, Katie James, Justin (Annie) Rudloff, Abby Rudloff-Royer (Zach Royer), Joel (Kate) Rudloff, Patrick (Kelly) James, Christine (Kyle) Dickerson, Catherine James, Ben James, Rachel James, Matthew James, and Peter James; and 23 great-grandchildren.
Jo grew up on a farm in Pierce, NE. After finishing high school she attended Creighton University’s St Joseph’s Hospital School of Nursing in Omaha, NE, and met her husband Walt who was a student at Creighton University during that time. They were married at St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Pierce, NE, on April 11, 1950. She was a devoted wife and loving mother to 10 children. While raising her children she also was a strong supporter of Christian Family Movement and active in pro-life activities. Once her kids were grown, she worked at Douglas County Hospital in the mid-90s. Jo always remembered her roots, her German-Austrian heritage was an important part of her life, and included giving her grandchildren and great grandchildren German nicknames. She could list her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren (complete with German nicknames) as part of her daily “mental gymnastics”. She sent cards on birthdays, anniversaries and other important dates throughout life (with a little help in her last few years).
She maintained and actively nurtured relationships with classmates from Pierce, friends from nursing school, and the Women’s Altar Society at Holy Cross Parish. If she hadn’t heard from you in a few weeks she would call!
She and Walt both had strong pride in being residents of the state of Nebraska. They took many of their grandchildren on a week-long camping trip (a few at a time) around the state to experience the history of Nebraska.
Grandchildren and great grandchildren knew Jo, as Gram, as the grandma who would attend graduations, showers, marriages, and crawl around on the floor and play Cooga-la-la-la with them even into her 90s!
A small private Catholic service is being held, with a plan for a celebration of life event to occur in Summer 2021. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in her memory to Mercy High School (https://www.mercyhigh.org/), Creighton Preparatory High School (https://www.creightonprep.org/), Bethlehem House (https://bethlehemhouseomaha.org/), or any other prolife organization.
To view a live broadcast of the Visitation, Rosary and Mass, go to our website at 9:30am on Tuesday, July 7th and click the View Live Cast button on our homepage.
10 Comments
On behalf of the Bertagni Children (Sue, Monsignor Ted, Nancy, Steve, Tina & Jody) , we send our deepest condolences to the James Family. Your mother was a permanent fixture at Holy Cross Church and our parents (Ted & Mary Bertagni) thought highly of both she and your father. They are now all celebrating together.
Aunt Jo was such a special person in our family—full of life and warmth. She was the keeper of memories and family history. She will be sorely missed by all who loved her, including my mother Agnes (her sister). May she Rest In Peace in God’s hands.
I always enjoyed time spent with Jo. Walt and all the family. My condolences to all and know I am holding you in the Light.
I will miss aunt Jo very much. I will miss the Sunday mornings that I got to pick her up to attend Mass with me at St James. I will miss her phone calls and to hear her say ‘let’s stay connected’. She was my aunt, but was my second mom. I am so honored to have you as cousins and ‘brothers & sisters’
Prayers & Love, Kathy
James Family, my sympathy on the loss of your mom/grandmother. Aggie and I go way back, to grade school and high school. We were even able to connect a couple summers during college. I have many fond memories of the bustling James house! I also enjoyed seeing Mrs.James at Holy Cross daily Mass while I taught there. She always had a hug and kind words for me as I shepherded my Holy Cross 8th graders in and out. I know she is so happy in her heavenly home. and that your memories of times with her will always be a comfort.
I will be watching the farewell Mass for dear Aunt Jo. My sincere condolences to her children and grandchildren. I will always remember Aunt Jo for her joyful and loving demeanor. She will be greatly missed by so many! May Aunt Jo’s soul Rest In Peace.
Hearty condolences from your relatives from Germany. We will remember Jo as an open, lively and warm person. We will keep her in good memory.
Our prayers and thoughts are with all of you. Your mom was a great lady
When I saw your Mom’s name in the obituary column, it brought back many many great memories of your mom & the Holy Cross neighborhood. My condolences to you all & may she rest in peace!!
Mom will be remembered as a strong, devoted and warm-hearted woman who has always been carried by her religious faith. Whenever she visited us in Germany, she was so proud to teach the girls songs and poems to connect them with their American heritage. We still love to watch these videos with fond memories. I will miss Mom and keep her in my prayers. My deepest condolences from the bottom of my heart.
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