Joan James, age 92, loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother passed away September 8, 2024, in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Joan was born on June 12, 1932, to Ira E. Goodwin and Myrtle (Snively) Goodwin in Tulsa, OK. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Earl Goodwin, and husband Ernest James.

As a child, Joan attended seven different schools in seven states, during one school year. She returned back to Tulsa in the fourth grade and graduated from Will Rogers High School in May 1950. That same year, she married her high school sweetheart Ernest James on September 8, 1950. They were married for 65 years before his passing.

Her life's adventures with Ernest included the water ski club, square dancing, SCCA racing, snow skiing, and snowmobiling. She and Ernest enjoyed many wonderful travels together during their retirement-employment as tour directors with Foretravel Motorhome for 18 years.

Joan was a member of the Masonic Order of the Eastern Star (Magic City Chapter No 462) and a member of Immanuel Baptist Church. Her most recent hobbies included playing bingo and happy hour with her resident friends.

Joan is survived by her three children: Son, Larry James and his wife Elisa;
Son, Kenneth James; and Daughter, Renee and her husband David Billups;
Grandchildren: Richard James (Angelique), Russell James (Kristin), Heather Turner (Patrick), Jason James (Janelle), Courtney Johnson (Adam) and
Cash Billups (Cassandra); eight great grandchildren, blended families children, and a host of cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Joan's family and friends view her journey as a beautiful ending to a lifelong love story. Joan's day of passing, would have been her and Ernest's 74th wedding anniversary. Our Heavenly Father chose a special day to reunite this couple to celebrate together, by dancing in the Kingdom of Heaven. Joan will be deeply missed by her family and friends.


Visitation will be 5-7PM, Thursday, September 12, 2024 at Moore Southlawn, 9350 E. 51st, Tulsa, OK. Funeral Service will be 1:00 P.M., Friday, September 13, 2024 at Moore Southlawn Chapel. Moore Southlawn 918-663-2233