Emma Jean James

Emma Jean James born December 14, 1936 went home peacefully to be with the Lord on March 31, 2026. Emma James was a kind, loving and devoted Christian mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She loved the colors purple and blue. Her favorite food was fried chicken. She also loved dancing, cooking and spending time with family and friends. Emma's favorite singers were Al Green and Aretha Franklin. Her favorite saying was, “YOU BETTER BELIEVE IT!”

Emma was born in Gaston, Alabama. She and her family uprooted to Akron, Ohio at the tender age of five and she’s lived in the Akron area ever since. Emma was a proud member of Arlington Church of God in Akron, Ohio for at least 20 years, and loved attending church on Sunday.

Emma is preceded in death by Thomas James (husband), Lovell Harris (Mother), Robert Ruple, James Ruple, Wilbert Ruple (Brothers), Viola Mims, Bernice Jameison, Christine Ruple (Sisters), and Randy James, Johnny James (Sons).

Emma is survived by her sisters Joann (Ray) Washington of Akron, Ohio and Patricia (Steve) Taylor of Pittsburgh, PA. Her daughters Michele Bowers, and Tonia James (Charles) Howell of Akron, Ohio. Sons Kenny (Roslyn) James of Hope, Arkansas and Michael James of Barberton, Ohio. She leaves behind special granddaughters Andrea May (Indiana), Cynthia (Owen) Martin of Barberton, Ohio, Sophie (Malik) Watters of Akron, Ohio and Nicole (Marlo) Johnson of Akron, Ohio and a host of other grandkids, great grandkids and great-great grandkids. Special niece Terry (Larry) McKee of Akron, Ohio and a host of nieces and nephews.

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