Dale & Jeanne at work in the pharmacy.
Obituary for Jeanne Anne James (1942–2025)
– Jeanne Anne James, a woman of deep compassion, resilience, and creativity, passed away peacefully on January 7, 2025, at the age of 82. Jeanne’s life was marked by love, service, and a remarkable ability to persevere through challenges. Born Jeanne Anne Cockrum on May 26, 1942, daughter of John and Betty Lou Cockrum, in the small town of Shandon, California (population 245).
Jeanne’s life began in a tightly-knit rural community where neighbors supported each other and everyone knew the young woman who played piano every Sunday at the town church. As valedictorian of Shandon High School’s class of 12 in 1960, she was one of the first people from her town to go to college, attending the University of the Pacific (UOP) in Stockton where there were more people in her first dorm than in her entire hometown.
Jeanne made all her own clothes for college—not out of a desire for style but out of necessity, as buying new clothes was beyond her family’s means.
This resourcefulness and creativity of spirit defined much of her life. Before college, fate had already set her on the path to love. While still in high school, Jeanne worked as a lifeguard at the Shandon town pool, where she met Dale William James. Dale, who was visiting family and working on a farm in Shandon for the summer, made quite the splash—literally—by cannonballing into the pool, dousing Jeanne with water. This unorthodox introduction certainly got her attention, and a romance began that would last a lifetime.
Dale proposed to Jeanne in the Rose Garden at UOP. Jeanne and Dale were married during their junior year. Her wedding dress was purchased using her father’s lifelong collection of mercury dimes.
Jeanne and Dale continued to support each other academically and personally, both earning advanced degrees—Jeanne completing a Master’s in Sociology at UOP while Dale earned his PhD. Jeanne went on to get a second Master’s in Social Work from Boston University. Their only child, Kimberly, was born while they were living in Stockton. In 1971, after Dale completed his PhD, the family of three moved to Natick,
Massachusetts. Jeanne worked as a probation officer, a school social worker, and eventually in private practice, leaving an indelible mark on everyone she encountered with her keen insight, empathetic nature, and unwavering commitment to helping others. Her ability to listen, support, and provide guidance shaped the lives of countless people throughout her career.
In 1998, Jeanne and Dale moved back West to Prescott, Arizona. Jeanne continued her lifelong commitment to helping others through her professional work. In her personal life, she pursued her passion for weaving, spending hours at her loom creating beautiful pieces that reflected her thoughtful and patient approach to life.
For many years, Jeanne and Dale traveled to Honduras, providing medical care and support to indigenous communities in need—taking 26 trips over the years. Their humanitarian work was an important part of their lives together and demonstrated their shared commitment to making a positive
impact.
Jeanne is survived by her devoted husband of 61 years, Dale; her daughter Kimberly and son-in-law James Morgan; and her beloved grandchildren Ben and Grace Morgan. She is also survived by her siblings, Tim and Cris Cockrum, numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the medical outreach programs Jeanne and Dale supported in Honduras, International Health Service of Minnesota (https://ihsmn.org). Jeanne will be remembered for her dedication to her family and her work, her creativity, and determination.
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