Alice James, age 93 of Tracy, formerly of Sioux Falls, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 28, 2018 at Prairie View Senior Living in Tracy. Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 5, 2018 at Tracy Lutheran Church with visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in the Hills of Rest Cemetery in Sioux Falls. Online condolences may be sent at www.stephensfuneralservice.com. Stephens Funeral Service – Tracy Area Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Alice Harriet (Jessen) James was born to Anna and Julius Jessen near Gary, South Dakota. Anna and Julius had immigrated to the United States via Ellis Island and settled on a farm near Gary, South Dakota. Alice was the sixth of seven daughters. She and her sisters attended country school and became a part of the family farm operations. Alice continued her education at the college in Brookings, SD. She married Walter James and had three children, eventually moving to Sioux Falls. She was employed at a doctor’s office, Sioux Valley Hospital, and as an accountant. As a single parent, she dedicated her life to her children. Alice was active in her church, St. John’s Lutheran of Sioux Falls, and enjoyed painting, sewing, and gardening. She also enjoyed hosting and cooking for the family holidays while sharing her kindness with neighbors and friends. She moved to Tracy to spend her golden years near her children and made Tracy Lutheran her church home.
Alice is survived by her children: Lynn (Jim) Nicks, Terry (Janet) James and Jeffrey James. Her family also includes four grandchildren, four great grandchildren, and one great great grandchild.
Her family and friends feel the sadness, but are celebrating the life of a beautiful person.