Joan Marcella James, veteran, devout Catholic
Joan Marcella James, 90, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully Tuesday, March 18, 2025. She was the youngest of four children, with a rich heritage of German, Irish, and Dutch ancestry. Joan was the last survivor of her siblings, two brothers and one sister. She was the daughter of Virginia Dare (Beaghan) Ellis and George Barringer. Joan was baptized in January 1935 at Saint Francis de Sales Church in McKees Rocks, Pa.
Joan attended Southern High School in Baltimore and later proudly served in the Women's Army Corps from 1955-58. In 1956, she was promoted from Private First Class to Specialist Third Class and was stationed at Fort Devens, Mass. Her dedication and service to her country were a testament to her strength and commitment.
In the 1970s, Joan pursued her passion for beauty and cosmetology, obtaining her State Board of Cosmetology license and becoming a teacher at a Baltimore County school. She later studied business management at Dundalk Community College in the early 1980s. Joan’s career spanned many years working with the Maryland State Department of Transportation and the Maryland Department of Motor Vehicles.
After retiring in 1995, Joan and her husband, William T. James, relocated to Delaware, where they enjoyed their retirement until his passing in 2013. In 1994, Joan retired from the State of Maryland and soon after, fulfilled the requirements to become a nursing assistant in 1996 and a certified nurse’s aide in 2001, continuing her lifelong commitment to helping others.
In 2016, Joan received the sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation at St. Ann’s Church in Bethany Beach, marking a significant spiritual milestone in her life.
Joan was a dedicated volunteer at Beebe Medical Center in Lewes, where she generously gave her time for eight years. She also shared her love and care with her family, especially her daughter, Barbara F. Levine; daughter, Patricia L. Noe and son-in-law David Noe; her granddaughter, Jessica A. Anderson; and grandson-in-law, Michael B. Anderson. Joan’s warmth, compassion, and kindness touched the lives of all who knew her.
Joan will be deeply missed and forever loved. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing her.
A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m., Tuesday, April 1, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, 34874 Atlantic Ave., Ocean View, where family and friends may visit beginning at 2 p.m. Interment with military honors will take place at 10:45 a.m., Wednesday, April 2, at Garrison Forest Veterans Cemetery, 11501 Garrison Forest Road, Owings Mills, Md.
Visit Ms. James' Life Memorial webpage at parsellfuneralhomes.com.
