Genevieve Harriet James

Our loving Mother, Grandmother, and Great-grandmother, Genevieve H. James, age 90, succumbed to breast cancer on February 4, 2019, peacefully surrounded by family. She was greeted with loving arms by her Heavenly Father, as well as many loved ones. Genevieve was the second of five beautiful girls born in Boise, Idaho to Elmer Lewis and Pearl Kathleen Fernan Winkler. Her childhood was spent in Council, Idaho working alongside her parents and sisters on the family’s ranch. Genevieve attended school in Council and graduated in 1946, when many of her friends were overseas serving in the war. The hospital in Council knew her as a dedicated and driven worker and offered her a position as a nurse’s aide. After 5 years, her efforts were rewarded and she was granted a nursing license by the state of Idaho. Genevieve loved to tell stories of her time spent serving patients, and was grateful for her ability to provide for her family for many years.

In 1947, Genevieve met and married a handsome Army Veteran, Gay R. James. The couple had three daughters together before they divorced in 1958. Genevieve never remarried and would get a faraway look in her eyes when she spoke of Gay. She loved him until the day she died, and never spoke an ill word about him. Genevieve was very proud of her three girls, and how they "turned out.” She put them first in many ways and "sacrificed a lot" for them.

Genevieve was devoted to her family and leaves them rich in memories. She had many hobbies. She loved making flowers bloom, crocheted beautifully, enjoyed reading nonfiction, and was a master at preserving fruits and vegetables. She and her loving niece, Stephanie Trask, spent years researching the family genealogy. They compiled a history book, which connected many generations.

Genevieve moved to the beautiful Tooele valley in 2001 to be closer to two of her daughters. She made good friends at Remington Park Retirement Community and in the Tooele 7th Ward. She left Remington Park in 2012, and lived with either of her daughters since then.

Genevieve is survived by her daughters—Diana Cantrell of Seattle WA, Deborah Dougal (Terry) of Taylorsville, and Teresa McRae (Cameron) of Tooele, UT—her 10 grandchildren and 9 ½ great grandchildren—two of whom will meet her on the other side—as well as some very sweet grand-dogs. Genevieve also leaves behind one surviving sister, Janice Gilliam of Lewiston, ID. She will be greeted on the other side by her other three sisters, Virginia Baker, Amy Taylor and Mildred Trask Mize.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 9, 2019, 1:00 p.m. at the Tooele Overlake Ward Building located at 222 West 2200 North, Tooele, Utah. Friends and family may call prior to the services, from 12:00-12:45 pm. Genevieve will be laid to rest at Tooele City Cemetery, under the direction of McDougal Funeral Home.

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