Julia Bruene James

Julia “Julie” James, formerly Julia Thomas, died November 16, 2013 of ovarian cancer at Mercy Hospice in Johnston. Cremation rites have been accorded. Private inurnment will be delayed until another time. A celebration of life will be held in January.

Julia was born April 3, 1945, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, graduating from Cedar Rapids Washington high in 1963 and Cornell College, Mt. Vernon, Iowa, in 1967. She taught sixth grade at College Community Schools in Cedar Rapids before moving to West Des Moines in 1971. She was a volunteer tour guide at Terrace Hill the Governor’s Mansion for four years. When her last name was Thomas, she was for any years a substitute teacher at Dowling Catholic and other schools. She was a wedding planner and played the piano at area hotel and clubs. She was the church secretary for 3 years at St. Timothy’s Episcopal. She also lived in Iowa City; Jamaica, IA; Fort Leonard Wood, MO; and Dallas, TX. Julia appreciated her close friends and expert outdoorswomen with who she wilderness camped with for many years throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Julia is survived by her husband, Steve; her daughter, Jennifer (Alan) Spring of Ransomville, NY; her son, Carl (Katie) Seidler of Winterset; her sister Jo (Tom) Lilley of Lancaster, TX; four grandsons; and one granddaughter.

Memorial contributions are being received by Camp Fire USA Iowana Council, 6300 Rockwell Dr. NE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402.

Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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