Funeral Services for Jane Herod James, 85, of Leesville, were held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 19, 2022 in the Labby Memorial Funeral Home of Leesville.  Burial followed ceremony at Leesville Cemetery.
Visitation was Monday, Dec. 19, 2022 from 9 a.m. until time of service at the funeral home.
Jane was born on May 16, 1937 in Kosciusko, Miss., to David W. Herod and Eldee McDaniel Herod. She passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, Dec. 16, 2022.
Jane was a resident of Leesville for the past 24 years. Her family moved to Leesville when Jane was in high school where she met the love of her life, Dr. Donald “Don” G James Sr. After Don completed medical school in New Orleans they moved to Lafayette where they lived for 36 years while raising their family. Jane’s involvement in her community was endless. She served as President of the Lafayette Parish Medical Auxiliary, En Avant Federated Woman’s Club, Acadiana Antique Show, Woodvale Elementary PTA, board member of the Lafayette Natural History Museum and Planetarium, as well as Den mother, dance recital supporter and numerous other titles. She was instrumental through her role in En Avant for establishing the first Lafayette Police Academy which brought vital training for police officers to Acadiana in 1970. After the sudden passing of her husband in 1976, she took on a new role and opened The Paper Place in Acadiana Mall. She commanded everything she set out to do.
Later in life, she moved back to Leesville to be near family. She was an active member of her church, First Baptist Church of Leesville. She loved her Lord and spending time with her church family who were very dear to her. She was a faithful member and loved all activities especially Tapestry, her Sunday School class, DMA and their adventures. But the center of her world was her family. Her greatest joy was spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A day didn’t go by without her checking on everyone to make sure all was okay. She was our rock and she will be greatly missed.
She was preceded in death by her parents, David and Eldee Herod; and her husband, Donald G James Sr.
She is survived by her children, Gil (Karen) James of Leesville, Trent (Kathie) James of Leesville, and Cindy Carraway of Gulfport, Miss.; six grandchildren, Breanna (Michael) Sanders, Trey James, Ryan (Katy) James, Megan Kealaula, Brittany (Brandon) Dixon, Courtney Carraway; and nine great-grandchildren, Braylee, Baylen, Madison, Cole, Greyson, Elle, Madelyn, Sawyer and Ava.
We would like to give a very special thanks to her caregivers who lovingly cared for her during her final journey, Gail, Gwen and Penny. We are also grateful for the support and care from Stephanie as well as the other nurses and staff at Christus Hospice.
Words of comfort may be expressed to the James Family at www.labbymemorial.com