Obituary
Darlene Kay James (nee DePra), age 82, went to her eternal home to Jesus Christ her Savior on Wednesday, November 9, 2022 at Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox, IL. Darlene was accomplished in many earthly endeavors, but her genuine passion and identity was found in loving her Lord and serving others as an extension of Christ's love. After a brief hospitalization, she passed away with family by her side praying, reading Scripture and singing hymns.
Darlene is survived by her treasured children Randy (Nanette) James and Susan (Dan) Starcevich; Eight beloved grandchildren; Jonah, Noah, Elijah and Hannah James and Ben, Max, Teddy and Mitchell Starcevich; her cherished siblings Sharon (Jim) Bolerjack and Melvin (Sally) DePra; and her dear nieces and nephew, Lisa (Mark) Pepelea and Brad (Hollie) Bolerjack, Heather DePra (Fiancé Riley Hunter), Laura (Danny) Hamby. She is preceded in death by her husband Walter Lee James, her parents Angelo and Evlyn DePra (nee Kopelman) and her in-laws Lester R. “Bill” and Vera M. James (nee Milligan).
Darlene believed in the finished work of Jesus Christ. She held fast to the truth that Jesus not only died on the cross for her sin, but that he lived perfectly for her. His righteous perfection was accounted to her. Because God first poured forth his love upon Darlene, she in turn served others and glorified the living God by loving her neighbor as herself.
In spite of limited vision, her service to others reached those near and far. Her lovingkindness to the youth was evident in teaching some to play piano, teaching children in Sunday School, listening to Bible verse recitation and patiently and joyfully interacting with 8 grandchildren. She made hundreds of dresses for orphans in Cambodia, China, Haiti, Philippines, Mexico and the Dominican Republic, prepared food packages and “shoebox” gifts to be distributed around the world, crafted handmade stuffed bears to be given to children in emergency situations and made lap blankets for local cancer and dialysis centers.
With the aid of a special reading device, she maintained independence and with patience wrote cards and notes of love and encouragement to many. She enjoyed visiting and mentoring many younger ladies, sharing a cup of tea and pondering the word of God. Darlene had a gift of making anyone in her presence feel loved. She reveled being with her family, especially her grandchildren.
Darlene was a Christian, a member of Parker Road Bible Church, the Kings Daughters and Sons, regular attendee of the Ladies’ Abide Bible study, and joyful participant of local quilting/sewing and fiber arts groups in New Lenox. She played French horn in the Lockport High School band and was a graduate of a conservatory in classical piano performance. After graduating from North Central College in 1962 she taught at Romeville High School, Lemont Junior High and for National Lewis University after attaining her Doctorate in Education in 1994. She was instrumental in the homeschooling of four of her grandchildren. She cherished her “snowbird” family in Florida and traveled the world with her husband, Lee, prior to his passing.
Visitation and a memorial service will be held at Parker Road Bible Church, 18512 S Parker Road, Mokena, IL. The wake will be Friday, November 18th from 6-8PM. Family will receive friends from 10AM until the Celebration of Life service at 11AM on Saturday, November 19th. A livestream link of the service may be found at prbchurch.org/darlene-james. In lieu of flowers, donations in her name may be made to Parker Road Bible Church. Cremation rites have been accorded, services entrusted to Anderson-Goodale Memorial Homes, Lockport, IL (815)838-1533.
Darlene is survived by her treasured children Randy (Nanette) James and Susan (Dan) Starcevich; Eight beloved grandchildren; Jonah, Noah, Elijah and Hannah James and Ben, Max, Teddy and Mitchell Starcevich; her cherished siblings Sharon (Jim) Bolerjack and Melvin (Sally) DePra; and her dear nieces and nephew, Lisa (Mark) Pepelea and Brad (Hollie) Bolerjack, Heather DePra (Fiancé Riley Hunter), Laura (Danny) Hamby. She is preceded in death by her husband Walter Lee James, her parents Angelo and Evlyn DePra (nee Kopelman) and her in-laws Lester R. “Bill” and Vera M. James (nee Milligan).
Darlene believed in the finished work of Jesus Christ. She held fast to the truth that Jesus not only died on the cross for her sin, but that he lived perfectly for her. His righteous perfection was accounted to her. Because God first poured forth his love upon Darlene, she in turn served others and glorified the living God by loving her neighbor as herself.
In spite of limited vision, her service to others reached those near and far. Her lovingkindness to the youth was evident in teaching some to play piano, teaching children in Sunday School, listening to Bible verse recitation and patiently and joyfully interacting with 8 grandchildren. She made hundreds of dresses for orphans in Cambodia, China, Haiti, Philippines, Mexico and the Dominican Republic, prepared food packages and “shoebox” gifts to be distributed around the world, crafted handmade stuffed bears to be given to children in emergency situations and made lap blankets for local cancer and dialysis centers.
With the aid of a special reading device, she maintained independence and with patience wrote cards and notes of love and encouragement to many. She enjoyed visiting and mentoring many younger ladies, sharing a cup of tea and pondering the word of God. Darlene had a gift of making anyone in her presence feel loved. She reveled being with her family, especially her grandchildren.
Darlene was a Christian, a member of Parker Road Bible Church, the Kings Daughters and Sons, regular attendee of the Ladies’ Abide Bible study, and joyful participant of local quilting/sewing and fiber arts groups in New Lenox. She played French horn in the Lockport High School band and was a graduate of a conservatory in classical piano performance. After graduating from North Central College in 1962 she taught at Romeville High School, Lemont Junior High and for National Lewis University after attaining her Doctorate in Education in 1994. She was instrumental in the homeschooling of four of her grandchildren. She cherished her “snowbird” family in Florida and traveled the world with her husband, Lee, prior to his passing.
Visitation and a memorial service will be held at Parker Road Bible Church, 18512 S Parker Road, Mokena, IL. The wake will be Friday, November 18th from 6-8PM. Family will receive friends from 10AM until the Celebration of Life service at 11AM on Saturday, November 19th. A livestream link of the service may be found at prbchurch.org/darlene-james. In lieu of flowers, donations in her name may be made to Parker Road Bible Church. Cremation rites have been accorded, services entrusted to Anderson-Goodale Memorial Homes, Lockport, IL (815)838-1533.