Wanda James, 94, of Raymore, Missouri, formerly of Mexico, passed away on May 1, 2023, in Raymore.

Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 20, 2023, at Laddonia Cemetery. There is no visitation. Pickering Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Wanda Mae (Jeffries) James was born on August 24, 1928 in Mexico, Missouri and was the only child of Price Henry and Edith Irene (Teague) Jeffries. She attended William Woods University to obtain her teaching degree but instead met Harold Ford James and married in 1949. After marriage, she did obtain her substitute teaching certification and long-term substitute certifications.

In 1952, she became a mother to son, Jeffries James. She served as a substitute for the Mexico School District #59 for many years, where she filled in for other teachers on maternity leave and any other instances when they would be out for an extended time.

She was a dedicated member of the First Presbyterian Church in Mexico for the majority of her life, where she served on a wide variety of committees and often volunteered to help with snacks or food service. She spent her last few years in Raymore, Missouri close to her son and his family at Foxwood Springs Retirement Community, where she made many friends amongst the staff and other residents.

She is survived by her son, Jeff; daughter-in-law, Darlene; two grandchildren, Ian (Kaitlyn) and Devyn; and two great-grandchildren, Mackinleigh and Miles."

She was preceded in death by her parents, Edith and Price; and husband, Harold who died in 2010.

The family suggests memorials be given to the First Presbyterian Church or to the charity of the donors choice. They may be sent in care of Pickering Funeral Home, 403 N. Western, Mexico, MO 65265.