James, Joann L.

Joann L. James, age 95, passed away on Monday June 9, 2025, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse. Joann was born in Glen Haven Township on May 22, 1930, to Walter and Jessie (David) Morrissey.  She was a devoted wife to Calvin “Cal” James. They were married on October 8, 1949, in Bloomington. Together they shared 69 wonderful years of marriage until his passing in 2019.

Joann was a devoted wife and loving mother. She took great pride in working alongside Cal every day on the family farm running the combine and caring for her beautiful flower gardens. Joann and Cal were avid travelers, visiting all 50 states and three other countries. She also enjoyed golfing and was an active downhill skier until the age of 80. Spending time with her grandchildren and attending their many sporting events over the years was especially important to Joann. She was also a talented watercolor painter.

Active in her church and community, Joann was a member of the Montfort United Methodist Church, serving on the church building committee and participating in the homemaker’s club. She was also a member of the Red Hatters. Joann was a regular at water aerobics classes in Platteville for 19 years. 

Joann is survived by her four daughters: Sharon (Bob) Petry, Elaine James-DeVries (Tom), Glenda (David) Faull and Nancy James-Rose (Jerry); nine grandchildren; and 10 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Cal; infant son, Jon James; and sisters, Margaret (Ed) Beard and Claire (Curt) James.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday June 27, 2025, at the Montfort United Methodist Church with burial to follow in Hillcrest Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service on Friday, at the church. The Soman-Larson Funeral Home in Montfort is assisting the family. For online condolences, please visit www.larsonfuneralhomes.com. 

In Lieu of plants and flowers, donations can be made in Joann’s name to one of the following: Foundation Fighting Blindness, Montfort United Methodist Church, or the Cobb Public Library.

Thank you to Gunderson hospice team and Gunderson hospital for the wonderful care they gave mom.