Judith Anne James

Loving Wife, Mother, Sister, and Grandmother

 Judith Anne James

Judith Anne James, affectionately known as Judy, peacefully passed away on November 20, 2023, in Layton, Utah, at the age of 88. Born on September 3, 1935, in Racine, Wisconsin, she was the cherished daughter of Raymond and Dorothy Heegeman.

In 1955, Judy entered into marriage and was blessed with ten children. Although her path led to a later divorce, she found enduring love and companionship in her marriage to Mark James in July 1986. Over the years, she made homes in Racine, Wisconsin; Anchorage, Alaska; and Gulfport, Mississippi. For the last 16 years, Judy and Mark have called Layton, Utah, their beloved home, fostering countless cherished memories.

Beyond her role as a dedicated wife and mother, Judy contributed her talents to various endeavors. Her work in security at the University of Utah Hospital and as a Human Resource manager at Kmart showcased her unwavering dedication and strong work ethic.

Judy found solace and joy in the simple pleasures of life. An ardent reader, she cherished quiet moments lost in books, and she found immense delight in the rhythm and melodies of classic rock, often spending evenings dancing to her favorite tunes. Alongside her passion for literature and music, she also enjoyed the tranquil pastimes of fishing, boating, traveling, and cheering for her favorite basketball team, the JAZZ.

Her legacy of kindness and devotion lives on through her ten children, two stepchildren, 33 grandchildren, 44 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren. Judy was a beacon of love and support for her family, embodying compassion and nurturing care.

She leaves behind her brother, James Heegemen, her loving husband, Mark James, and her children: Jim DeMet, Jennifer Humphries (Rick), Darlene Archuleta (Tim), Joy Petersen (Larry), Peter DeMet (Darlene), Jeffrey DeMet (Chrissy), Suzanne Lovato (David), Robert DeMet, and Michelle DeMet.

Judy is reunited in eternal peace with her parents, Raymond and Dorothy Heegeman, sister-in-law Margo Heegemen, daughter Diana DeMet-Lane, grandson Justin Lane, granddaughter Ashley Humphries, and great-grandson Samuel Rogel.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to Ogden Regional Hospital and its staff for their compassionate care during Judy’s final days.

A funeral service in celebration of Judy's life will take place on Saturday, December 2, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, located at 1867 No. Fairfield Road, Layton, Utah. Friends and well-wishers are invited to visit with the family from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at the mortuary.

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