Marie Agnes James

May 13, 1933 - December 17, 2021

Marie Agnes James, 88, of Cape Girardeau passed away December 17, 2021. She was born May 13, 1933, in Cape Girardeau, daughter of Joseph A. and Mary F. Heuring Kirchdoerfer. She and Robert Russell James were married April 19, 1955, at St. Mary Cathedral. They were married 55 years when Robert passed away on October 18, 2010. Marie was a full-time mother to her 10 children. She was a member of St. Mary Cathedral and the ladies CCW. Marie graduated from St. Mary High School and was the Class of 1950 valedictorian. She received the 2013 Distinguished Gradate Award of St. Mary Cathedral School. She was a member and leader of Campster 4-H Club, The SEMO District Fair Association, where is also worked in the fair office and exhibited many years. She was a lifetime member VFW Post 3838 Ladies Auxiliary. She was a private sitter for 20 years, worked at Sunny Hill Garden Center for 10 years, and a volunteer election poll judge many years. Loving survivors include her children, Ruth (David) Sawyer of Yantis, Texas, Elizabeth (Dennis) Aufdenberg of Burfordville, Robert (Donna) James Jr. of Cape Girardeau, Dennis (Karen) James of Leopold, Paul (Sherry) James of Cape Girardeau, Anita (Mark) Essner of Kelso, Ralph (Monica) James of Jackson, Angela Poindexter of St. Charles, Sara (Jeff) Heuer of Cape Girardeau, and Mark (Julie) James of Jackson. Also, a sister, Adella (the late Alvin) Frank of Chaffee and a brother, Joe (Mildred) Kirchdoerfer of Cape Girardeau. She was blessed with 25 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren. She gave each new family member a number as the James Gang grew! She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; a brother, Anton Kirchdoerfer; a sister, Stella (Fred) Ostendorf; and two grandchildren, Elliot and Katrina James. Visitation will be 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm Wednesday, December 22, 2021 at Ford & Sons Mt. Auburn Chapel in Cape Girardeau, with parish prayers at 3:30 pm. Funeral Mass will be 10:00 am Thursday, December 23, 2021 at St. Mary of the Annunciation Cathedral in Cape Girardeau with the Rev. Allan Saunders officiating. Interment will be in St. Mary Cemetery in Cape Girardeau. The family suggests that contributions be made to St. Mary Cathedral Education Foundation. Ford & Sons Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.