Deborah James' Obituary
Deborah (Debbie) Lynn (Doyle) James brought joy to the lives of Ed and Bev Doyle when she was born in Anchorage, Alaska on May 23, 1960 becoming their 3rd child. She was tiny and adorable and the only child with her dad’s curly black hair. She was a happy child and loved by everyone. She started dancing as soon as she could stand and pursued her love of dancing through ballet. She earned her toe shoes and was in many recitals. She started teaching ballet to little girls as soon as she was old enough. Debbie grew up in south Tacoma and graduated from Mount Tahoma High School in 1978.
Debbie had many friends and was always the life of the party. She finally settled down and married the person she called her “soul-mate”, Bill James on October 4, 1985 in Lake Tahoe. They had just celebrated their 32th anniversary when the Lord called her home on October 5, 2017.
Debbie and Bill lived in California most of their marriage. Debbie worked in different places but always loved working with children. She enjoyed working in her garden and making things with wood. She was the most doting “Mom” to her four footed “children”. Deb also loved to travel having been to many places with Bill and even going with her mom on a cruise to Alaska.
Debbie and Bill ventured with a friend and bought B and S Bait Shop which was her pride and joy. She learned more about bait than most of us together will ever know. She loved getting up each day and going to work at the shop.
In the last few years Debbie spent a lot of time back in Washington helping to care for her Mom in her declining years.
Debbie and Bill had just retired, sold their home, bought a 5th wheel trailer and moved up to Washington to be closer to family. Once back in Washington, they bought a small house on a lake where they planned to relax when they weren’t out traveling.
She is survived by her husband, William (Bill) James as well as her beloved “Pebbles” and “Ginger”, Bill’s parents Darrell and Bonnie, stepsons Mitchel and David, grandchildren Curtis and Jordan. She leaves behind her siblings Shirley (Larry) Shilley, Mike (Bonnie) Doyle, and Ken (Sandy) Doyle, extended family and numerous friends.
Debbie was taken from us way too soon. She will be missed by all those who knew and loved her.
What’s your fondest memory of Deborah?
What’s a lesson you learned from Deborah?
Share a story where Deborah's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Deborah you’ll never forget.
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