Walking On - Esther Marie James

Esther Marie James

Sept. 3, 1948 – Jan. 27, 2016

Tribal Elder Esther “Essie” Marie James, 67, walked on on the evening of Jan. 27, 2016, as a result of lung cancer. She walked on in the comfort of her home surrounded by beloved family members.

She was born in Los Angeles, Calif., on Sept. 3, 1948. She grew up in Glide, Ore., and attended Glide High School. She was raised by her grandmother Esther Jones-LaBonte. She has brothers and sisters throughout Oregon.

At the age of 18, Esther met and fell in love with Michael Jackson James. They were married in San Antonio, Texas, on Nov. 23, 1966. They had two beautiful children, Michael and Angela.

Esther is remembered as a very vibrant and loving person. She valued family above all and was a very devoted grandmother.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Michael Jackson James, and her daughter, Angela Bassett. She is survived by her son, Michael; grandchildren, Tyler, Kessley, Jake and Devin; brothers, Anthony and Joe; and a number of other siblings.