Bessie Ruth (Downes) James, 93, passed away on May 7, 2022 in Stephenville, TX. Bessie was born on January 9, 1929 in Oklaunion, TX to her parents Benjamin Downes and Eva Mae (Fleming) Downes along with her brothers and sisters H.E. Downes, O.M. (Jack) Downes, Billy Wayne Downes, Raymond Neil Downes, Bennie Downes, Minnie Bell Bishop, Melba James, and Eva Mae Keck. She married Jack R. V. James in 1946. Bessie worked at a sewing factory, school lunchroom, peanut mill, and washeteria. she loved to fish, cook, and Christmas. Bessie was always looking forward to all the family coming together.

She was proceeded in death by her husband Jack R. V. James on December 28, 1999 and her son Gary James on October 5, 2021.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law Jackie and Judy James of Dublin, TX, her son Troy James of Dublin, TX, her grandchildren Cory James, Nicole James, Julie Boles, Jody James, Melissa Bunton, Jeremy James, Tracie James, Sarah Shelly, and Bethany Toulsen, and numerous great-grandchildren, and several great-great grandchildren who will miss her dearly.

Funeral service will be Friday, May 13, 2022 at 10 a.m. at the Harrell Memorial Chapel.

A visitation will be held Thursday, May 12, 2022 from 5-7 p.m. at the Harrell Funeral Home.

Burial will follow the service at Round Grove Cemetery.