The Pechacek Funeral Home has announced the passing of 71-year-old Barbara A. James of Red Bud, Ill., at 8:28 pm, Sunday, May 11, 2025, at her residence.
She was born June 21, 1953 in Belleville, Ill. to George and Zelma (nee Blechle) Elder who both preceded her in death.
Barbara married Paul Omer James on February 20, 1993, in Maeystown, Illinois; he preceded her in death on August 1, 2021.
She is survived by three children: Lisa (Chris) Burton of Waterloo, Ill., Emily (Josh) Miller of Waterloo, Ill., Eric (Heather) Jost of Belleville, Ill.; three brothers: Rich (Toni) Elder of Freeburg, Ill., Bob (Cindy) Elder of Columbia, Ill., and Jim (Karen) Elder of Columbia, Ill.; a sister: Mary (Sam) Parker of Greenbrier, Ark.; five grandchildren: Ella and Tessa Burton, Emma Horn, and Aiden and Noah Jost; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Preceded in death by: five brothers: Don Elder, Danny Elder, Steve Elder, Jerry Elder, and Paul Elder.
She had worked as a legal secretary for over 25 years.
An annual member of the Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis, Missouri, she found immense joy in the beauty of nature. Barbara loved the moon and the peace that it brought her. She enjoyed watching all the parades throughout the years with her grandchildren.
Barbara had a special love for cooking and baking Christmas cookies to share with her family.
It was Barbara’s wish to be cremated.