Elsie H. James (80) of Watson

Elsie H. James, age 80, of Watson, Illinois passed away at 12:12 a.m. Thursday, March 23, 2023 at HSHS St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital in Effingham, surrounded by her loved ones.

Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday, March 26, 2023 at Pagel Funeral Homes in Edgewood. In respect to Elsie’s wishes, cremation rites will be observed, and a graveside service will be held at a later date. Interment will be at Watson Cemetery. Memorials may go to the Disabled Veterans of America #7 or the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be expressed by clicking here.

Elsie was born on June 13, 1942 in Iola, Illinois, the daughter of Lloyd and Alma (Elledge) Allen. She married the love of her life, Lee “Bud” James Jr. on November 12, 1971 in Shawneetown, Illinois; they were married for 46 years. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary. Elsie had many jobs but the one she enjoyed the most was working for Roger McDowell at the meat plant on Route 45 outside of Watson. She also enjoyed spending time with her family and friends and going fishing down by the river. Elsie was loved and will be missed by all that knew her.

She is survived by her daughters, Velvet Kaiser (husband Bart) of Edgewood and Janie Phillips of Effingham; sisters, Helen Whitney of Farina and Effie Harmon of Farina; 6 grandchildren, Jade, James, Dustin, Nicholas, Preston, and Ashley; and 12 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd and Alma Allen; beloved husband, Bud James; son, Ricky James; brother, Leonard Allen; and sister, Linda Duckwitz.