Suzanne Patricia James

Susi was born on December 13, 1944 at St. Mary’s hospital in San Francisco. Her mother, Lorraine E. Wright moved from New York city to San Francisco to live with her aunt, while her husband, petty officer, Robert A. Wright was fighting the war aboard the attack transport, American Legion.

                After the war, the Wright family moved back to New York and when Susi was almost five, moved out to Massapequa, Long Island. Susi graduated in 1962 from Massapequa High School and after a few jobs, went to the New York foundling Hospital Pediatric Nursing program. She graduated in 1965. On September 4, 1965 Susi married John C. James, also from Massapequa.

                After John finished college, put in his military commitment, and worked in NYC, they moved to Tacoma on September 1, 1969 so John could accept a job offer from a small firm called Frank Russell Company.

                Since Susi’s NY pediatric nursing license was not recognized in Washington state, she enrolled in the LPN program at Bates and graduated in 1976. She worked part time in various hospitals and nursing homes while raising three boys. Eventually settling in at the Tacoma Lutheran home, first part time and eventually full time as the boys got older. She retired in 2000 after 23 years and beating breast cancer.

                A proud Mom, she rarely missed one of the boys sporting or school events. A lady of great compassion, she was well liked and respected by everyone she met or worked with in her profession. She never met an animal she didn’t like. Susi rescued five dogs and countless cats over the years. She also assisted with the bunny haven in Gig Harbor for four years. She was a member of Skyline Presbyterian for almost fifty years.

                Unfortunately, in late February of this year she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. She underwent a seven-hour procedure to remove the cancer. The disease also caused her to be diabetic. This time she was unable to beat the diseases and she left us on Friday August 23rd to be with her Lord.

                She is survived by her husband, John, son Douglas, son Jason (Melody) and four granddaughters, Katelyn, Taylor, Madison, and Tori, all of whom she loved very much. Susi is also survived by her brother, Bruce Wright of Stewardton, Scotland. Susi was preceded in death by her parents, and Jason’s twin brother, Brandon Scott James in 2009. Brandon’s passing broke her heart.

                A memorial service will be held at Haven of Rest on Route 16 in Gig Harbor, on September 3rd at 11:30 am. Memorial gifts may be made to Shelton adopt a pet, the Tacoma Pierce county Humane Society or the charity of your choosing.

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