SALLY JAMES

Sally Tilton James went home to be with her Heavenly Father on February 4th, 2017. Her beloved Lord, parents, and grandparents were there to greet her. She came into this world on June 27, 1953 in Berkeley, California and was the middle child of three daughters born to Leroy Harlow Tilton and Marion Harriette (Standish) Tilton. Her early years were spent in Danville, California when times were simpler and sweeter. Her sisters, Harriette Tilton (Hendel) and Wendy Tilton (Wills), were her best of friends growing up and the three girls were not past raising mischief for their parents, wanting to keep them on their toes, of course. But as the years passed, Sally became a focused student and was an avid reader. Give her a warm day outside, a glass of lemonade, and a good book and she was utterly content. Since she was young, she had always dreamed of someday being a mother and it has been said that she assured others that she would be the kind of mother who always wore dresses. When she was a high school senior she met a man five years older than she, fell in love with him, and knew he would someday make her a mother. She attended San Jose City College for a while until her desire to love and mother became too big. She married Charles “Joey” James in May of 1972. Their first born son, Joseph “Joey” Micheal James, was born the following year in September of 1973. Next, they welcomed their second son, Kial James, in 1976. Lastly, they welcomed their first daughter Sadina James (Renfrow) in 1978. However, God wanted to provide one more child to add to the James family — her name was Crystal Tilton and she was in need of a loving and stable family. The little two year-old was picked up from the San Jose airport, with just one small bag of her belongings, and she became Crystal James on that joyful day. Once it was made clear that the James family was complete, it was impressed upon Joey and Sally that the bustling Bay Area cities were not where they wanted to raise their family. Sally’s sister, Wendy, and her family, had discovered a sweet place that was perfect for raising a family. Joey and Sally soon followed with their four children in tow to picturesque Nevada County, raising their family in lovely Lake Wildwood. Sally’s spiritual gift was loving others well, particularly her husband, children, and extended family. She was quiet, consistent, devoted, and selfless in her love. (And she did not choose to wear dresses every day like she had once imagined she would, or most days for that matter, but she faithfully wore one to church every week.) She was a hard worker in the medical field, an outstanding cook, an avid reader, and a peaceful gardener. She was a consummate homemaker and always welcomed others into her home, becoming a second mother to many of her children’s friends. It was throughout her two-and-a-half-year battle with ovarian cancer that she remained as we had always known her — selfless, loving, big-hearted, and faithful. She endured so very much in her battle with cancer but it must be known that she never once lost hope for a miracle and ultimately trusted in His plan for her. She was not one to ever complain and showed those around her that she was going to die as she had always lived, with incredible grace. She was so immensely grateful and proud to be a grandmother/Mimi to her twelve grandchildren and poured so much love and devotion into each one of them. She leaves a legacy of living well and loving well for all of us still awaiting that heavenly reunion. The family would like to thank Dr. David Campbell and his lovely staff that made chemo feel the best it possibly could and for working in tandem with UCSF. Also, an overwhelming amount of gratitude goes to Hospice of the Foothills and the earthly angels that work there. You all made this unbearable process as bearable as it could be. We thank you all. There will be a memorial service at Twin Cities Church, 11726 Rough and Ready Hwy, Grass Valley on Friday, February 24th at 2 o’clock. We welcome and encourage all to join, knowing she would be honored and humbled by your presence. Please note that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of the Foothills or Thrift Shop-Cancer Aid, an organization that helps provides monetary relief for those battling cancer.

SALLY JAMES

June 27, 1953 - February 4, 2017