Jo Ann Elizabeth James
August 8, 1929 - May 8, 2015
She was called witty, charming, fun and intelligent - with a great sense of humor. "She was really funny and always greeted me with a smile," said friend and neighbor Jessie Lopez. "I really grew to love her - I just wish I could've told her." Jo Ann Elizabeth James peacefully passed away in her sleep, May 8, 2015. Born Jo Ann Elizabeth Jordan on August 9, 1929 to Edward F. Jordan, Jr. and Ruth Kahleen Johnson, Jo Ann spent her formative years in Colton and the Los Angeles area. Excelling in her studies, Jo Ann won a contest for "Best Radio Voice," while in her teens. When her mother re-married, Jo Ann's last name became Kalejian. A sensitive memory Jo Ann recalled from this was when she fell and broke her nose. Her stepfather wouldn't have her nose repaired - claiming she "now looked Armenian." After graduation from Los Angeles High School in 1947, Jo Ann changed her last name to Jordan. "He was a very nice man," Jo Ann had commented on her first husband. "But I soon realized that I just wanted to get out of the house," she chuckled. Their divorce was a mutual understanding and they remained friends for many years. On her own, Jo Ann gave in to her search for adventure. So, in the 60s - while others were tie- dying their shirts - Jo Ann cruised to Italy and France. She then continued on to Israel to study in a kibbutz and work in the fields. Although she didn't achieve her goal of being able to read the Bible in Hebrew, her adventure instilled in her a love for Israel. Soon she collected all things Israel which sparked a new interest in Philatelics. Never one to do thing half-heartedly, Jo Ann soon began collecting stamps in other areas. But, her interests didn't stop there and Jo Ann helped to spearhead the success of the Arthur Murray Dance Studio and soon became their dance supervisor. Her dancing talent garnered her the All American Dance award. But, when she wasn't dancing the cha-cha, Jo Ann was talking torques and "drift" and how to drive an Alfa Romeo. Classified as a "senior driver," Jo Ann raced in meets sponsored by the Sports Car Club of America. Diverse in her passions, Jo Ann was politically savvy and fiercely patriotic. Moving to San Francisco, she worked directly with congressmen and senators. After her mother died of a brain tumor and her brother, Steve, had moved to Palm Desert with his wife, Veria, Jo Ann followed suit and moved to the desert with her ailing stepfather. She worked with Coachella Valley TV and she dabbled in some theatre. However, her love for politics was still strong and she'd work behind the scenes - stuffing envelopes and manning the phones. It was here that her love for politics led her to her true love, Hugh James. "He came up to me and said, 'Would you like to read a book?'" Jo Ann recalled. "I thought that was the most unusual pick-up line I've ever heard!"Their marriage and companionship took them on many trails while they loaded up the "fifth wheel" and headed for Utah, Arizona and other parts of the country. Their house became a museum of their travels along with the many books they read. A fun couple, their favorite motto was, "It's five o'clock somewhere!" as they'd raise their beers and smoke a cigarrete. Together they joined the local gun club, were VFW and American Vets supporters, as well as supported Israel and Native American children's homes. They were also staunch supporters of the Lexington Reunion, a club started by her father-in-law, John T. James. Jo Ann's husband drew the logo for the organization that met every year. Retired, Jo and her husband moved to Victorville to be next to his parents. As years went by, their family grew to include "Blackie," a black-haired mutt who became Jo Ann's constant companion after the death of her husband. But, Jo was never really alone. Her "family" grew to include postal carriers who would take their break when they came to Jo Ann's residence. "She was truly a good and honest friend," said Gustavo Cevallos Albarran, postal worker. "She had a great memory and gave everybody she knew here a birthday card." Postal worker Lawrence Marion said Jo Ann was always bright and happy to see him. "She did whatever she could to make our jobs easier." Folks at the local post office laugh that the "barn" will have to close down for her funeral because Jo Ann had touched so many people. "She supported my work as a union rep," said Maren Harbach, postal worker and friend of Jo Ann's for more than 20 years. "She knew that I had heart and wanted the best for the postal workers. She was always so supportive. I really miss her." Predeceased by her brother, Steve Kalejian, Jo Ann will be laid to rest June 4th at Desert View Mortuary, Crematory & Memorial Park, 11478 Amargosa Road, Victorville, CA 92392. Viewing at the mortuary will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Graveside service will begin at 12:30. All who knew Jo Ann are welcome to give their respects.
August 8, 1929 - May 8, 2015
She was called witty, charming, fun and intelligent - with a great sense of humor. "She was really funny and always greeted me with a smile," said friend and neighbor Jessie Lopez. "I really grew to love her - I just wish I could've told her." Jo Ann Elizabeth James peacefully passed away in her sleep, May 8, 2015. Born Jo Ann Elizabeth Jordan on August 9, 1929 to Edward F. Jordan, Jr. and Ruth Kahleen Johnson, Jo Ann spent her formative years in Colton and the Los Angeles area. Excelling in her studies, Jo Ann won a contest for "Best Radio Voice," while in her teens. When her mother re-married, Jo Ann's last name became Kalejian. A sensitive memory Jo Ann recalled from this was when she fell and broke her nose. Her stepfather wouldn't have her nose repaired - claiming she "now looked Armenian." After graduation from Los Angeles High School in 1947, Jo Ann changed her last name to Jordan. "He was a very nice man," Jo Ann had commented on her first husband. "But I soon realized that I just wanted to get out of the house," she chuckled. Their divorce was a mutual understanding and they remained friends for many years. On her own, Jo Ann gave in to her search for adventure. So, in the 60s - while others were tie- dying their shirts - Jo Ann cruised to Italy and France. She then continued on to Israel to study in a kibbutz and work in the fields. Although she didn't achieve her goal of being able to read the Bible in Hebrew, her adventure instilled in her a love for Israel. Soon she collected all things Israel which sparked a new interest in Philatelics. Never one to do thing half-heartedly, Jo Ann soon began collecting stamps in other areas. But, her interests didn't stop there and Jo Ann helped to spearhead the success of the Arthur Murray Dance Studio and soon became their dance supervisor. Her dancing talent garnered her the All American Dance award. But, when she wasn't dancing the cha-cha, Jo Ann was talking torques and "drift" and how to drive an Alfa Romeo. Classified as a "senior driver," Jo Ann raced in meets sponsored by the Sports Car Club of America. Diverse in her passions, Jo Ann was politically savvy and fiercely patriotic. Moving to San Francisco, she worked directly with congressmen and senators. After her mother died of a brain tumor and her brother, Steve, had moved to Palm Desert with his wife, Veria, Jo Ann followed suit and moved to the desert with her ailing stepfather. She worked with Coachella Valley TV and she dabbled in some theatre. However, her love for politics was still strong and she'd work behind the scenes - stuffing envelopes and manning the phones. It was here that her love for politics led her to her true love, Hugh James. "He came up to me and said, 'Would you like to read a book?'" Jo Ann recalled. "I thought that was the most unusual pick-up line I've ever heard!"Their marriage and companionship took them on many trails while they loaded up the "fifth wheel" and headed for Utah, Arizona and other parts of the country. Their house became a museum of their travels along with the many books they read. A fun couple, their favorite motto was, "It's five o'clock somewhere!" as they'd raise their beers and smoke a cigarrete. Together they joined the local gun club, were VFW and American Vets supporters, as well as supported Israel and Native American children's homes. They were also staunch supporters of the Lexington Reunion, a club started by her father-in-law, John T. James. Jo Ann's husband drew the logo for the organization that met every year. Retired, Jo and her husband moved to Victorville to be next to his parents. As years went by, their family grew to include "Blackie," a black-haired mutt who became Jo Ann's constant companion after the death of her husband. But, Jo was never really alone. Her "family" grew to include postal carriers who would take their break when they came to Jo Ann's residence. "She was truly a good and honest friend," said Gustavo Cevallos Albarran, postal worker. "She had a great memory and gave everybody she knew here a birthday card." Postal worker Lawrence Marion said Jo Ann was always bright and happy to see him. "She did whatever she could to make our jobs easier." Folks at the local post office laugh that the "barn" will have to close down for her funeral because Jo Ann had touched so many people. "She supported my work as a union rep," said Maren Harbach, postal worker and friend of Jo Ann's for more than 20 years. "She knew that I had heart and wanted the best for the postal workers. She was always so supportive. I really miss her." Predeceased by her brother, Steve Kalejian, Jo Ann will be laid to rest June 4th at Desert View Mortuary, Crematory & Memorial Park, 11478 Amargosa Road, Victorville, CA 92392. Viewing at the mortuary will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Graveside service will begin at 12:30. All who knew Jo Ann are welcome to give their respects.
Jo Ann Elizabeth James
August 8, 1929 - May 8, 2015
She was called witty, charming, fun and intelligent - with a great sense of humor. "She was really funny and always greeted me with a smile," said friend and neighbor Jessie Lopez. "I really grew to love her - I just wish I could've told her." Jo Ann Elizabeth James peacefully passed away in her sleep, May 8, 2015. Born Jo Ann Elizabeth Jordan on August 9, 1929 to Edward F. Jordan, Jr. and Ruth Kahleen Johnson, Jo Ann spent her formative years in Colton and the Los Angeles area. Excelling in her studies, Jo Ann won a contest for "Best Radio Voice," while in her teens. When her mother re-married, Jo Ann's last name became Kalejian. A sensitive memory Jo Ann recalled from this was when she fell and broke her nose. Her stepfather wouldn't have her nose repaired - claiming she "now looked Armenian." After graduation from Los Angeles High School in 1947, Jo Ann changed her last name to Jordan. "He was a very nice man," Jo Ann had commented on her first husband. "But I soon realized that I just wanted to get out of the house," she chuckled. Their divorce was a mutual understanding and they remained friends for many years. On her own, Jo Ann gave in to her search for adventure. So, in the 60s - while others were tie- dying their shirts - Jo Ann cruised to Italy and France. She then continued on to Israel to study in a kibbutz and work in the fields. Although she didn't achieve her goal of being able to read the Bible in Hebrew, her adventure instilled in her a love for Israel. Soon she collected all things Israel which sparked a new interest in Philatelics. Never one to do thing half-heartedly, Jo Ann soon began collecting stamps in other areas. But, her interests didn't stop there and Jo Ann helped to spearhead the success of the Arthur Murray Dance Studio and soon became their dance supervisor. Her dancing talent garnered her the All American Dance award. But, when she wasn't dancing the cha-cha, Jo Ann was talking torques and "drift" and how to drive an Alfa Romeo. Classified as a "senior driver," Jo Ann raced in meets sponsored by the Sports Car Club of America. Diverse in her passions, Jo Ann was politically savvy and fiercely patriotic. Moving to San Francisco, she worked directly with congressmen and senators. After her mother died of a brain tumor and her brother, Steve, had moved to Palm Desert with his wife, Veria, Jo Ann followed suit and moved to the desert with her ailing stepfather. She worked with Coachella Valley TV and she dabbled in some theatre. However, her love for politics was still strong and she'd work behind the scenes - stuffing envelopes and manning the phones. It was here that her love for politics led her to her true love, Hugh James. "He came up to me and said, 'Would you like to read a book?'" Jo Ann recalled. "I thought that was the most unusual pick-up line I've ever heard!"Their marriage and companionship took them on many trails while they loaded up the "fifth wheel" and headed for Utah, Arizona and other parts of the country. Their house became a museum of their travels along with the many books they read. A fun couple, their favorite motto was, "It's five o'clock somewhere!" as they'd raise their beers and smoke a cigarrete. Together they joined the local gun club, were VFW and American Vets supporters, as well as supported Israel and Native American children's homes. They were also staunch supporters of the Lexington Reunion, a club started by her father-in-law, John T. James. Jo Ann's husband drew the logo for the organization that met every year. Retired, Jo and her husband moved to Victorville to be next to his parents. As years went by, their family grew to include "Blackie," a black-haired mutt who became Jo Ann's constant companion after the death of her husband. But, Jo was never really alone. Her "family" grew to include postal carriers who would take their break when they came to Jo Ann's residence. "She was truly a good and honest friend," said Gustavo Cevallos Albarran, postal worker. "She had a great memory and gave everybody she knew here a birthday card." Postal worker Lawrence Marion said Jo Ann was always bright and happy to see him. "She did whatever she could to make our jobs easier." Folks at the local post office laugh that the "barn" will have to close down for her funeral because Jo Ann had touched so many people. "She supported my work as a union rep," said Maren Harbach, postal worker and friend of Jo Ann's for more than 20 years. "She knew that I had heart and wanted the best for the postal workers. She was always so supportive. I really miss her." Predeceased by her brother, Steve Kalejian, Jo Ann will be laid to rest June 4th at Desert View Mortuary, Crematory & Memorial Park, 11478 Amargosa Road, Victorville, CA 92392. Viewing at the mortuary will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Graveside service will begin at 12:30. All who knew Jo Ann are welcome to give their respects.
August 8, 1929 - May 8, 2015
She was called witty, charming, fun and intelligent - with a great sense of humor. "She was really funny and always greeted me with a smile," said friend and neighbor Jessie Lopez. "I really grew to love her - I just wish I could've told her." Jo Ann Elizabeth James peacefully passed away in her sleep, May 8, 2015. Born Jo Ann Elizabeth Jordan on August 9, 1929 to Edward F. Jordan, Jr. and Ruth Kahleen Johnson, Jo Ann spent her formative years in Colton and the Los Angeles area. Excelling in her studies, Jo Ann won a contest for "Best Radio Voice," while in her teens. When her mother re-married, Jo Ann's last name became Kalejian. A sensitive memory Jo Ann recalled from this was when she fell and broke her nose. Her stepfather wouldn't have her nose repaired - claiming she "now looked Armenian." After graduation from Los Angeles High School in 1947, Jo Ann changed her last name to Jordan. "He was a very nice man," Jo Ann had commented on her first husband. "But I soon realized that I just wanted to get out of the house," she chuckled. Their divorce was a mutual understanding and they remained friends for many years. On her own, Jo Ann gave in to her search for adventure. So, in the 60s - while others were tie- dying their shirts - Jo Ann cruised to Italy and France. She then continued on to Israel to study in a kibbutz and work in the fields. Although she didn't achieve her goal of being able to read the Bible in Hebrew, her adventure instilled in her a love for Israel. Soon she collected all things Israel which sparked a new interest in Philatelics. Never one to do thing half-heartedly, Jo Ann soon began collecting stamps in other areas. But, her interests didn't stop there and Jo Ann helped to spearhead the success of the Arthur Murray Dance Studio and soon became their dance supervisor. Her dancing talent garnered her the All American Dance award. But, when she wasn't dancing the cha-cha, Jo Ann was talking torques and "drift" and how to drive an Alfa Romeo. Classified as a "senior driver," Jo Ann raced in meets sponsored by the Sports Car Club of America. Diverse in her passions, Jo Ann was politically savvy and fiercely patriotic. Moving to San Francisco, she worked directly with congressmen and senators. After her mother died of a brain tumor and her brother, Steve, had moved to Palm Desert with his wife, Veria, Jo Ann followed suit and moved to the desert with her ailing stepfather. She worked with Coachella Valley TV and she dabbled in some theatre. However, her love for politics was still strong and she'd work behind the scenes - stuffing envelopes and manning the phones. It was here that her love for politics led her to her true love, Hugh James. "He came up to me and said, 'Would you like to read a book?'" Jo Ann recalled. "I thought that was the most unusual pick-up line I've ever heard!"Their marriage and companionship took them on many trails while they loaded up the "fifth wheel" and headed for Utah, Arizona and other parts of the country. Their house became a museum of their travels along with the many books they read. A fun couple, their favorite motto was, "It's five o'clock somewhere!" as they'd raise their beers and smoke a cigarrete. Together they joined the local gun club, were VFW and American Vets supporters, as well as supported Israel and Native American children's homes. They were also staunch supporters of the Lexington Reunion, a club started by her father-in-law, John T. James. Jo Ann's husband drew the logo for the organization that met every year. Retired, Jo and her husband moved to Victorville to be next to his parents. As years went by, their family grew to include "Blackie," a black-haired mutt who became Jo Ann's constant companion after the death of her husband. But, Jo was never really alone. Her "family" grew to include postal carriers who would take their break when they came to Jo Ann's residence. "She was truly a good and honest friend," said Gustavo Cevallos Albarran, postal worker. "She had a great memory and gave everybody she knew here a birthday card." Postal worker Lawrence Marion said Jo Ann was always bright and happy to see him. "She did whatever she could to make our jobs easier." Folks at the local post office laugh that the "barn" will have to close down for her funeral because Jo Ann had touched so many people. "She supported my work as a union rep," said Maren Harbach, postal worker and friend of Jo Ann's for more than 20 years. "She knew that I had heart and wanted the best for the postal workers. She was always so supportive. I really miss her." Predeceased by her brother, Steve Kalejian, Jo Ann will be laid to rest June 4th at Desert View Mortuary, Crematory & Memorial Park, 11478 Amargosa Road, Victorville, CA 92392. Viewing at the mortuary will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Graveside service will begin at 12:30. All who knew Jo Ann are welcome to give their respects.
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