Joan Carolyn James

JOAN CAROLYN JAMES, affectionately known as “Baby” or “Aunt Bae”, was born on May 25, 1945, in Baltimore, MD to the late Andrew and Olivia Jackson. She departed this life on March 23, 2026, at Sinai Hospital. The main loves of her life were her mother, father, husband, and her children. Joan attended Dunbar High School and later graduated from Catonsville High School in Maryland. On May 17, 1962, she married the only love of her life, John B. James; they remained happily married for 64 years without separation. She cherished lighthearted moments with John, especially their shared love of playing spades. He was her lifelong partner at the table, and together they took on every opponent with joy. Joan was employed at Esskay Meat Corporation for 13 years. She then was employed with the Maryland Board of Morticians for several years. She enjoyed working and retired some years prior to her passing. Joan was a woman of many passions, including gardening, sewing, shopping and dancing. She was well-known for her hospitality, her “shimmy” dance to the floor, and hosting family gatherings. She often cooked her highly requested signature dishes – potato salad, rice pudding, and sweet potato pie were always favored. She took great joy in preparing enough for everyone to enjoy and even take some home but just don’t take home a Pepsi. Joan had a true passion for fashion. She delighted in finding a new outfit for every occasion and never missed an opportunity to make an entrance in her elegant, eye-catching attire. She also loved seeing her family dressed to the nines, as if every gathering were a runway show. She was a selfless individual who always offered wise counsel and a helping hand to those in need. Joan expressed her love through strength and resilience, often guiding us with tough love. One of her most familiar refrains, spoken with both firmness and care, was, “What you crying for? Stop all of that crying.” Joan is preceded in death by her daughter Carolyn Jeanetta Sellers, her sisters Mildred Cross and Emma (Pearl) Brown, and her brother Andrew (June) Jackson, Jr. Her memory will be cherished in the lives of: her husband, John (Johnny) James; two daughters, Olivia Anita James (Tiny) of Baltimore and Doris Deneen James (Dee) of Baltimore; ten grandchildren, Angelique and husband Bryan, Jovan and husband Nashid, Twanetta and husband Troy, Maurice, Andrea, Luis and Camryn; fifteen great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; her sister, Deloris Brogden of Lawrenceville, GA; and Charles Brogden of Lawrenceville, GA; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family members and friends.

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Joan Carolyn James

May 25, 1945 - March 23, 2026