Obituaries

Marie Anna (Klein) James, 95, formerly of Danville, PA, passed away peacefully at her daughter’s residence on Thursday, February 13, 2025. She was born on July 3, 1929, in Valley Township, Danville, PA; the daughter of the late William G. and Mary L. (Mainzer) Klein.

Marie was a life-long member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Danville.

Marie attended the Valley Consolidated School and continued on to graduate from Danville Area High School in 1947 with Bookkeeping and Accounting.

She was married to the late Daniel F. James for 28 years. They were married on April 3, 1948. Marie and Dan raised seven children and worked the land, side-by-side until his death in 1976. For 25 years, vegetables and flowers were grown, harvested and prepared for sale at Danville’s Curbside Market and Lewisburg’s Farmers Market. She remained on the farm for 41 years, considering herself to be a “Farm-her” as she enjoyed operating large farm machinery. Marie also possessed a remarkable gift for woodworking. She crafted beautiful lawn ornaments for sale and made many heartfelt gifts from her workshop.

Marie decorated the property with hand crafted Christmas scenery, a beloved tradition she maintained for over 50 years. Christmas was her favorite time of the year when she worked in the kitchen to make treats for goodie boxes for the family; filled with her warmth and generosity. Her jams, doughnuts, pies and applesauce are unforgettable family favorites. Marie shared her love of card games with all and she enjoyed putting jigsaw puzzles together in the winter months. Marie found joy in simple pleasures, sharing laughter and love with those around her.

Marie was an avid fan of classic country music. She attended many local fairs and traveled great distances, including Branson, MO, FL and TX to see her favorite performers. She regularly sported country western attire right down to the cowgirl boots. She was a skilled seamstress, making clothes for the family and ultimately piecing together 60 beautiful quilts. She combined her sewing talent with her love of country music to design Western Crafts that she offered for sale at events throughout PA for 20 years.

Marie enjoyed her travels which included all fifty states, the seven provinces of Canada and six countries in Europe and also Mexico. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, creativity, and an adventurous spirit that will forever be cherished by family and friends.

Marie is survived by two sons, Kenneth Daniel James and his wife Brenda of Montrose, Colorado and Lawrence Dean James and his wife, JoAnne of Dunlap, Tennessee as well as five daughters, Catherine Marie Bidelspach and her husband Benjamin of Pennsylvania Furnace, Susanne Eileen Rimsky and her husband Joseph of Pueblo West, Colorado; Bonnie Lee Noll and her husband James of Mifflinburg; Deborah Ann Byers and her husband Thomas of Mt. Pleasant Mills; and Brenda Lou Poland and her husband Harry of Palmyra. She is also survived by 22 grandchildren plus 15 spouses, 58 great grandchildren plus four spouses, seven great-great grandchildren, sister-in-law, Neva Klein and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband and parents, Marie was preceded in death by three sisters and their spouses, Dorothy (Charles) Starr, Florence (Wilbur) Styer and Bernice (Jack) Gross; and two brothers, William Klein (and wife Elda) and Carl Klein; and grandson, Sheldon Eckrote.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 68 Center Street, Danville, PA 17821 with Father Timothy Marcoe as celebrant. Before the Mass, relatives and friends will be received from 9:30-10:45am in the adjacent St. Hubert’s Chapel. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.

The family will provide flowers. Memorial Contributions may be made to a charity of your choice.

Arrangements are under the direction of Visneski Funeral Home, Inc 42 West Mahoning Street Danville PA 17821. www.visneski.com.