Virginia “Carol” James, 82, of Festus died Oct. 22, 2024, at her home. Mrs. James was a 1959 Cape Girardeau Central High School graduate. She married David Dougan shortly after high school and was a devoted mother to their three sons and will be remembered for the love and support she provided. She was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church while living in Cape Girardeau. She volunteered at Trinity Lutheran School and was one of the first woman board members of the Trinity Lutheran Boy Scout Troop. While raising her children, she served in several office and accounting administrative positions for companies in the Cape Girardeau area. She had a passion for cooking and turned this interest into a career in the food service industry serving as catering manager for universities in Cape Girardeau, St. Louis and Wisconsin. She retired in 2013 returning to the St. Louis area where she married Chandler. She devoted her time to renovating their home in Bloomsdale and became an active member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Festus, volunteering her time and hosting many church and family events. Born Feb. 3, 1942, in Cape Girardeau, she was the daughter of the late Rev. Collie and Altha Reitzel Shirrell.
She was preceded in death by her husband: Chandler James.
She is survived by two sons: Chris (Paulette Grana) Dougan and Gregg (Dana) Dougan; two sisters: Esther Waldrup and Mary Drake; six grandchildren: Denise Dougan-Brown, Forrest (Nicole) Dougan, Molly (Adam) Moon, Connor (Samantha) Dougan, Bridget Dougan and Liam Dougan; and three great-grandchildren: Jace and Jonnie Brown and Lachlan Dougan.
She also was preceded in death by a son: Tim Dougan.
Visitation is scheduled from 10 a.m. until a memorial service at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 16, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 221 Brierton Lane, in Festus, 63028, officiated by the Rev. Kyle Castens of Immanuel Lutheran Church. A lunch will follow the memorial service at the church. Memorials may be made to the Immanuel Lutheran Church Memorial Fund. Arrangements are under the direction of Ford & Sons Funeral Home- Mt. Auburn in Cape Girardeau.