Anna Jane James

Anna Jane Nelson James, 95, our beloved and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully on October 17, 2026.

She was born December 21, 1930, in Lehi, Utah, to Alfred Nelson and Alta Smith Nelson, and was raised in Pleasant Grove, Utah. On October 3, 1954, Ann married Reed James in Ely, Nevada. Together, they raised three sons: Kenny, Alan, and Mark.

Known for her affectionate heart and unwavering support, Ann always made her family and friends feel deeply loved and valued. She was someone you could always depend on for encouragement and warmth through every chapter of life.

She enjoyed traveling on bus tours with her friends and taking vacations with her family. Passionate about politics, Ann never shied away from speaking her mind, and she was seldom seen without a Diet Coke in hand.

Ann was preceded in death by her husband, Reed; her son, Mark; her parents, Alfred and Alta Nelson; and her siblings, Lamar Nelson, Phyllis Radmall, and Kathleen Briggs.

She is survived by her sons, Kenny (Rhonda) Palmer and Alan (Debbie) James; her grandchildren, Chad (Kelly) Palmer, Michael Ann Vollmer, Stacie (Ryan) Stowe, Madison (Jacob) Ellingson, Mark James, and Mallory James; her great-grandchildren, Cade (Savannah) Palmer, Cole Palmer, Kenzie Palmer, Braden Vollmer, Kylie Vollmer, Lexie Vollmer, Payton Stowe, Quinn Stowe, Blakely Stowe, Cameron Ellingson, and Connor Ellingson; her great-great-grandchildren, Lenox Palmer and Laikyn Palmer; and her siblings, Ross Nelson and Judith Nelson.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, October 27, at 11:00 a.m. at Goff Mortuary, 8090 South State Street, Midvale, Utah. A viewing for family and friends will be held at Goff Mortuary on Monday, October 26, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., and again on Tuesday morning from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. prior to the service. Interment will take place at the Sandy City Cemetery.