Holly Jane James

Westerlo -
Holly Jane James (Reed), of Westerlo, NY, and long-time resident of Fultonville, NY, passed away on August 11, 2023 of complications from a stroke.

Holly was a Christmas gift to her parents Charles Henry Reed, Sr. and Jean Marilyn Reed on December 25, 1974.

After obtaining her teaching degree at SUNY Oneonta with a Masters from the University of Phoenix, Holly worked at Canajoharie Central Elementary School as a first grade teacher for over 15 years. Year after year, she loved on all the children in her classes, and they loved her back. Holly was beloved by family, friends and neighbors alike.

A stranger to no one, she always had a lot of friends and was herself a great friend. She had a special way of making everyone feel at home and comfortable, especially when she delivered some of her homemade pies or cookies. She had a genuine love for serving others and could often be found helping her friends, many of whom were in the Amish community near her home. Holly loved the Lord, and over the course of her life attended Bethlehem Lutheran, Westerlo Baptist, Perth Bible, and Grace Fellowship churches.

Holly loved to worship Jesus through music, and as a child sang with King's Kids, and as a young teen with the Joyful Noise and Sweet Spirit of Christian Music Ministries. She continued praising God with singing all through her life. She was very active in childrens' ministries, and for years worked with children at church performing Christian musicals.

Always willing to help, Holly spent many days each summer at Sacandaga Bible Camp (Sac) volunteering her time and talents. Greeted by her bubbly spirit and infectious smile and a hug, people at Sac were treated to her truly scrumptious desserts for many a Saturday night dinner. She enjoyed many adventures on land, air, and sea, with her well-traveled husband. Her hobbies included baking, singing, gardening and hosting family gatherings. Her first goal in life was to be the best child of God, and second, the best wife; she was amazing at both.

She is survived by her beloved husband of nearly 20 years, Paul W. James; her parents Charles Henry Reed, Sr. and Jean (Bangert) Reed, her brother Charles Reed, Jr. (Willa), her sisters Bonnie Davis (Robert), Linda Stevens, Faith Nicewonger (Philip), and Sarah Vincent (Paul), as well as many aunts and uncles, and was a favorite aunt and great-aunt to many nieces and nephews.

Holly was predeceased by her older brother William Robert Reed.

Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours on Friday August 18, from 4pm to 8pm at Grace Fellowship Church, 20 Delatour Rd., Watervliet, NY. Her funeral service will be held at 11am on Saturday, August 19, at First Baptist Church, 618 State Route 143, Westerlo, NY with a celebration meal to follow.

Donations may be made to Canajoharie Central School "Holly James Memorial Scholarship" 136 Scholastic Way, Canajoharie, NY 13317
or to Twin Villages Church, P.O.Box 314, Damriscotta, ME 04543