Barbara J. “Bill Jo” (Orth) James, 69, of Niles passed away Wednesday Oct. 21, 2009 at West Woods of Niles after an extended illness with her family by her side.

She was born March 17, 1940 to the late Marvin and Georgia (Etter) Orth in Des Moines, Iowa.

Barbara worked for many years as an assembler at Sobenite in South Bend until her health would not allow for her to continue working.

Barbara enjoyed many handcrafts including needlepoint, sketching and painting.
Preceding her are her parents, Marvin and Georgia Orth, and a brother, Max Orth.

Surviving Barbara are her two sons; Max and Tony James a sister, Marva (Howard) Goodman of Niles; her brother, Jack (Cindy) Orth of Howe, Ind.; her aunt, Betty Tadlock, of LaPorte, Ind.; two nephews, John ( Nancy)Orth of Stugis and Cris (Brandi) Martinez of Niles, a niece, Connie Slusser of Niles; and a host of great nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be Sunday, Oct. 25, 2009 at 1 p.m. with visitation one hour prior at Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 521 East Main St. Niles.

Those wishing to make a donation may do so to Hospice At Home 4025 Health Park Lane, St. Joseph, MI 49085.
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Condolences, photos and memories may be left for the family at www.brownfuneralhomeniles.com.

Services have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Niles.