Bernice Catherine James, 78, of Vichy, Mo. was born Sept. 4, 1930, a daughter of Charles and Josephine (McDonald) Viessman, and died Aug. 25, 2009, at Phelps County Regional Medical Center in Rolla, after a long illness.
Bernice was one of 13 children raised in Vienna by her parents. She was a 1949 graduate of Vienna High School. In 1950, Bernice was united in marriage to Paul James and to this union five children were born. Paul preceded her in death on Nov. 27, 1996. The couple operated the Vichy Store for over 30 years.
They enjoyed gardening, St. Louis Cardinal baseball, politics and being Democrats. They took great pride in the fact that all five of their children were college graduates.
Bernice was a life-long member of Visitation Catholic Church in Vienna where she was Communion Minister. She was a poll worker at the Vichy Precinct for Maries County elections for over 20 years. She was a charter member of the Golden Girls Cloggers, entertaining for many years at the State Fair, the Ozark Extravaganza, Old Iron Works Days and many events throughout the state. She was a member of the Vichy Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary.
Her survivors include: two daughters, Christine James of Denver, Colo., and Laura and Stan Schiermeier, of Vienna, Mo.; three sons, Bob and Pam James, of Victoria, Texas, Alan and Maria James, of Sarasota, Fla, and Tim and Jennifer James, of Columbia, Mo.; brothers, Anthony and Jan Viessman, of Rolla, and Charles Viessman, of Chicago, Ill.; eight grandchildren, Morgan and wife Heather, Hannah, Trevor and Emma Schiermeier, Brendan and Rory James and Andre and Allesandra James. Bernice was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, two sisters, Louise Viessman and Virginia Hefti; brothers Harold, James, Bernard, Norbert, Leo, Ray and Donnie Viessman.
Funeral service for Bernice C. James will be Saturday, Aug. 29, 2009, at 11 a.m. at the Visitation Catholic Church in Vienna, Mo. with Reverend Msgr. Marion Makarewicz officiating.
Interment will be in the Walker Cemetery. Visitation for family and friends will be Friday, Aug. 28, 2009, at the Rolla Chapel of the James & Gahr Mortuary from 6 to 8 p.m. and also Saturday, Aug. 29, 2009, from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Visitation Catholic Church in Vienna.
Memorials are suggested to the Walker Cemetery or the Vienna Knights of Columbus Hall. Cards are available at all James & Gahr locations
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