Order of Eastern Star Service will begin promptly at 9:30 a.m. at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, 428 E. Main Street, Columbus, OH 43215. 

Family will receive friends on Friday, March 27, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. until time of service at 11:00 a.m. at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, 428 E. Main Street, Columbus, OH 43215. Interment: Glen Rest Memorial Estate.

Mrs. Karen Ann James, age 83, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2026, in Columbus, Ohio. Born on March 9, 1943, in Columbus, Ohio, Karen strived to live a life filled with love, kindness, and dedication to her family and community.

Karen was a proud graduate of East High School, class of 1960. Over the years, she built a diverse and accomplished career that included roles at Riverside Hospital, Ohio Bell, Lucent, Project Linden, and the Ohio Consumer Council. Her work reflected her commitment to serving others and making a positive impact in her professional endeavors.

Her life and work reflected a level of classiness, commitment and high standards that exemplified being professional and a person of good morals.

Karen’s faith was an integral part of her life. Raised at Mount Olivet Baptist Church in Columbus, she restored her membership there in recent years before her health began to decline. Her connection to the church brought her comfort and strength throughout her life.

In 1975, Karen joined Amaranth Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, P.H.A, State of Ohio.  She became Worthy Matron of Winona Chapter #86 and Grace Chapter #100.  Her leadership blossomed as she held the esteemed position of Grand Worthy Matron from 1996-1998.  Additionally, she held roles as Honorary Grand Princess Captain of David V. Moore Grand Guild, Past Loyal Lady Ruler of Capital Velley #36 Order of Golden Circle.  She was also a member of Alla Baba Court #75. With each position she served, she was a pillar of faithfulness and love in all of her endeavors and was cherished by all who knew her.  

Karen found joy in many hobbies that showcased her vibrant personality and zest for life. She loved traveling with the Eastern Stars, bowling with friends, tending to her garden, solving crossword puzzles, and most of all, laughing loudly—a sound that brought happiness to everyone around her. Her laughter was infectious and will be deeply missed.

Family was at the heart of Karen’s world. She survived by her husband of forty-eight years, John A. James. Her siblings, William (Turea) Palmer; Sister, Betty Lester. Her children, Carolyn (Shaun) Tompkins; Tyrone Bridges; Nettie K. Smith; Phillip (Tahna) Bridges; John James Jr.; and Calvin (Lisa) Ladd. Her grandchildren held a special place in her heart, Raymond Ladd, Andrew Ladd, Kyndal Ladd, Phillip Bridges, II, Courtney Bridges and Jalandra Bridges.  As well as her great grandchildren, nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews—whom she adored all dearly. In addition her beautiful extended children, Kimberly Ladd; Yusef Bridges; Jodi Bridges; Kara Bridges.

She was predeceased by David (Eliza) Copeland/Lester; Frances Palmer; Vikki James; Donald (Margret) Head; Robert Lester; Patricia Ryan; and Stephanie Ryan. Among these relationships, Karen shared an especially close bond with her sister Patricia Ryan—they were inseparable throughout their lives and moved through life like twins.

Karen will be remembered as a sweet and kind soul who never hesitated to help anyone in need. She had a giving spirit that touched countless lives over the years. To those who knew her best, she was truly an angel on earth.

May Karen’s memory bring comfort to all who loved her and inspire others to carry forward the kindness she so freely gave during her lifetime.