Carol James Obituary

Carol A. James

Jul 13, 1941 - Aug 7, 2023

Castalia

Carol A. (Welch) James, 82, of Castalia, passed away Monday evening, Aug. 7, 2023, surrounded by her family at Firelands Regional Medical Center.

She was born July 13, 1941, in Portsmouth, to Charles Albert Welch Sr. and Ruth Waneta (Stillwell) Welch.

Carol was a 1959 graduate of Portsmouth High School. She was a woman of many activities. She was a professional shopper who frequented the local Walmart and Dollar Stores where she enjoyed socializing. She was a professional bass guitarist and singer with her husband for many years. Together, they enjoyed motorcycle riding, with their highlight trip being to Florida. She was proud to have obtained her motorcycle license in 1965. She was an avid gardener and loved her plants and flowers. Affectionately known as "Gram," she loved cooking Sunday dinner for her family and sharing holidays with them.

Carol is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, William "Bill" James, whom she married May 23, 1960, in Vanceburg, Kentucky; two children, David (Sharon) James and Barb (Mark) Stierhoff; four grandchildren, Jason James, Jeffery (Jordan) James, Amanda (Adam) Ferguson, and Adam Stierhoff; 14 great-grandchildren, Jakob, Jackson, Alec, Tessa, Tyson, Jenna, Amelia, Ella, Alydia, Alayna, Jane, Addilyn, Jaclyn, and Jensen; brother, Ronald Welch; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and close friends.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents; son, William Ray "Billy" James; and siblings, Charles Albert "Chum" Welch Jr., Sharon Sue Welch Staggs, Barbara Jean Welch, and Perry Stephen Welch.

Visitation for friends will be 4-7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 10, 2023, at Toft Funeral Home & Crematory, 2001 Columbus Ave., Sandusky. Carol's funeral will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 11, 2023, at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Sandhill Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Condolences may be shared online toftfuneralhome.com.