The Joe James Family Grandchildren

All of the Joe James Family were able to get together in December and we took a challenging but fun picture of all of the grandchildren. We had a great time together, played lots, celebrated two birthday's and enjoyed each other's company. Happy New Year to all of you!

Visit to Palmyra

Last weekend Ammon, Emilie, and I went out to Palmyra, New York to visit my parents on their mission. We visited all the sites and had a great experience. We had several experiences where the Spirit was very strong. It was a very memorable trip. Emilie's favorite was the Sacred Grove although we weren't able to stay there long because it was extremely cold and the wind was really blowing that day. Ammon said his favorite was the Spirit. I really enjoyed the Grandin Building. We also attended their Christmas fireside at the Fayette building. It is a beautiful building and the music was outstanding. This picture is at the Hill Cumorah Visitor's Center.

Birthday document

Hello. This is my first post to this blog. This is a very late response to the June Happy Birthday posting which referenced the transfer of Grandma Ruth's birthday on December 23 to June 14. I recently was given the opportunity to go through some old documents and scan them (thank you to Joe). I found the contract, signed and witnessed, officially transferring Grandma's birthday.

Happy Halloween!

Hi Everyone! Just thought we would post a Halloween pic of our family.

Please take a minute to share a picture from your own family's Halloween fun! Thanks!

Met a Distant Cousin

I wanted to share my great expericne with all of you.

A few months ago, a new family moved into our ward with the last name James. Me, being the curious person that I am, had to investigate. I quickly asked him who his grandfather was and then went straight home and called Millie. She then called the oldest living James that she knew and we discovered that indeed this is one of our long lost cousins. His name is Trevor James and his great-grandfather and my great-grandfather are brothers. Their names William through is line and George through our line. What a small world, but we are continuing the search for more info. Interesting right? Now Jonas has a cousin in his nursery class.

What are your thoughts guys?

Happy 100th Birthday to John and Ruth!

(The following excerpts were taken from a letter written by Millie Lee, June 2008.)

John William James- born June 14, 1908 and Ruth Lucille Thompson born Dec. 23, 1907/June 14, 1908.

(Ruth always disliked her "too close to Christmas" birthday, so John by a special decree changed it to his and that made them the same age.)

June 14th is also Flag Day.

Some quotes about each other-

John to Ruth- "I must say something about my eternal companion. She took wonderful care of our children- look at their accomplishments. I could never have had all my Church, Scouting and service experiences, if she had not been there for all of us. My life was full and rich because of you and all that you shared with me!"

Ruth to John- "There were many outstanding things about him. One was his great love for his family and his willingness to sacrifice all of his time for their welfare. No man ever worked more diligently to support his family or fave them more love. Another thing was his love for the Lord Jesus Christ and his willingness to serve in His Church and do His work. His funeral service was a fitting tribute to the great work he had done."

John and Ruth were married on Halloween, October 31, 1932.

Grandma's real birthday is on Dec. 23rd and is shared with Joseph Smith.

There are three others in the family who also share this special day....

Mark L. 1983, Seth D. 1984, Isabell G. 2005. Happy Birthday!

From the 2001 Family Reunion--Tune: Primary Book #285, You've Had a Birthday

We are the "James Gang;" shout "Hoo-ray!"

We've come to gather here today.

Getting acquainted is lots of fun.

Happy together; "Hoo-ray!"

Thank you Millie for putting that together for the family. We appreciate all that Millie does to keep the family informed and connected.

Our most frequent family visitor

Who'da thought it would be our cousin Greg? Yes, he comes to Alaska quarterly because of his work and usually comes over for dinner and to play games whenever we get a chance. We have enjoyed getting to know him better and love a good reminder of all that is loud in the James family genes. (I also told Greg we would get him on the family blog one way or another so this is the token picture.)
I hope all of you know that you are very welcome to come to Alaska for a visit. We would love to have you! We love showing off this beautiful place that we live and there are endless things to do here. We can promise you lots of fun and a few late nights playing games too.