Lucille James

Lucille “Lucy” James, age 97, of Scottsbluff, Nebraska, passed away on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at her home surrounded by her loving family. Cremation has taken place and no services are scheduled at this time. Online condolences may be expressed by visiting Lucy’s obituary page viewable at www.reverencefuneralparlor.com.

Lucy was born on August 16, 1928, in Latty, Ohio, to Ed and Pearl May (Wilder) Parson.

She lived as a strong, independent woman whose resilience and self-reliance inspired admiration and respect from many. Lucy’s time on earth allowed her to witness the marvels of technology development, from radio, to television, to computers, and smartphones. She was the cornerstone of her family and always ensured that nobody went hungry when leaving her home.

For many years of Lucy’s life, she was a homemaker, an excellent cook, a waitress, and a farmer, but she also discovered a hidden talent in sales. She became the top salesperson for Humana and FHP insurance companies, earning a trophy wall of accolades that reflected her determination and skill. Lucy was an avid reader and once said after setting down a novel that hadn’t inspired her, “I can write a better story than that.” She then went out and proved it by authoring not one but two full-length novels, leaving a legacy of creativity and perseverance that continues to inspire her family and friends.

Her greatest and proudest moments in her long life were centered on those precious moments spent visiting loved ones. Lucy enjoyed nothing more than playing a card game and being surrounded by her large family consisting of 4 children, 12 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and 20 great-great-grandchildren.

Survivors include her sons, William and Gene LeMaitre; and daughter, Diana (Ernest) Holman.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ed and Pearl Parson; husband, Tunney James; daughter, Cherie Olsen; daughters-in-law, Kirstine and Barb LeMaitre; and son-in-law, H.C. “Clair” Olsen.

The generations of family left behind celebrate Lucy’s life while also mourning her loss. She will be greatly missed.