Nina Suellen “Sue” James, 87, of Fredericktown died Wednesday, April 22, 2026. She died peacefully in her home surrounded by her loving family following a short illness. She was born in Chesterville on February 3, 1939 to John E. Jones and Mary Evelyn (Chipps) Jones.
Sue graduated from the former Chesterville High School as the Salutatorian of her class in 1957. After graduation, Sue married Morris James. They enjoyed 69 years together before her death. Sue went to OSU after all her children were in school, where she obtained a degree in Education. She taught 5th grade in the Highland Local Schools for 25 years before retiring in 1995.
Sue was a member of the Cornerstone Community Church in Fredericktown where she served in various capacities including youth advisor, Sunday School Teacher, and President of WSCS. Sue also cooked meals for the shut-ins and the community meals for the needy.
Family was very important to Sue. Besides many family dinners, Sue also vacationed with her family. For many years her family and extended family camped at Mohican where the family would hike, swim, canoe, play ball and enjoy campfires together. Later the family would enjoy vacations at the beach in North Carolina for 30 some years. Last year there were 51 family members enjoying the beach together.
Sue was awarded the American Hero of the Year Award from the American Red Cross in 2015 for her volunteer work in her church and community. She and her husband, Morris, headed the Senior trips for the Fredericktown Community for over 10 years. Sue was a 4-H advisor for many years.
After retiring, Morris and Sue traveled extensively all over the world visiting countries in Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and Central and South America and they visited all 50 states. The trip she enjoyed most was a 51 day trip to Alaska in a motor home.
Sue is survived by her husband, Morris James, whom she married on June 23, 1957; daughters, Victoria (Jerry) Lambert of Howard, Carol (Don) Ruggles of Fredericktown, and Terri (Les) Futrell of Marietta; 11 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and 6 great great grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, Sue was preceded in death by her sister, Joanna Gregory; and her brother, John “Jack” Jones.
The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. on Monday, April 27, 2026 at the Cornerstone Community Church, 123 Columbus Rd., Fredericktown where a funeral service celebrating the life of Sue will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 27, 2026 with Rev. Jerry Ernst and Rev. Dr. Gary Campbell officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Cemetery, Fredericktown. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the funeral service at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Morris and Sue James and Family Scholarship (checks made payable to the Fredericktown High School Alumni Scholarship Fund) or to the Cornerstone Community Church. Envelopes will be available at the church.
To share a memory or send the family an expression of sympathy visit www.snyderfuneralhomes.com
The Snyder Funeral Homes are honored serve the family of Nina Suellen “Sue” James.
Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Homes, Dowds Chapel
Website: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com