Donna M. James

Donna M. James, 87, of Coal Valley, Illinois, died Friday, December 19, 2025, at Hope Creek Care Center, East Moline.

Visitation is 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Monday, December 22, at Trimble Funeral Home, Coal Valley. Funeral services are 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, December 23, at the funeral home, with Rev. Dr. Andrew McDonald officiating. Burial is in Greenview Memorial Gardens, East Moline. Memorials may be made to Animal Aid Humane Society, Moline.

The former Donna Marie Perkins was born January 31, 1938, in Rock Island, Illinois, the daughter of Andrew and Essie (Downey) Perkins. She married William Leonard in 1955. She later married the love of her life, Jesse James, on April 27, 1963. Together they shared 52 years of happiness and raised two daughters before his passing on September 17, 2007.

Donna worked over the years for Servus Rubber, UnityPoint Health, and Oak Glen Nursing Home, later known as Hope Creek Care Center. She was a faithful member of First Presbyterian Church in Coal Valley. Donna enjoyed bowling, tending to her garden, and caring for the many cats she loved throughout her life. Above all, she cherished time spent with her family, especially her pride and joy—her grandchildren.

Donna is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Kay and Rick Janecek of Coal Valley, and Jill and Larry Tisor of Colona, Illinois; her five grandchildren, Milburn (Becci) McShane, Andrew (Sarah) McShane, Melissa (Richard) Neyens, Katelyn (Austin) Frank, and Kimber (Mason Bowlyou) Mundt; eight great-grandchildren, Danika, Ian, Tanner, Taylor, Anakin, Isabella, Ryan, Eleanor, and Adalynn; and her brother, Dewayne Perkins of Rock Island. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; siblings, Robert Bodemen and Betty Costello; and a sister-in-law, Linda Perkins.

The family invites friends to share stories and condolences at TrimbleFuneralHomes.com.