Wanda Lea James of Vichy passed away Wednesday, December 7, 2016 at Phelps County Regional Medical Center in Rolla, MO.  She was  84 years of age.

Wanda, the daughter of the late Morris E. and Sarah Frances Branstetter, was born November 7, 1932 in  High Gate, MO.  She was united in marriage to Charley Dee James on March 18, 1955 in Rolla, MO, and to this union, three children were born.

She is survived by one son, Mark James and wife, Susan of Topeka, KS; two daughters:  Kay Jones and husband, Rick of St. James, MO and Marsha Brinker and husband, Michael of St. James, MO; two brothers:  James Branstetter and wife, Jean of St. James, MO and Dick Branstetter and wife, Pam of St. James, MO; three sisters:  Bonnie Hoffmeister and husband, Harold of Rolla, MO; Tillie Moreland and husband, Rainey of St. James, MO and Linda Conway and husband, Leon of St. James, MO; Sister-in-laws:  Judy Branstetter of Jefferson City, MO and G.G. Todd and husband, Fran of Wright City, MO; grandchildren:  Crystal Bliss and husband, Cash of St. James, MO; Amanda Newcom and husband, Chris of Cuba, MO; Shannon Waldron and husband, Chris of St. James, MO; Jacob James and wife, Chrissi of Overland Park, KS; Sara James of Topeka, KS; Nicole Burke and husband, John of Poplarville, MS; Donald Brinker and wife, Emily of Springfield, MO and Samantha Williams and husband, Cale of St. James, MO; great grandchildren:  Courtney, Lexus, Joey, Zoey, Emily, Andrew, Connor, Cooper, Michael, Allison, Lucca, Eleena, Lylla and one great grandson on the way, Elijah; many nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Charley; loving grandaughter, Jessica Brinker; parents: Morris and Frances Branstetter; two brothers:  Danny Branstetter and John Branstetter, along with sister & brother in law Eula and Ernie Little.

She was a loving and caring mother.  She was a sweet and thoughtful friend to many.  Family was very important to her; she enjoyed the special gatherings at holidays, weddings, and reunions.   So much fun was added to family times with her great sense of humor, laughter and wit.  She adored her grandchildren and great grandchildren; she was so proud of their accomplishments.  She treasured the times playing card games with them.  Being a huge fan of Nintendo, she spent many hours playing, and she was a fierce competitor.  Her independent and loving spirit will inspire her children and grandchildren for many years to come.

Wanda worked many years as a certified nurse's assistant  at the Missouri Veteran's Home and Shriner's Nursing Home.   She loved being outside tending to the farm chores and feeding bucket calves.  She was an avid reader.  She  read many authors over the years, and she enjoyed trading books at the local bookstores.

Visitation will be 4-8 PM Saturday, December 10, 2016 at the Jones Funeral Home in St. James.

Funeral services will be 2 PM Sunday, December 11, 2016 at the Jones Funeral Home Chapel with Gary Lane officiating.  Interment will be at Rock Springs Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Jessica Brinker Scholarship Fund or Vichy Community Church.

All arrangements are under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, MO.