Danvers - Danvers - Judith A. James, 75, of Danvers, MA, and formerly of Cary, North Carolina, died surrounded by family on July 7, 2025, after facing cancer with her characteristic tenacity and optimism.

Judy was the second of five children born to the late Patricia (Rochford) and Jay Z. James. She graduated from Andover High School in 1968 and Emmanuel College in 1972 with a BA in English, later earning a master's degree from Emerson College. A sharp thinker with a gift for language, she had a keen editorial instinct with which she taught both her daughters to write with precision and flair. She spent many years raising her daughters, doing the invisible work of caregiving that included everything from teaching CCD and leading Brownie troops to managing rides, lessons, and calendars with diligent attention and perfect handwriting.

She spent nearly twenty years enjoying North Carolina's balmy climate and snowless winters, but she never gave up her deep loyalty to New England sports. She followed the Red Sox and Patriots religiously—rarely missing a game—and could debate a play call or batting lineup with the best of them.

Judy was known for her quick wit, easy laugh, and passion for lively conversation. She loved to talk, to listen to Phil Collins, and to stretch moments out just a little longer, usually staying up later than everyone else just in case something fun might still happen.

She is survived by her loving daughters, Patricia Har and her husband Aaron Mandel of Byfield, MA, and Elizabeth (Har) and her husband David Pecoraro of El Dorado Hills, CA; her beloved grandchildren, Willem Mandel and Kate Pecoraro, both of whom she adored and delighted in endlessly; and her siblings, Jay James and his wife Beverly of Kensington, CA; Janis James and her husband Gary Hetzler of Ballyvaughn, Ireland; Jill James of Sierra Vista, AZ; and Jeffrey James of Warwick, RI. She was preceded in death by her husband, Francis O'Rorke.

A Memorial Service will be announced at a later date. The Twomey, LeBlanc, & Conte Funeral Home, 193 High St. Newburyport, MA 01950 is assisting Ms. James' family with her arrangements.

To offer online condolences and to offer online condolences please visit www.tlcfuneralhome.com.