Joanne Louise James, age 82, of Shenango Township, passed away peacefully on May 28, 2020, with her family by her side. She was born June 6, 1937 in Ashville, NC to the late Albert and Clara Thomas (Pecoraro).
After graduating high school in 1955, Joanne attended the cosmetology program at Youngstown State University. Shortly after completing her studies, she owned and operated a Beauty Salon in Ellwood City, PA, for 20 years. In 1976, she ventured into the field of Retail Management and worked at Fishers Big Wheel until her retirement in 1994.
Joanne was a member of Holy Spirit Parish, St. Joseph The Worker Church Site in New Castle. She was an avid traveler who enjoyed chartered bus tours with her family, especially to New York City. She loved being outdoors and enjoyed hosting outdoor events at her residence. In her spare time, Joanne would volunteer at a local nursing facility and visit with the residents.
Joanne is survived by her best friend and loving husband of 51 years, Robert M. James of Shenango; a daughter and son-in-law, Ginamarie Thomas – Yanosik and Jason Lee Yanosik of Patterson Heights, PA; a son and daughter-in-law, Joseph Michael Thomas and Mary – Hope Virginia Thomas of Columbus, OH; and a grandson, Salvatore Joseph Thomas; also of Columbus.
Joanne is preceded in death by her father and mother; as well as her twin brother, Gino A. Thomas of New Castle.
The family would like to thank Amedisys Hospice, the Aspire Program; as well as Pam Levine and the Gallagher Home Health Team for the care administered to Joanne over the past several years.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ed & Don Decarbo Funeral Home & Crematory, 941 South Mill St.