Wilma "Lady" Faye James, 80, made her way to the spirit world October 2nd, 2025, at home in Sioux Falls, SD. She was born on July 25, 1945, in Wagner, SD to parents Roy and Eliza (Willard) Vassar. Wilma was the first born of 13 kids.

A wake service will be held at 2:30 pm on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at Calvary Episcopal Church and continue with an overnight wake at The Social. A funeral service will be held at 1 pm on Friday, October 10, 2025, at Calvary Episcopal Cathedral.

She LOVED playing bingo so much she started working at Sertoma Bingo Hall in 2001 until it closed in 2011. She enjoyed visiting with family and friends on the phone and when able in person. She enjoyed doing puzzles, listening to country music and playing games on her iPad. She was known for her frybread. Often it was asked: Is this Wilma's frybread at gatherings. She was always asked to make frybread for her family and friends' events. She enjoyed teaching how to and making frybread with her grandchildren. Wilma was known for her beautiful long hair she had for many years. She enjoyed doing her work as an Indian education tutor.

She will be deeply missed as a Mother, Grandmother, Oldest Sister, Auntie, Niece, Cousin and Friend. Our Hearts are broken, and we are left to wonder why but know she is looking down on all of us with love from above.

Left to cherish her memory are her sons John & Brian James, daughters Teresa James, Marcia (Ted) Rederth, Susan (Jeff) Gerry. 31 grandkids and all her great grandkids. Sisters and Brothers, Ellen Medicine Horn, Mary Tsosie, Leroy Vassar, Judy DeNoyer, Jerry Vassar, Pete Vassar, Bonnie Vassar, Peggy Vassar, Kathy Jo Vassar & Jeremy Willard.

Wilma is preceded in death by her parents Roy and Eliza Vassar, daughters Anna Marie Williams-Cane & Renae Rose Williams Bird, son Michael Dale James; sister Opal Vassar, brother Everette Vassar; grandsons Everette, Wesley, Jacob; many nieces, nephews, and friends.