Jennie L. James

Jennie L. James, 84, of Owensboro, passed away Monday February 17, 2025, at Owensboro Health Regional Hospital. She was born on December 13, 1940, in Mclean County, one of eight children, to the late Charlie and Irene Vittitow Neel.

Jennie worked for Green River Coal, prepared “Meals on Wheels” for GRADD, she and her husband owned Druthers Restaurants (formerly Burger Queen), and she retired from Green River District Health Department. After her retirement she volunteered at the Owensboro Catholic Scrip office and loved talking with everyone that visited about their family.

She became the limousine service for her grandchildren after picking them up from school and enjoyed taking them to the Big Dipper for a snack before their practices or games. Jennie loved going to all of their many sporting events. She enjoyed watching sporting events and sports related movies on TV, also watching the Sister Act movies, Game Show Network, and the Hallmark Channel as well. Playing various card, board, and dice games was also a favorite past time for her. Jeannie spent some of her down time scrolling through Facebook and many knew her for her legendary “good picture” and “amen” comments.

Jennie “Queen Bee” traveled many miles with the Druthers softball teams that they sponsored. The 16–18-year-old girls’ team, the Imperials, and the Royals, which were the 13–15-year-old girls’ team. She enjoyed playing cards and was affectionately known as the “Black Widow” at her friendly card games. Jennie didn’t need Ancestery.com to know not only you, but you and your entire family tree as well.

Along with her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, William “Bill” James Jr.; and a son-in-law, Robert Berrong.

Jennie is survived by her children, Mary (Chris) James-Todd, Bill (Debbie) James, and Denise James-Berrong; grandchildren, Caiden (Tay) James, Seth (Logan) Todd, Evan (Matthew) Todd, Darcy (Drew) Ward, Will (Lauren) James, Wes James, and Noah Todd; Great-grandchildren, Ryan and Remi; and a brother, Richard Neel.

The funeral Mass for Jennie James will be at 12 p.m. Thursday February 27, 2025, at St. Martin Catholic Church, with Father Larry McBride and Father Pat Bittel officiating. Visitation will be the same day from 9 a.m. until time of Mass at the church. The committal service will be at 11 a.m. Friday February 28, 2025, in the Chapel of Peace at Rosehill-Elmwood Cemetery.

Care by Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to Owensboro Catholic Schools, 1524 West Parrish Avenue, Owensboro, KY 42301.

Memories and condolences for the family of Jennie James may be left at www.glenncares.com.