Suzanne James

Suzanne James, 73, of Topeka, KS, passed away on Wednesday, August 1, 2018.

Suzanne Ellen Hughes James entered the great beyond on August 1, 2018, surprising all of us who truly thought she was good for another twenty years. She was born 22 March 1945, and she spent her early years in Joliet, IL, moving to Topeka, KS when her mother married Henry George Hughes. She graduated from Topeka West High School in one of their first graduating classes and completed a degree in Spanish at Grinnell College.

She worked in sales in Oklahoma for Sterling Pharmaceuticals, but later returned to Topeka. It was there that she met Myrlen James, whom she married in June 1984.

Together with her husband Myrlen, Suzanne developed a love of Native American history and jewelry, and subsequently cultivated an extensive online business selling Native American jewelry. She had been in preparations for one of her annual buying trips to New Mexico when she passed.

Suzanne had a love of learning, whether it was for her work, her interest in UFOs, or the details of origins and history of Native American art. She was great animal lover and supporter of the Humane Society, and provided a loving home to dozens of cats and dogs over the years. She was a devoted fan of the Kansas City Royals and the KU basketball team. She was a proud member of Kansas MUFON (Mutual UFO Network), The Lone Ranger Fan Club.

Suzanne had an instinctual sense of injustice, which led not only to her working for the District Attorney's Office with the victims of violent crimes following the tragic deaths of her mother Nancy and Nancy's husband Lester in 1989, but it also led to battles with corporations, small companies, and other bad guys who had not yet felt the hand of the law. She fought and won her own battle with cancer in recent years.

She is preceded in death by her husband Myrlen James (2010). Survivors include her brother Roger Hughes, his wife, Esther Russell Hughes, and their daughters, Kelly Sarah Hughes, Lauren Anne Hughes, and Jordan Elizabeth Hughes.

The family will greet friends during a visitation beginning at 12:00 p.m. followed by a celebration of life at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 9, 2018, in the chapel at Mount Hope Cemetery, 17th & Fairlawn. Burial will follow in Mount Hope Cemetery. The family will host a reception immediately following the graveside.

Memorials contributions may be made to the Helping Hands Humane Society, 5720 SW 21st Topeka, KS 66604, the Kansas Chapter MUFON, http://www.mufonkansas.org or to The YWCA Center for Safety and Empowerment, 225 SW 12th Street, Topeka, KS 66612.

Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave the family a special message, please visit the guestbook below.