Karen Dianne James

Karen Dianne James, 60, of Cape Girardeau, passed away Wednesday April 15, 2026 at Mercy Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau surrounded by her family.

She was born November 8, 1965, in Cape Girardeau, to Milton Leon and Arlene Petzoldt James.

Karen attended St. Paul Lutheran School later graduated Jackson High School in 1984. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau. Karen worked for over 30 years for the City of Cape Girardeau in the Engineering Department as a project specialist.

She was a lifelong member of St. Paul Lutheran Church where she was baptized and confirmed.

In her free time, Karen enjoyed painting, cross-stitching, collecting gemstones and making jewelry, and gardening, especially growing many varieties of day lilies. She was also an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan.

Loving survivors include her mother, Arlene James of Jackson; two brothers Paul (Natalie) James of Colorado, Nathan (Sarah) James of Cape Girardeau; nephew Wyatt Prentice; niece Ava Austin and many cousins.

She was preceded in death by her father Milton.

Visitation is from 9:30am to 11 am on Tuesday April 21, 2026, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Jackson.

The Rev. Joshua Schmidt will conduct the funeral service at 11am, Tuesday April 21, 2026, at the church. Burial will follow at Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson.

If considering a memorial contribution, the family suggests St. Paul Lutheran Church, Semo Pets (formerly known as the Humane Society) of Cape Girardeau, or Mid America Transplant.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.mccombsfuneralhome.com and scrolling to the guest book beneath the article.