News Summary
Martha Carolyn James, a beloved mother and dedicated nurse, has passed away in Payson, Arizona. Known for her compassion and commitment to community service, Martha leaves behind a lasting legacy of love and support. Her family invites those wishing to honor her memory to a Celebration of Life event. In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to support local charities.
Phoenix, AZ
Martha Carolyn James, a 75-year-old cherished mother, devoted nurse, and seasoned military wife, passed away peacefully at her home in Payson, Arizona on August 28, 2025. Surrounded by her loved ones, she lost her battle with cancer, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and service.
Martha was born on December 16, 1949, in Warren, Ohio, and later married Albert James in 1968. During Albert’s 21-year career in the Army, Martha dedicated herself to being a supportive military spouse. Upon his retirement, the couple moved to Phoenix, where Martha continued her passion for helping others by working as a Licensed Practical Nurse until her own retirement in 2014.
In 2017, Martha and Albert settled in Payson, Arizona, where she became actively involved within the community. Her love for people was evident not only in her nursing career but also in her participation in the Phoenix-area Hummel club and her support for veterans’ affairs in Payson.
Martha is survived by her husband of 57 years, Albert James Sr., their three children: Christina, Albert Jr. (married to Dawn), and Sara. She also leaves behind four beloved grandchildren: Megan (married to Patrick Gillespie), Elizabeth, Abigail, and Lucas. Martha’s family and friends remember her as a caring and loving individual who impacted many lives through her dedication to nursing and community service.
Celebration of Life
A Celebration of Life will be held in Phoenix on September 14, 2025, for those who wish to pay their respects. Interested attendees are encouraged to reach out to the family for more details.
In Memory and Impact
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Phoenix Children’s Hospital or Veterans Helping Veterans of Payson, Arizona, as a way to honor Martha’s commitment to helping children and veterans throughout her life.
Legacy
Martha Carolyn James will be remembered for her unwavering spirit, her dedication to nursing, and her unyielding support for her community and family. She is preceded in death by her mother, Betty Weese, and leaves behind a family profoundly affected by her loss but grateful for the love and guidance she provided throughout her life.
The impact of her life and work continues to resonate within the lives of all she touched, marking Martha a true testament to love and service.
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Additional Resources
- AZ Family: Give-a-thon raises over $2 million for Phoenix Children’s Hospital
- Google Search: Phoenix Children’s Hospital
- PR Newswire: Phoenix Children’s names new CEO
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Phoenix, Arizona
- AZ Mirror: Phoenix Children’s Hospital ends gender-affirming care
- Google News: Phoenix Children’s Hospital news
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
