Marlys A. James, age 86 of Inver Grove Heights, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 23, 2026. Recently, Marlys celebrated her birthday and had the opportunity to meet her first great great grandson.
Marlys, the daughter of Raymond and Wilhelmina (Krall) Stokke, was born on March 18, 1940 in Menomonie, Wisconsin. Following her graduation from Humbolt High School, Marlys married Robert “Shonnie” James. She worked in manufacturing at Minnesota Plastics and later Whirlpool prior to working as a dietary aide at Maplewood Care Center and Rose of Sharon Nursing Home until her retirement. Marlys enjoyed bowling, traveling, playing cards, spending time with friends and especially her grandchildren. She was a talented cake decorator and enjoyed sharing her finished treats with family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Shonnie; siblings, Gene, Norma, Joyce, and Carol; and son-in-law, Tim Larson.
Marlys is survived by her daughters, Sheri James and Jodi Larson; grandchildren, Rob James, Shannon James, Calli (Billy) Brown, and Michelle Hermann; great grandchildren, Anika, Brooke, Kylie, Norah, Lilly, and Ava; great great grandson, Wren.
A Celebration of Marlys’ Life will be held on Sunday, March 29th at Roberts Funeral & Cremation Chapel, 8108 Barbara Avenue, Inver Grove Heights, with a visitation from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. A service, including a time to share will follow at 3:00 p.m. Private family interment will be held at Fort Snelling National Cemetery at a later date.