Joy Lea James' Obituary
Joy Lea James, age 64 of Dallas, Georgia passed away on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, with her loving family by her side.
She was born at Crawford W. Long Hospital in Atlanta, and with her parents living in East Point. Her family moved to Macon and later to Plains Georgia, where she developed a strong love for music, travel, adventure, and a deep love for family. Joy was the daughter of Gene and Ginger Sutherland. She was the oldest sibling with 3 sisters, Kelly, Sandy, and Gina. Joy moved many times across the country before eventually settling down in Dallas, Ga., making it her home.
Joy was a loving and dedicated wife of 11 years to her husband, Alan. Bringing together 2 families, Alan with 3 and Joy with 2 children, she was a pillar of strength and gave her unwavering support and love to them all.
Joy loved working with her hands and took pride in everything she touched. She loved cooking and gardening. In her job with Atrium Health Floyd as a Clinical Placement Coordinator, she worked with high school students with shadowing opportunities, guiding and supporting them with a growth plan to enter a medical career. She absolutely loved the moments of happiness when she was able to assist them with scholarships. Heart whelming moments.
Joy’s greatest happiness was spending time with family, especially the grandkids who affectionately called her “Jo Jo.” She made many cherished memories that have helped shape their childhood with her love, warmth and those special moments that seemed ordinary at the time but will become treasured memories. These precious times will live in their hearts forever.
Joy Lea James is survived by her husband Alan James; children, Josh Highnote and wife Marissa; Zack Highnote, wife Robbin and granddaughter Zoe; mother, Ginger Sutherland; sister, Kelly Adams; niece Kuyler Stone and husband Austin, children Annalyn, Julia, and James; nieces Mallory and Carli Adams; sister Sandy Alston, husband Gordon; niece Kaitlyn Wells and husband Ben; niece Lyndsey Breeden, husband Alex and Nellie; stepchildren, Kristina Lane, her husband Brian and grandkids Kylie and Viggo: Meredith Sparks, husband Andrew and grandkids Ginny and Ezra, and Jason James.
A memorial service and celebration of life will be held on May 4 at 11:00am at Davis-Strumpf Funeral Home Chapel with a Celebration of Life and fellowship to follow at 890 Macland Rd.Dallas, Ga. In the clubhouse.
We ask that in support of Joy’s love for helping the education of our youth’s future, please make donations to Georgia Foundations for Public Education.
https://www.gfpe.org/payments/GeneralDonation
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