Queba James

Queba Rae James, 92, of Ballinger, Texas, went to be with The Lord peacefully on October, 25, 2024.

She was born on June 3, 1932, to S.L. and Thelma Della (Lett) Ferguson in Ballinger, Texas. She attended Ballinger High School. She married Firefighter Charles Harrell James on February 29, 1956, in Ballinger, TX. She raised her son in Abilene, Texas where she worked with her husband at James Fix It Shop for 20 years. Later, Queba served as cafeteria manager for Ballinger ISD for over 18 years before her retirement. After her retirement she stayed active in the school system as a regular substitute and ticket sales at the Ballinger Bearcat sporting events. Queba was also very active in the Ballinger Art Guild expressing her love for painting and was a long-time member of the First Baptist Church. Queba was a kind, loving, gracious woman with a love for family, friends, and storytelling. Truly independent, living on her own well into her golden years. She maintained that air of independence with grace and dignity. A woman with immeasurable wit and humor, living through many decades, had a great knowledge of history of the town and family, the world, and was a Mrs. Fix-It of many appliances and household items. She loved travel and would reminisce about all the beauty witnessed and would portray them in her beautiful, unique paintings. Her grandchildren have countless memories of summers and holidays spent in Ballinger riding around and helping at the farm, swimming at the city pool, fishing, going to the movies, and going on countless adventures. She always had all the kids’ favorite snacks, chocolate pie, and always read “just one more” bedtime story. She was the matriarch of her family and hosted many family gatherings full of fun and love.

Queba is preceded in death by her mother and father, husband Charles Harrell James, her son Jace James, brothers Bill, Glen, and Gary Ferguson, sisters Mary Minton and Barbara Rollwitz, along with many friends and other family members.

She is survived by her daughter-in-law Rachel James, and grandson Chance James and wife Stacy of Gladewater, Texas, her grand-daughter Lacey Hart and husband Blaine of Lake Cherokee, Texas, and her five great-granddaughters, Emma Kate, Sadie Lynn, and Ruthie Grace James and Grayton Reed and Lainey Jace Hart, along with numerous nephews, nieces, great nieces and great nephews.

A visitation for Queba will be held on Sunday, October 27, 2024, at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger, Texas from 6:00 to 7:30 pm. Her graveside service will be held the following day, on Monday, October 28, 2024, at 10:00 am at Old Runnels Cemetery, also in Ballinger, Texas. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to West Texas Rehab in Queba’s honor.