Janet Alene James was born on April 18, 1943 in Dayton, Kentucky, to the late Eranst Edward Banks and Alene Riley. She was raised by her late bonus-father John Dallas Chapple, who was happily married to Alene Riley for 32 years.

Janet grew up in Evanston, Ohio and graduated from Withrow High School. In high school, she participated in various activities to include: history, Spanish, and dance club, cheerleading, hockey, baseball, and basketball. Janet then went onto the University of Cincinnati where she majored in Home Economics and Education. She received her Bachelor of Science in Health Education and master's degree in education. While attending undergraduate school at the University of Cincinnati, she became a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated Omicron Chapter where she served as the secretary.  She also participated in the Panhellenic Council.

Upon graduating from the University of Cincinnati, Janet was employed by Cincinnati Public School for 46 years.  She touched the lives of thousands of students over the course of her teaching career.  She taught science, health and home economics to high and middle schoolers from Schwab Junior High to Taft and Woodward High Schools, leaving a lasting impact on so many young people's minds. Throughout her employment and membership with the Alpha Kappa Sorority, she formed lifelong friendships and is truly missed.

Janet's spirit could be described as fun-loving, a Bengal's football lover, wanderlust, because of the frequent trips she took with friends and family in and outside of the country. She always had a smile on her face even the days leading up to her death.  She always greeted you with the sweetest smile that would brighten up your or anyone's day. She had a love for socializing, traveling, and dancing. Often, you would see her showing off her moves on the dance floor doing a line dance or swing dancing with a partner.  She was a Bengal's season ticket holder for over 30 years and sat at the 40-yard line (section 112, row 8).

She leaves two children behind, James William Reed and Jennifer Alene Dunn (Maurice), who are celebrating her life impact, and achievements and loving grandchildren Jazmine Alene Reed and James Marcus Dunn.

FAMILY WISHES

Our mother Janet Alene James departed peacefully on May 21, 2023. She leaves a legacy of family and a love for education as evidenced in her long career as a public education professional in Cincinnati Public Schools. In lieu of sending flowers and cards, the family requests donations to the Janet Alene James Memorial Fund. These funds will help support Janet's granddaughter, Jazmine Alene Reed, college education.  During the summers prior to Janet getting sick, Jazmine spent time with her grandmother. She created opportunities for her to have fun-filled memorable experiences by attending learning camps and more. Currently, Jazmine is completing her first year of college, majoring in Pre-Law.  We are attempting to help cover as many of her education related expenses (i.e. tuition, books, summer programs, etc.). No gift is too small. We are grateful for any support from our family and friends of the family.

We welcome all prayers and ask that you lift up our family during this time.

NEED TRAVEL ASSISTANCE:  If you are traveling from out of town and need travel assistance (hotel and travel accommodations). Please call 800-224-4177 to speak with a travel specialist. The specialist will ask for a reference number or code, please provide 1143.

IN LIEU OF FLOWERS DONATIONS CAN BE MADE TO: JAZMINE REED SCHOLARSHIP Donation Go to: https://gofund.me/66565dc8

"SERVICES WILL BE LIVE STREAM FOR THOSE WHO CANNOT BE IN-PERSON"