Jo James Obituary
The passing of Jo James of Atlantic, Iowa occurred on September 26, 2026. Jo, born on August 18, 1956, is remembered by those who knew her. Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of Jo James to pay them a last tribute.
She was predeceased by: her parents, Melvin Lee, Sr. and Virginia Alberta Petersen (Swolley); her brother Larry Petersen; and her niece Carlee Petersen. She is survived by: her children, Stacy Van Aernam (Allen), John Bengel III, Chris Bengel and Cody James; her grandchildren, Brittaney Elliott (Corey), Austin Van Aernam (Allyson), Allen Van Aernam Jr., Curclund Van Aernam, Stellah Van Aernam, Nella Ruth Van Aernam, Ellanor Mable Van Aernam, Boyce Truman Van Aernam, Marah Bodine (Robby), Carter Bengel, Taylor Seaton (Derick), Rylee Bengel, Brinley Bengel, Taliya James, Tayzun James, Talon James and Tayleigh James; her great grandchildren, Clair, Charlie, Corttaney, Chloe, Cacy Elliott, Allis, Annabella Van Aernam, Raylan, Zealand, Wesley Bodine, Tate and Hadlee Seaton; and her siblings, Melvin Petersen Jr. (Linda), Rodney Petersen (Mona), David Petersen (Jodi), Scott Petersen, Judy Sandbothe (Bill), Kenny Petersen (Amy) and Dennis Petersen (Karla). She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.
