Karen Y. James, 83, of Marion, formerly of Centralia, passed away Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at Marion Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Marion. She was born on August 11, 1942, in Desoto, the daughter of George and Vernalee (O’Whene) Farner. She married David James on September 4, 1998, in Centralia and he preceded her in death on May 10, 2017.

Survivors that will hold dear memories of Karen in their hearts include her children, Alyce “Lesa” (Tom) Sprague of Marion, Eddie Overturf of TX, Mike (Peggy) Walker of West Frankfort, Karen Walker of IN, Eric Tucker of FL, Tyson (Mindy) McAdoo of IN; grandchildren, Jessica (Jeremy) Bullock, Jami Sutton, Kristin (Jerick) Moss, Sarah (Dailey) Williams, Alyssa Walker; 9 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren and 1 on the way; step grandchildren, Travis (Heather) and Hazel Sprague; special thanks to the ladies who gave Karen such great care, Nurse Diane, MaKyla, Cassie, Anna, Bailey, Michelle, and Alicia; a nieces, a nephew, extended family members, and friends.

Along with her husband, David, Karen was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Coleta Farner, Dorothy Reed, and Delores Kiefer; brother, Jon Michael Farner; son, Kenneth Walker; and granddaughter, MaKayla Walker.

Karen worked at Dollar General for thirteen years, where she was every customer’s favorite. She enjoyed being outside, working in her yard and fishing for her next big catch. Karen was known for her decorator’s eye and loved recreating her space with home remodeling and decorating. She spent quiet moments sewing, playing games, and listening to music. Karen was an amazing cook, and everyone looked forward to her delicious meals. She was an animal lover who appreciated the companionship of her dogs. Karen loved making treasured memories with her family, joking around and getting everyone to laugh. Karen was a genuine sweetheart who truly cared about people and she easily made the world around her filled with hope, grace, beauty and love.

A celebration of life service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, June 8, 2026, at the Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Centralia. Relatives and friends are welcome to a visitation time from 11:00 a.m. until the service time on Monday at the funeral home in Centralia. Memorials may be made in Karen’s honor directly to the family. Online condolences and memories of Karen may be shared with her family by visiting maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.