Jessie Lea James, age 86, of Albany (formerly of Sweet Home) died Saturday. She was born in Leslie County, Kentucky to Burley and Eva (Begley) Wooton.

Jessie was raised in Kentucky and moved to Oregon in 1942 with her first husband, Arthur Poe. Arthur worked in the woods while she raised their three daughters. That marriage ended in divorce.

She later married a local truck mechanic, Walter Brandt, in 1955. Jessie worked as a clerk at various stores in Sweet Home. Walter passed away some time later. Jessie met and married Howard James, who was a logger that worked for Willamette Industries.

Jessie loved the outdoors, but before she would go camping or hunting, she would make a visit to the beauty salon and get her hair done. She enjoyed sewing, quilting, cooking, and baking.

Jesse is survived by her daughters, Vanda Pulver of Albany, Patsy Tuma of Tillamook, and Eva Rodriguez of Albany; brother, Tom Brewer of Beaverton; sister, Frances Bogg of Corbin, Kentucky; ten grandchildren; 23 great grandchildren; and four great, great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by husbands, Arthur Poe, Walter Brandt, and Howard James; infant children, Janice Dean Poe, Arthur Poe Jr., Edgar Poe, and Fay and Ray Poe (twins); two granddaughters; and one great grandson.

A viewing will be from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., Monday, April 6, at Sweet Home Funeral Chapel. A funeral service will be at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 7, at Sweet Home Funeral Chapel. Final burial will be at Gilliland Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made to Evergreen Hospice.

Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling services.