Jeffery “Jeff” Louis James

Jeffery “Jeff” of Fountain Hills passed away peacefully on October 24, 2024, at the age of 72. He was born on January 19, 1952, in Evergreen Park, IL, to Stanley and Eleanor James as one of seven children. In the 1970’s, Jeff’s parents left the Chicago area to settle in Arizona after discovering Fountain Hills. Jeff remained in Chicago initially, where he started his own car detailing business, but he ultimately joined his family in Fountain Hills in 1984 and made it his permanent residence.
Jeff earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix and went on to become an insurance fraud investigator, working diligently for several insurance companies. His entrepreneurial spirit reemerged, leading him to open his own auto repair facility and salvage yard in South Phoenix. Later, Jeff retired from the automotive field and, alongside his wife, RuthAnn and sister-in-law Susan James, opened Graze Craze Charcuterie Boards & Boxes in Fountain Hills.
Jeff married the love of his life, RuthAnn (née Luthin), in the Cayman Islands on February 26, 1998. Together they shared two sons, Michael and Alexander, who were his pride and joy.
Jeff is survived by his beloved wife, RuthAnn; his devoted sons, Michael and Alexander; his brothers Alfred James (Susan), Christopher James (Debbie), and John James (Mari); and his sisters Roxanne Tomasek (Tom) and Jacque Maxfield (David). He is also remembered by his many nieces, nephews, and extended family members. Jeff is reunited in heaven with his sister Georgia Ullo, his brother-in-law Phil Ullo, and his niece, Kristine Ullo.
Jeff loved spending time with family and cherished outings to the casino, trips to Las Vegas, and Rocky Point. On August 23, 2024, he was thrilled to be dealt his first and only Royal Flush at We-Ko-Pa Casino. He also found solace with RuthAnn in their cabin in Pine. Known for his gentle spirit, Jeff enjoyed good company, meaningful conversation, and great food. He was also passionate about his conservative beliefs.
A special thank you to the staff at Fountain Hills Post Acute and the compassionate nurses and doctors at HonorHealth Shea who provided him with such attentive care.
A visitation was held at Messinger Mortuary in Fountain Hills on Sunday, November 3rd. A Mass took place on Monday, November 4th, at Church of the Ascension, with burial at Paradise Memorial Gardens on Shea Boulevard and 90th Street.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Scottsdale, McKee Branch, 14605 N. Del Cambre, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268, (480) 344-5400.