Judy James

Judy Ann James, 73, of Red Wing, MN, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at St. Crispin Living Community. She was born on September 8, 1952, in Carthage, NY, to Malcolm and Mary (Sadler) Prashaw. Judy graduated from high school and later earned an associate's degree in human services. She devoted much of her life to caring for others, working for many years as a nurse at Jefferson Rehab Center, where she eventually retired in 2013. Beyond her professional life, she lovingly cared for many of her own family members, always placing their needs before her own. Judy met the love of her life, Ronald Traylor, and together they welcomed two children. After Ronald's passing in 1986, Judy's heart remained forever with him; she never dated or remarried. Judy's personality was unforgettable, contagious, spicy in the best way, full of humor, heart, and a touch of sass. She never asked for anything but was always the first to give. She touched countless lives with her generosity and warmth. She adored all of her grandchildren, spoiled her daughter Alicia whenever she could (and even when she didn't have to), and cherished every moment with her growing family. Throughout the years of raising her children, Judy never gave up. She was the perfect mother, present, devoted, and unwavering. She never missed a single sports game and always wanted to be near her grandbabies. Judy also had a deep love for dogs, especially her beloved Buddy. She spoiled him every single day, he truly ate like a king. The bond they shared brought her constant joy and comfort. She loved bingo, scratch-offs, and sharing laughs with the many people who were lucky enough to know her. Her absence leaves a hole that can never be filled, but her love and her spirit will forever live on. She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and now reunited with the love of her life again.

Judy is survived by her daughter, Alicia (Brock) Ganser of Red Wing, MN; her son, Malcolm Traylor of Watertown, NY; and her cherished grandchildren: Opal, Colton, and Isabella Ganser of Red Wing, MN; and Brandt, Jayla, Hendrix, and Jaxston Traylor of New York. She is also survived by her brothers Lynn Prashaw and Donnie Prashaw of Massachusetts, Kevin Prashaw of New York; her sisters Heidi (Pete) Marolf of Ohio and Dawn Mallozzi of Massachusetts; her best friend of many years, Marcia Keller Sharp of Texas; as well as many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by the love of her life, Ronald Traylor of New York; her son, Anthony James of Massachusetts; her brother, Chuck Prashaw of Massachusetts; her sister, Mary Bemis of Georgia; her sister-in-law, Cheryl Prashaw of Massachusetts; and her beloved dog, Buddy.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring of 2026 in Carthage, NY. Judy will be laid to rest beside Ronald in Fairview Cemetery, reunited at last. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to the family.