Ellen James, age 56, passed away Sunday, April 2.

Ellen was born in Misawa, Japan, on June 29, 1960 to Dennis and Hideko (Tsuje) Shouldis. She was raised in Hawaii and graduated from Radford High School. Hawaii is also where she met the love of her life, Jeffrey James, and raised their son Nicholas. They moved to Oak Harbor in 1997 due to Jeffrey’s Navy assignment.

Ellen was known for her creativity, humor and selflessness. She was loved by everyone she met.

Ellen is survived by her mother Hideko of Oak Harbor, husband Jeffrey of Oak Harbor, son Nicholas (Antoinette) of Mukilteo, Wash., and grandson Dylan.

She is preceded in death by her father Dennis and other relatives.