Pamela R. James was born July 8, 1956 in Scotia and passed surrounded by family that truly loved her on October 10, 2022 in Eureka.

Pam was a member of the Wiyot Tribe and lived in Humboldt County nearly her entire life. Pam attended Loleta Elementary and graduated from Fortuna High School. Pam worked at Fidjeland Farms and Eureka Fisheries, where she would tell us stories about how she was one of the fastest crab pickers there was. Pam also did in-home care and did up until she could no longer due to her health. Pam also served on the Wiyot Tribal Council as treasurer and councilmember-at-large. During that time she wrote a JOM grant and the tribe received it. She also advocated for foster care and traveled when needed, but had a hard time leaving her children, so she decided to step away.

Pam lived in the fast lane and lived life to the fullest. She slowed down when her first granddaughter Pilar was born and they were always together. Everywhere Pam “Nana” was, so was Pilar! Pam spoiled Pilar and gave her everything she could!

Pam always had an open door policy and would take anyone and everyone in when needed, she was always willing to lend a helping hand when someone was in need.

Pam was a huge fan of WWE, especially Roman Reigns, and you could always find her watching the big event with her wrestling buddy, her nephew “Sonny Man,” and then they would get together with Ted Hernandez and argue over the matches. They would spend hours arguing over who cheated or who was better. Pam enjoyed going over to her daughter Fawn’s house for some party they would be having and visiting with everyone, she would catch up on the local gossip going around the rez, but little did we know she already knew the gossip before us. For someone that didn’t go out sure knew a lot! Pam was known as Nana to all her grandchildren’s friends and always tried supporting them with their fundraising adventures.

Catalina surprised her nana with an iPad and she would spend hours playing games. She also had Catalina download music and they would spend hours and hours creating different playlists. Out of all her grandkids she held a special bond with Catalina, they talked multiple times a day and wouldn’t go a day without talking. Pam and Catalina never went to sleep without calling each other to say goodnight and telling each other I love you.

Pam is survived by her daughter’s Melinda Ramirez, Fawn and Jorge Lopez. Pam’s grandchildren Pilar James, Shane Jamestalina Lopez, Jorge Lopez Jr. “Little Man” and Dalila Lopez. Pam’s bonus grandkids Kathy Spott, Amanda and Reyna James. Her siblings Lori Clark (Donut), Marie Pike (Irv), Louie Seidner & Family. She also leaves behind her nieces Ramona Clark and Hazel Garcia (Raul). Hazel was more of a daughter than niece and she could always count on Hazel for anything, especially sneaking in the sweets when she wasn’t supposed to have them. Hazel always spoiled her and made sure she got whatever she wanted. Nephews Levi & Andrew Clark, Brian & Rosie Mead and Family, William Frank IV “Sonny Man”, George Mendez and Anthony James (Libbie). Pam’s special friend Leslie Cochrane Burchfield, who they considered each other’s twin. Leslie, we thank you for being there for her throughout the years especially when she was sick, you never left her side and for that We love you! Her best friend/sister Diana Santos, they would call each other and check in daily. Also, Michelle Vassel: you held a special place in our mom’s heart and was always there when she was ready to fight the County on any issue.

Pam is preceded in death by her only son, Steven James, her parents Edna & Stepfather Oscar Seidner, Father Melvin James Sr. Her Aunts Ramona “Blue Jay” Peonermen Moorehead, Mary Kibby and special aunt that raised her Alberta McDonald. Brothers Melvin James Jr. and Gary Anthony James.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday October 15, 2022 at 1 p.m., at the Wiyot Tribal Community Center, 1000 Wiyot Dr., Loleta. Bring a dish and memories to share.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Pamela James’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.