Debra ‘Debbie’ Lee James
ISHPEMING, MI- Debra ‘Debbie’ Lee James, 71, of Ishpeming, passed away peacefully Thursday morning, January 22, 2026 at St. Vincent Hospital in Green Bay while in the care of her loving family and Unity Hospice.
Debbie was born March 28, 1954 in Coldwater, Michigan to Robert and Maxine (Finley) Dickson Sr. She spent her youth in Wayne County, MI. Debbie moved to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula in 1975 and graduated from night school in Ishpeming while raising her children. Debbie was a devoted mother and homemaker raising three girls and two boys. She took great pride in taking care of the household and spending time with her beloved family.
After marrying the love of her life, Wm. ‘Bill’ James, together they owned Paul’s Jewelry and Flower Shop where she enjoyed working as a flourist in downtown Ishpeming until Bill’s passing. After they closed the flower shop, she was a devoted grandmother and helped raise her grandchildren. Later in life, Debbie was employed by Yonkers in Marquette and helped out in the school lunch rooms in Negaunee and Ishpeming, which she greatly enjoyed.
Surviving are her three daughters: Rebecca ‘Becky’ (Andrew) Wernholm, Kelly ‘Kady’ (Firby) Thorne, and Erin (Scott) Juidici; one son: Max Firby; her beloved grandchildren: Lee (Shane) Kutchenriter, Bethany (Brian) Suomi, Daniel (Liz) Ayotte, David (Sarah) Ayotte, Ben Thorne, Sam Juidici, Cooper Juidici, and Jason V. Firby; great grandchildren: Landen Suomi, Brysen Nordman, and Runa Ayotte; her siblings: Jim (Sheila) Dickson, Janie Caufield, John (Kim) Miller-Dickson, Robert ‘Bud’ (Pat) Dickson, and Dale (Carol) Dickson and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Wm. James; one son: Jason Bruce Firby in 1991; brother in law: Clyde Caufield; and a beloved nephew: Nathan Dickson.
The family wants to thank Dr. Tuma, the acute care unit at UPHS-Bell, 4th floor of St. Vincent Hospital ICU Unit, all of the respiratory personnel that worked with her during her lengthy illness, Unity Hospice in Green Bay, and all the support from her family and friends. Debbie had a special place in her heart for everyone that was a part of her life. Sympathy cards and flowers can be sent to 162 Bluff St., Ishpeming, MI 49849.
Honoring Debbie’s wishes, a celebration of life will be held in the Summer of 2026.
Her memorial page may be viewed at koskeyfuneralhome.com