August 4, 1934 – October 20, 2025

Dr. Irmatine Morrisette James was born in Brighton, Alabama, to Rev. William Thomas Morrisette, a pastor in the AME Church, and Evelyn Louise (Morrisette) Smith Robinson, a Latin teacher. Irmatine was the eldest of three daughters, alongside Geraldine Barber and Tony Louise Cunningham.

After graduating from high school, she attended Paine Junior College and earned her bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from Alabama A&M University. Upon graduation, she moved to Gary, Indiana, where she was recruited to join the Gary Public School District as an elementary school teacher.

She later earned her master's degree from Valparaiso University and her doctorate in Education from Nova Southeastern University. Irmatine advanced through the administrative ranks, receiving numerous professional awards and appointments within the Gary Public School District. She ultimately served as Principal of several elementary and middle schools. A passionate educator, she dedicated forty-five years of service to the district before her retirement.

Beyond education, Irmatine was deeply involved in her community. She worked tirelessly with teens and young adults through The Miss Black Teenage World Pageant and the Touch-A-Teen Program, which she co-founded with her sister, Geraldine Barber. For her volunteer service, she received the Sagamore of the Wabash award from the Governor of Indiana, one of the state's highest honors.

She was a devoted member of St. Timothy Community Church and a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Irmatine married Bennett James, Sr. (deceased), and was the loving mother of two children: Bennett James, Jr. (deceased) and Evelyn Joy Presley-Jackson. She lived in Gary, Indiana, until after her husband's passing, when she relocated to Dacula, Georgia, to be near her daughter. She became a charter member of the Gwinnett County Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and was an indispensable part of her daughter's household, playing a vital role in her family's life up until her passing on October 20, 2025.

Irmatine was preceded in death by her parents, Rev. William T. Morrisette and Evelyn (Morrisette) Smith Robinson; her sisters, Geraldine Barber and Tony Louise Cunningham; her son, Bennett James, Jr.; and her husband, Bennett James, Sr.

She is survived by her daughter, Evelyn Joy Presley-Jackson; son-in-law, Roderick Jackson; daughter-in-law, Mary Ann James; and her grandchildren, Michael James, Tracie James, Kellyn Jackson, Roderick Aaron Jackson (Shanee Keyes), and Kacy Jackson Wiggs (Patrick Wiggs). She was blessed with ten great-grandchildren and leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, former students, and friends who will cherish her memory.