Judith was born into eternal life on April 7, 2022. Her husband of over sixty years, Michael James, preceded her in death. She was the daughter of the late Elizabeth and Frank Karge, and sister to Sr. Bernadine Karge, O.P., Mary Ellen Alfred (James) and Rosemary Cius (Stephen).

She was a devoted mother to Peter James (Meg), Andrew Charles (Margot), and Michael Thomas (Nicole), and iconic “Juma” to grandchildren Ele (Dennis Gast), Michael Collin, Louis, Alex, Michael Andrew, Miles, Samuel and Anne Griffin, and great-grandchild Rorie Gast. She was a caring aunt and a loyal friend, colleague and neighbor.

Judy was a graduate of Visitation High School, Saint Xavier University, and IIT-Chicago-Kent College of Law (JD). She served as a lead attorney in the State of Illinois Appellate Research Division for over thirty years. A staunch defender and believer in the United States Constitution and the law, she served Illinois with dignity and professionalism.

She loved playing the piano, dancing with her husband at the Drake, and going to the symphony, ballet, and Jazz at the Showcase.  She took great pride and joy in sharing the accomplishments and performances of her children and grandchildren.  An avid cook, gardener, art lover and White Sox fan, she was great at entertaining and organizing activity-packed family outings.  Memories of her energy, work ethic, thoughtfulness and enthusiasm for doing will be forever cherished by her close-knit circle of family and friends. Judy and Mike are back together on the dance floor.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Joffrey Ballet, https://joffrey.org/donate/ are appreciated. A mass at 10am is planned for May 14, 2022, at Old St. Mary’s Church, 1500 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago. Interment to follow at St. Mary Cemetery in Evergreen Park.