Karen Kay "KK, Big Karen" (Bernard) James, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 11, 2025, in Sacramento, California, at the age of 83. Born on December 3, 1941, in Hutchinson, Kansas, Karen was the eldest daughter of Leonard and Eloise Bernard.
Karen's life was a vibrant tapestry woven of fun, laughter, self-lessness, generosity and an unwavering love of her children, family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents Leonard and Eloise (Bernard), her sister Lynn Bernard, her beloved children, Sandon and Stephanie James, and children's father, William James, whom she married on August 16, 1959.
Her legacy continues through her life partner, Daniel Simmons, her daughter Chanin James-Hardwick (Tim), their children Tim and LaKendra; her son Brandon James and his children Jasmyn and Jordyn; her deceased daughter's children, Terry and Ty Coleman; and her great-granddaughter, Nikka; her siblings, Steven Bernard, Danny Bernard (Julie), Rita Ziegler (Bill), Stevie Bernard and Jock Bernard, and countless nieces and nephews she adored. Karen's heart knew no bounds, and she was a bright part of the lives of her family members and friends who loved her exuberant nature and generous spirit.
A gifted entrepreneur, communicator and creative, Karen was the co-owner of Sweet William Smoke Meat Company in Sacramento, where she shared her hospitality and decorating skills with the Sacramento community. In the second half of her life, she
devoted her career to social services as a Program Coordinator with Sacramento County Senior Nutrition Services, retiring, in the year 2000, after 21 years of service. Through her work, she shared her light with countless local seniors, delivering not just hot meals but also an infectious smile, jokes, sass, an uplifting word and every now and then a shimmy or shake of the hips, highlighting her incredible ability to connect with people young and older at heart.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Karen was a devoted mother that fully and selflessly supported her children in all their goals and dreams. She instilled her love of fun, the ability to laugh through the tough times, her tenacity, and her unmatched brilliance into her children. She was best known as an exceptional interior designer with a keen eye for fashion and a talent for transforming spaces. She loved decorating and rehabilitating old furniture and was always on the lookout for hidden treasures. Her resourcefulness and creativity were boundless; there was nothing she could not fix or improve. Karen was a true superwoman, effortlessly juggling her many roles while maintaining the biggest heart.
Karen would get any party started when she bound into the room with her, “Hey!” Her vibrant spirit and infectious laughter could change the energy of any room. With unmatched wittiness and sound wisdom, Karen was a guiding light to her children, family and friends. She was deeply devoted to those she loved, she embodied love as an action, pouring her heart and soul into sharing and nurturing her relationships.
The celebration of Karen’s life will take place on November 8, 2025, at the Hutchinson Funeral Chapel, 300 E. 30th Ave, Hutchinson, KS, at 1:00 p.m. Friends and family are invited to gather and share in the joy of her memory, honoring the extraordinary woman who touched so many lives. Though she has left this world, Karen Kay James will forever remain in the hearts of those she loved and those who were fortunate enough to know her
Please come as you are, but in memory of the colorful women Karen was, please no black. This is a “good vibes only” gathering.
Please RSVP at [email protected]
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a local charity supporting seniors, reflecting Karen's lifelong commitment to serving others.