Michelle G. James, 47, of Centre Twp., passed away on Wednesday, February 17, 2016 in Penn State Health St. Joseph. She was the wife of Matthew P. James. They were married on June 5, 1993 and celebrated twenty-two years of marriage. Born in Frankfurt, Germany, she was the daughter of Joan G. (Hoch) Wert, Bern Twp.; and the late William P. Smith. Michelle was a 1986 graduate of Schuylkill Valley High School and a graduate of Empire Beauty School. While in high school, she was homecoming queen, a member of the marching band and captain of the flash flags. She had worked as a shipping clerk for Sweet Streets. Michelle loved animals, her dogs and cats, and horses. She also enjoyed camping, gardening and crafts. Michelle was very proud of her son, Marine Sgt. Kyle N. James, stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. She is also survived by one brother: Philip C. Wert, and his wife Sharon, West Reading; one sister: Deborah N. (Wert) Hamm, Reading; and her father-in-law and mother-in-law: Barry and Carol James, Leesport. Michelle was predeceased by a brother: Mark R. Smith, husband of Patricia; and her step-father: John H. Wert. Services will be held on Monday at 11:00 am from Leibensperger Funeral Homes, Inc., 223 Peach Street, Leesport. Burial will follow in St. Michael's Cemetery, Tilden Twp. A viewing will be be held in the funeral home Monday 9:30 to 11:00 am. Memorial contributions may be sent to Animal Rescue League, P.O. Box 69, Mohnton, PA 19540. For online condolences, please visit, www.leibenspergerfuneralhomes.com.