Kathleen G. James

Kathleen G. James of Chester died Thursday, February 10, 2011 at the Heartland House Assisted Living Home in Grasonville. She was born February 16, 1915 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, she was the daughter of the late Silvester Charles Diggles White and Theresa Carson White. The family immigrated to the U.S during her early years to their farm in Plymouth, New Hampshire and later moved to Somerville, Massachusetts. After completing high school in Somerville, MA., Kay attended Normal school and went on to work for a law firm in Boston. Gifted with a beautiful voice, she spent several years as a “radio singer” with local bands. During this time she met Raymond Joseph James and in 1936 they were married. The couple moved to Danbury, Connecticut immediately after their marriage where Mr. James worked as a salesman for Sears Roebuck. After his enlistment in the Navy in WWII and tour of duty on a hospital ship, Mr. James established a successful residential and commercial real estate business with Kay, always his helpmate. The couple moved to Chester, Maryland in 1992 upon his retirement. Ray and Kay, as they were affectionately known, celebrated 65 happy years of marriage until his death in 2001. She was a wonderful homemaker and loving mother and grandmother. She was active in her church, The Ladies of Columbus, in Danbury for many years and she enjoyed playing Bridge with her husband and friends. Her favorite activity, in addition to caring for her family, was entertaining at home and creating memorable and inventive meals for her friends and family. The couple traveled extensively in their later years and enjoyed seeing the world on their many trips and cruises. In addition to her husband and parents, Kay was predeceased by her beloved sister, Dorothy Ruth Kelley of Somerville, MA. She is survived by a son, Raymond S. James and his wife Patty of Brookfield, CT.; a daughter, Beverly A. Coyne and granddaughter, Erin E. Coyne of Stevensville, MD.; two grandsons, Daniel J. Coyne and his wife Missy and two children, Arianna and James, of Baltimore, MD., and Raymond C. James and his wife Lauren and daughter Lilly, of Danvers, MA.; great-grandson Christopher Beierschmitt of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; a niece, three nephews and many grand-nieces and nephews. A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, February 15, 2011 11:00AM at St. Christopher’s Catholic Church, 1861 Harbor Drive, Chester, MD. 21619. Interment will follow at Stevensville Cemetery. Friends may call at the Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home, P.A., Chester from 5-7PM on Monday, February 14, 2011. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to Hospice of Queen Anne’s Inc., 255 Comet Drive, Centreville, MD., 21617.

Kathleen G. James

February 16, 1915 - February 10, 2011