Mary Virginia James

MARY VIRGINIA JAMES, formerly of North Little Rock and recently of Nashville, Tenn., died peacefully Saturday, Dec. 29, 2018, surrounded by some of the many people who loved her. Born on Jan. 28, 1921, in Little Rock, Ark., she was the daughter of the late Leonard and Myrtle Morgan. Mary graduated from Central High School in Little Rock and worked as an executive secretary in the financial services industry. She married C. R. (Bob) James on Oct. 14, 1945, upon his return from military service in the Pacific, and they were married for 62 years until his death in 2008. After her children started school, she returned to work in the North Little Rock School System, initially as a school secretary and later in the office of the Superintendent, so she would be free to spend summers involved in her children's activities. She was active as both participant and leader in the parent teacher associations at her children's schools. As her children grew older, she returned to full-time employment as an executive assistant at the North Little Rock Veterans Administration Hospital until her eventual retirement. A charter member of Park Hill Christian Church, she was an active participant in the affairs of the Church and in its women's groups until she moved from North Little Rock in 2010 to be near her daughter Kay in Nashville, Tenn. She very much enjoyed playing bridge and golf with good friends and travelling with her husband, but she built her life around her family and served as an example to them all in living a good and happy life. She was an ever-present supporter of the pursuits of her children and grandchildren, whether in school, sports or other arenas. She adored her great-grandson Jaxon and formed a special bond with him. She was preceded in death by her husband Bob and her son Tommy as well as many dear friends. She is survived by her daughter Kay James of Nashville. She also leaves her beloved grandsons Steven James and Gregory James, their wives Ashley and Kelly, and their mother Debbie James, as well as her great-grandson Jaxon James. Other survivors include her cherished cousin Ernestine Croach, who was like a sister to her; nieces Janet James Robb and Susan James Hardman and long-time friends. The family expresses deepest appreciation to the staff at Belmont Village Senior Center who cared for her tenderly these past nine months. They were happy months for her, and she was unfailingly grateful for the care she received there. Visitation will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 3, 2019, at Roller-Owens Funeral Home, followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m. with Miles Cook and Linda White officiating. Interment will follow at Rest Hills Memorial Park in North Little Rock. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorials to Park Hill Christian Church, 4400 JFK Blvd., North Little Rock, Ark. 72116. You may sign the online guestbook at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/owens.