Josephine "Kay" James

Kay (Archilbald) was born in Upper Stewiacke, Nova Scotia to Sadie and Earle Archibald, where she grew up with her elder siblings Marven and Phyllis. She was predeceased by her parents and siblings. Kay was also predeceased by her first husband Robert Collins, beloved son Darcy Collins, and finally husband Don James. Kay is survived by her daughter Betty Jo (BJ) Collins, son in law Rick Warren and two granddaughters Grace and Maggie.

In 1953 at the age of 18, Kay attended college in Truro, Nova Scotia, then onto Dalhousie University to obtain her teaching certificate. At 19 years, she was teaching primary school in Onslow, NS. Imagine that! Shortly after, she travelled west with two friends and began her teaching career in Calgary. Eventually settling in the new community of Lakeview, Kay would live and teach Grade 2 for 35 years, earning the title of Master Teacher. At the age of 40, Kay went on to complete her degree at the University of Calgary taking evening and summer courses. After two hard-working years, she earned her degree. Kay always adhered to the belief that a woman should have an education, and be financially independent if possible.

Kay was known in her community for her beautiful, joyful smile, her wonderful sense of humour and ability to play a practical joke. She was very spontaneous and always game for company and fun. During their retirement years, Kay and Don spent many winters at their second home in Mesa Arizona, and summers in Nova Scotia at their family cottage. In her latter years, Kay enjoyed nightly card games with her friends in the condo where she lived. Community was very important to her and she was surrounded with many friendships at the Sierras where she resided. She enjoyed crib, whist, canasta and her beloved Rummy-O; Kay was a card shark! Kay had many friends - old and new. Her greatest joy - her two beautiful granddaughters, Grace and Maggie, with whom she was very close. In the years leading to her departure, BJ and Rick rallied around her, making life as easy as possible as she faced and managed many health issues. It was BJ’s honour as her daughter to care for her. She handled her various health issues with great resolve, a positive attitude, a sense of humour and deep faith. She was deeply loved, and will be remembered for her infectious laugh, radiant smile, a positive approach to life and tremendous spirit - which was an inspiration to many. Everyone needs a Kay in their life!

A Celebration of Life Kay’s will be held at Lakeview United Church, 3023 63 Avenue SW, Calgary, Alberta on Monday, September 16, 2024 at 1:00 p.m.

BJ would like to extend special thanks to Kay’s health team - Dr. Peter Duggan, Dr. Hutchinson, Dr. Cheema, Dr. Ramana, Dr Mitchell and Cardio Unit 82 at Foothills Hospital for the best care one could ever dream of.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Heart and Stroke Foundation at www.heartandstroke.ca or to the charity of your choice.