Joan St. James

Joan Mary St. James, age 91, of Columbus, passed away on Tuesday, March 24, 2015, in Columbus, Ohio. She was born to the late Donald and Kezia St. James, in Millinocket, Maine. She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved sisters Faith (Harold) Stewart, Ruth (Richard) Moran, her beloved brother Alan St. James, her nephew Donald “Donnie” Stewart, and her brother-in-laws Harold “Hap” Stewart and Richard Moran. She is survived by her beloved youngest sister, Betty Nan (John) Dunn, her loving nieces Dorothy Reitano and her husband, Robert Reitano, Julienne St. James, Mary Ruth Moran, Elizabeth N. Dunn, Joan M. Dunn, her nephews Richard Moran, David Stewart and his wife, Nancy, Arthur St. James, Howard St. James, Jonathan Dunn, Geoffrey Dunn and Anthony Dunn, along with her beloved sister-in-law Beverly (Alan) St. James and her loving friend, coworker and brother-in-law, John A. “Jack” Dunn. Her accomplishments both professional and personal were quite impressive. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Colby College in Maine, became a schoolteacher and later relocated to New York City, where she was one of the first women to earn a Master’s Degree of Business at New York University. She was also a member of Phi Beta Kappa society. While in New York, Ms. St. James began a 38-year career with American Electric Power (AEP), Inc. During a time when it was difficult for a woman to rise through the corporate ranks, she became the first female assistant vice-president in the entire AEP system, overseeing shareholder relations. She mentored and inspired many other women and coworkers to succeed, always remaining a teacher at heart. She always gave selflessly to her community, her family and friends and never forgot from where she came. Her personal life was filled with travel, a love for the arts and family. She traveled the world extensively over 40 years, visiting Europe, China, Russia, India, Greece and many other locations numerous times. One of her most unique experiences was watching the first moon landing on television at the American embassy in Moscow, Russia in 1969. A life-long lover of music, dance and many cultural aspects, she was deeply involved in the Columbus arts scene, a contributor to the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, CATCO and other cultural efforts locally and elsewhere. She enjoyed her independence and freedom, and remained very close to her family and friends during her professional career and beyond. An active resident and participant in the Westminster-Thurber Retirement Community, she served on several boards, enjoyed working in the store and was a longtime member of the Older Wiser Learning Students (OWLS) group. She found great comfort and care at the Kobacker House hospice, where she was treated with dignity and respect in her final hours. A memorial service for Joan St. James will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2015 at the Westminster-Thurber Retirement Community chapel at 717 Neil Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215. Visitation with family will be from Noon until 1pm, with service to follow immediately. The service will be officiated by Chaplain Mark Arni. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Kobacker House. Arrangements by Schoedinger Northwest Chapel. Please visit www.schoedinger.com to send condolences and share memories.