Barbara S. James

Barbara James, the loving mother of Nicole James Ross and Danielle James Ross, and the long-time wife and partner of Steven Ross, passed away on July 29th after a long and courageous battle against a very aggressive cancer.

Barbara was an avid painter, gardener and a devoted rescuer of dogs who were in danger, including her family’s current companions, Miya and Sandy. After her Maryland and DC career as a psychotherapist serving those most in need of help, Barbara moved to San Diego in 2009 in a successful effort to enhance the health of her daughters and to see them embark on meaningful life journeys of their own. Upon relocating, Barbara fell in love with the San Diego community and established great friendships with the early morning regulars at the Dusty Rhodes small dog park, CeeCee and the other members of the Coronado Garden Club, as well as her painting companions in Connie Athens watercolor class. She loved traveling with her family and visited many of nature’s most beautiful places as well as numerous locations representing the best of human achievements. Her painting adventures included spectacular trips to Italy, France and the Caribbean with watercolorist Christine Lashley.

Barbara’s family, both her family of origin and the family that she created, as well as her wide circle of friends on both coasts and her extended family, have throughout her sixty years been the beneficiaries of her remarkable caring skills in which she constantly perceived and attended to the needs of those around her before any self-consideration. She has truly been a person who made the lives of everyone she encountered better, because she cared for everyone’s well being. The world benefited from her presence and will suffer from her absence.

The picture above, taken during one of her painting trips to Italy, captures Barbara’s spirit and zest for life.

In addition to the family she created, she is survived by her devoted family including parents, Preston and Shirley James and her siblings, her sister, Jean Choquette, and her brother, Preston James, Jr.

Barbara’s family will conduct a memorial celebration of her life this fall. For those who wish to make a donation in her memory, the family suggests supporting the efforts of the Prevent Cancer Foundation (PreventCancer.org) at 1600 Duke Street, Suite 500, Alexandria, VA 22314.