Vivian May James

Viv was born in Chatham, May 1, 1922, daughter of Francis L. and Arabelle C. James, both descendants of the Praying Indian people of Takemmy Christiantown (West Tisbury) and Aquinnah of Martha’s Vineyard, settling in Chatham in 1910.

She was the fifth of seven siblings to earn her High School Diploma from Chatham High School, one of her eight siblings having died due to tuberculosis. Vivian graduated with the class of 1940, a star athlete and sports enthusiast. She furthered her scholarship by being awarded both a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree from State Teachers College at Hyannis and Bridgewater; her major: Physical Education.

Her enthusiastic approach to physical education, as well as her teaching and coaching abilities, at ten Elementary Schools and one Middle School in the Greenfield School System kept her occupied for more than thirty years. It also allowed her the opportunity to involve herself with her two favorite hobbies: the Metropolitan Opera performances and the Boston Red Sox. Her retirement due to her disability in no way acted as a deterrent to her daily activities. Her vibrant personality and sense of humor more than kept her “just living.” She had something to offer for the taking: she rode on an elephant, she was mistakenly called “Vera” by motion picture actor David Niven, and, as well as being a Red Sox fan, had a coach friend who played for the Cleveland Indians.

A memorial service will be held May 1 at 11 AM at the First United Methodist Church of Chatham. A grave side service will be held at Sea Side Cemetery, Chatham the first week in June (date to be announced), followed by a celebration of Viv’s life at the Parish Hall.