Helen A James

Penny was born in 1933 to Dorothy and DeForest Anthony in Fall River, Massachusetts, where she grew up before studying at Radcliffe College, graduating in 1955.

Helen married Dr. William "Bill" James of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a 1954 graduate of Harvard University. They moved to Maui in 1970 and built their lives in Makawao. Bill passed away on June 17, 2020. A devoted wife and mother, Penny later became an active member of her community, serving as president of Hospice and as a board member to Seabury Hall and volunteering for organizations such as the Maui Arts & Cultural Center.

Penny is survived by her two children, Elizabeth James Johnson and Bill James.

She is also survived by five grandchildren—Max Johnson, Evan Johnson, Graham Johnson, Nolan James, and Blake James—and three great-grandchildren, Mylo Johnson, Sylvia Johnson, and Alina Johnson, who brought immense joy to her life.

The funeral service will be held at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Kula on July 2, 2026, at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of Maui.