Virginia S. James

Virginia S. James, 95, died peacefully on January 20, 2022, in Port Orange, Florida,

where she resided in recent years. She previously resided in Connecticut – in New

Britain, Easton, and North Branford – but moved to Florida in 2015. All her life,

Virginia spent summers in beloved New Harbor, Maine, where her grandparents

first visited in 1914 and her parents bought a cottage in 1954.

Wherever she was, it was Virginia’s special joy to connect with friends, family, and

nature, and she had a gift for encouraging others and finding beauty. She was

devoted to family, loyal and generous, and enjoyed connecting with all living

things. In character, Virginia was intelligent, brave, disciplined, and deeply spiritual. She

loved books and learning, loved travel and adventure, sought excellence, forgave

freely, cherished art and music, and embraced life with humor and enthusiasm.

Born in 1926 to Doris and Austin Stowell of New Britain, Virginia, was the middle

child of five. She was predeceased by sister Carolyn Charles and brothers Philip

and Roger Stowell, and is survived by sister Cynthia Parmelee of Branford, CT.

Virginia graduated from Middlebury College and initially worked as Advertising

Manager for Fafnir Ball Bearings, the first woman to hold that position. After

several years in business, she switched to a career in Education and began as an

elementary school teacher in Wilton and Westport. This began what would

ultimately be 40 years of teaching in Connecticut public schools, primarily in

Wallingford.

To further her Education career, Virginia obtained a Masters degree from Yale

University and a Ph.D. in Education of the Gifted and Talented from the University

of Connecticut. She completed additional studies through New York University ,

Southern Connecticut State College, and the University of Arizona.

In 1950, Virginia married William H. James, then Superintendent of Schools in

Easton, Connecticut. In June 1955, she and William jointly graduated from Yale

University – she with her Masters, he with his Ph.D. – and a year later they

welcomed their daughter, Hillery. Virginia and William enjoyed 64 years of

marriage; it was his passing which prompted Virginia’s relocation to Florida to be

near Hillery and her husband, Chris.

Virginia loved connecting with others. She enjoyed fellowship with women

educators through active participation in Delta Kappa Gamma and served as State

President for Connecticut. She also belonged to DAR and AAUW; was active in

church; and treasured neighbors and friends from around the world.

Virginia is survived by her daughter, Hillery James-Chung; her son-in-law, Chris

Chung; sister, Cindy Parmelee; cousins, nieces and nephews; dear friend and

assistant, Judi Evans; and large extended family through Chris, particularly

grandson Doron Chung. All were “my family” to Virginia.

Her family gratefully thanks all the many people who have helped us to help

Mom. Virginia trusted the Lord to take care of her, and He did: He did it through

gracious, willing hands and hearts on earth.

Service arrangements are not yet finalized. The family asks that in lieu of flowers,

donations may be made to Maine Coast Heritage Trust (1 Bowdoin Mill Island,

Ste. 201, Topsham, ME 04086 or online at https://www.mcht.org); or to the New

Harbor Methodist Church (PO Box 100, New Harbor, ME 04554).