Hannah Margaret James

Hannah Margaret James was born on September 28, 1937, in Georgetown, Guyana, to Sundar and Esme Rosalyn Ramdial. She was the 3rd of six children: Felix, George, Margaret, Esther, Harry, and Samuel, and was a little sister to her big cousin Beverly, who grew up with them. She attended primary school at St. Stephen’s Church of Scotland School and secondary school at St. Joseph’s Catholic High School. She was always bright and curious and excelled in her school studies. The scholarship class test was given to students moving from primary to secondary school. Her marks placed her among the first in the country, which gave her access to the best high schools. Music filled her with joy, and she played violin and piano. Her level of expertise allowed her to perform in local concerts.

In the following years, she developed interests in crochet and knitting and even dabbled briefly in clothes making.

In her early twenties, she immigrated to London, England, with the intention of training as a nurse… Instead, she began working in the banking industry, beginning at Simpsons Clothing Factory in Stoke Newington. At Simpsons, she worked in their accounting department and eventually moved on to the accounting department at National Westminster Bank on Threadneedle Street. Hannah Margaret thoroughly enjoyed this venture and often reflected on her experiences.

Hannah Margaret met John Edward James; they married and had three beautiful children: Nicola and fraternal twins Julius and Samantha. Together, they prospered in their careers in accounting and banking and subsequently purchased and ran a sub-post office on Dalston Lane in London, England, which they owned for many years.

She moved to America in the eighties and began her journey toward a career in the medical field at Essex County College. During this time, she began working as a Telemetry Technician at St. Michael’s Hospital in Newark, New Jersey, and worked at several other hospitals throughout Northern New Jersey.

She moved to Florida in 2006 to trade snow for sun and brought her experience to Florida Hospital Zephyrhills, where she was adored. She loved work and the independence it afforded her; however, due to COVID-19, she was forced to retire unwillingly at 82 years young.

Hannah Margaret enjoyed singing in her church choir and even devoted some of her time to teaching Sunday school, both in Guyana and in the U.S. She enjoyed gardening and holiday decorating while making the holidays fun through baking and other activities. She loved beach colors and shells. She never missed her nightly news broadcast or watching her game shows. She loved shopping and sightseeing. Although very private, she had a compassionate heart and was always willing to extend herself to anyone who may have needed help, guidance, or support. She was active, thoroughly involved, and devoted to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Hannah Margaret loved them immensely and enjoyed spending quality time with them.

Maggie, as she was lovingly referred to, was predeceased by her husband, John Edward; her children, Julius and Samantha; and her brothers, Felix, George, and Harry. She leaves to mourn her earthly departure: her daughter, Nicola; her grandchildren, Leon and Terrie; and her grandson-in-law, Fred. Her great-grandchildren, Amália, Teigan, and Leah; her siblings, Joan Esther and Samuel Sundar; and countless cousins, including the Roaches, Robertsons, and Victors, nieces, nephews, and close friends.

We will never forget how she touched our lives and will miss her dearly.

A Funeral Mass will take place at 10am on Friday, October 16, 2026 at St Mark The Evangelist Catholic Church located at 9724 Cross Creek Blvd, Tampa, FL 33647. The family will receive friends starting at 9:15am that morning.