NORTHEAST HARBOR – Mary W. James, 87, died Aug. 4, 2010, at Mount Desert Island Hospital. She was born Dec. 9, 1922, in Portsmouth, N.H., the daughter of Edgar M. and Ruth F. (Reynolds) Wilcox. After Mary graduated from high school she joined the U.S. Navy as a member of the WAVES serving during World War II. She married Alfred J. “Buster” James Jr., in 1947. Before becoming a mother she attended the University of Maine, Orono, and studied education. She taught school briefly, but found her true calling in being a part of the business community in Northeast Harbor. Mary and Buster owned and operated two businesses, Pine Tree Market for 14 years and The Holmes Store for 33 years. Both Buster and Mary were involved in the community. Mary was a member of many organizations and an active part of the Main Street community. Mary is survived by a son, Alfred J. James III and wife, Tanis, of Bar Harbor; five grandchildren, Darith, Hillary, Amanda, Sarah and Carlie; and two great-grandchildren, Jack and Stella. She was predeceased by her husband; and daughter, Diane Katherine Orr. A graveside service will be held 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 8, at Forest Hill Cemetery, Northeast Harbor. Contributions in Mary’s memory may be made to Southwest Harbor Animal Welfare, Inc., P.O. Box 434, Southwest Harbor, ME 04679. Arrangements by Jordan-Fernald, 1139 Main St., Mount Desert. Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com.
MARY W. JAMES
