Marion Lithgow James

Melrose - Marion L. James Marion L. "Jamie" James, 95, of Melrose, died November 9, 2008, at the Countryside Manor of Bristol, Conn., after a long illness. She was born in the Dominican Republic on May 5, 1913, daughter of the late Arthur W. Lithgow and Ina Robinson Lithgow. She moved to Melrose at the age of 5, where she remained until she moved to a nursing home in New Hampshire in 2003. She leaves behind a sister, Jeanette Lithgow Peverly of Milton, wife of the late Russell Peverly, originally of Melrose; her sons, Arthur and Robert James of Bristol, Conn.; her daughter-in-law (wife of Robert), Margaret Harrigan of Farmington, Conn.; and five grandchildren, Daniel of Old Lyme, Conn., Laurie of County Donegal, Ireland, David of Holyoke, Erin of Bristol, Conn., and Heather of County Sligo, Ireland. She is also survived by six great-grandchildren, ranging from 11 months to 17 years; seven nieces; and two nephews. Mrs. James was the wife of the late Jesper S. James of Melrose and gave birth to four boys, Arthur, Robert, and Donald and Lawrence, now deceased. She graduated from Melrose High School, Class of 1931 and attended the School of Domestic Science in Boston, from which she received her dietician certificate. She was employed at a hospital in Philadelphia, where she met her husband, Jesper. Mrs. James was a lifelong member and "pillar" of the Melrose Unitarian Universalist Church, serving on many committees and a true advocate of the ideals of the church. Through this relationship, she became a key member in the Bread of Life program and for which she received awards for her service from the mayor and state representative. In addition, she served many years with the League of Women Voters in Melrose. Her iconic fame comes from her work as the dietician and director of the Melrose High School food programs. Many who are now living may recall with fondness the effort she put into providing great and tasty meals in the cafeteria. She retired at age 70. Later in life, Mrs. James took up knitting and began her avocation of travel to foreign countries, which she enjoyed immensely. She was always willing to transport friends for doctor visits. She is an outstanding example of a well-lived life. Burial arrangements will be private and a memorial service is planned for later in Melrose. Expressions of sympathy in Mrs. James' name may be made to the Melrose High School Permanent Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 760695, Melrose, MA 02176 or to the Unitarian Universalist Church, 70 W Emerson St., Melrose, MA 02176.