Marjorie Carol James

Marjorie Carol James, 93, passed away at her home, with her family, in Sonoma on April 25, 2014.

She was born, one of identical twins, Dec. 28, 1920, in Fargo, North Dakota. She is a graduate of North Dakota School for the Deaf, Gallaudet University and obtained California Life Teaching Credentials from San Francisco State University.

“Marge” married William “Cal” Calton James, on June 7, 1947, in Washington, D.C., and moved to Sonoma that same year. She is predeceased by her husband, Cal; her twin sister, Marilyn; and brothers, Robert and Dale. She is survived by, and much beloved of, her three children, Juanita James Cook, Valerie (Herb) Ammann and Gregory (Vickie) James; sisters, Beverly String and Peggy Kohoutek; three grandchildren, Amy Emry, Jenny James and Lisa Meyer; and five great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Her family was the center of her life, and she was the heart of the family.

She was a teacher at Sonoma Developmental Center for 17 years where she made many long time friends. Marge was a skilled seamstress, and was often recruited to make wedding dresses for family friends, something she considered a gift of love. She loved gardening, needlework, crossword puzzles and read three newspapers, including The Sonoma Index-Tribune, every day of publication until the last few weeks of her life.

Her gentle smile, kind heart and generous soul will be deeply missed. Her family will receive visitors that wish to join us to celebrate her life and wish her a peaceful journey at her home in Sonoma on Saturday, June 21, from 2 to 5 p.m. Details available by contacting Juanita James Cook at j66.cook@gmail.com.

The family wishes to recognize Hospice By The Bay, the Sonoma Valley Fire Department ambulance crew, Dr. Brian Sebastian, and Sonoma Valley Hospital for the excellent care she received in the last years of her life.