Elizabeth Ellen "Betty" James

East Lyme - Elizabeth "Betty" Ellen James, 96, of 6 East Shore Drive, Niantic, passed away, Tuesday, July 30, 2013, in Niantic.

Betty was born in New London, on Oct. 1, 1916, the daughter of John H. James and Helena (Dray) James. She was a graduate of the Mount St. Joseph Academy in West Hartford and in 1938, she graduated from Trinity College in Washington, D.C. Betty was a lifelong resident of New London and also Black Point Beach, Niantic, where she most recently lived.

Since 1941, Betty was secretary and treasurer of James Drug Company, Inc, located at 181 Bank St., New London. James Drug was founded by her father, John H. James in 1914 and was a family run business for 82 years. After graduating from college, Betty spent one year at The Katherine Gibbs School in New York, N.Y. and returned to New London to accept a position as secretary to the president of Mitchell College (formerly known as New London Junior College). When the college elected to disband day classes and convert their facilities to war uses, Betty decided to join her father at James Drug Co. Upon her father's death in 1952, Betty and her brother, Edward M. James, continued to successfully operate the business until 1996 upon which both retired. Under their supervision, James Drug saw vast growth and many changes to the business. James Drug became the first regional drugstore to sell surgical supplies. Another milestone was achieved in 1962 when James Drug celebrated its second millionth prescription which was for a drug manufactured by Pfizer, Inc. This was a very unique achievement for an independent drug firm and recognized by many pharmaceutical companies with commemorative plaques. When the drug store was first founded, prescriptions were delivered by horse and carriage. By the mid-1960's the rapid growth included a fleet of modern trucks which delivered prescriptions compounded by a staff of seven registered pharmacists to private homes and convalescent hospitals throughout southeastern Connecticut. In 1965, James Drug expanded to sell gourmet food and fine wines. Betty was also instrumental in founding James & Company in Watch Hill, R.I., which operated during the summer months from 1973 to 1984 bringing the same level of customer service to this summer community.

During her life, Betty was a member of Zonta International and was very involved with Catholic Charities of Norwich Diocese and the Lawrence + Memorial Auxiliary. She was a lifetime member of St. Joseph Church in New London. Betty traveled extensively to Europe with her friends and her family. Betty was devoted to spending time with all her nieces and nephews at her home in Black Point.

Betty is survived by her brother, Edward M. James of Niantic. She is also survived by her four nieces, Claudia James of Arlington, Va., Maura James of Old Black Point, Niantic, Mary Liz James of Stonington, Margaret James of Waterford; and her two nephews, John James of Niantic, and Mark James of West Chester, Pa. She also leaves nine great-nieces and nephews; and one great-grand-nephew.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 2, at St. Joseph Church, 17 Squire St., New London, followed by interment in St. Mary Cemetery. There are no calling hours.

The Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Catholic Charities, or the Visiting Nurses Association, Southeastern Connecticut.

Condolence messages may be left at www.neilanfuneralhome.com.