Ida M. James

Ida M. James NORFOLK - Ida M. James, 80, of the 5500 block of Poplar Hall Drive, passed away Feb. 16, 2009, in a local hospital following a very brief illness surrounded by members of her loving family. Born in Chattahoochie, Fla., she was the daughter of the late Lafayette McMillan and Charity McMillan-Davis who preceded her in death. A loving wife, mother and grandmother, she is survived by her husband, Dr. Grady James, professor emeritus of the mass communications and journalism department of Norfolk State University; two sons, Michael and Christopher (Annette); one daughter, Dr. Patricia James; granddaughters, Ciera, Risa and Ronique; one brother, Alfonso (Johnnie); one brother-in-law, William; two nephews, Curtis (Dollye) and Anthony (Marie); three nieces, Sandra Carolyn, Delores and Denise; and a host of cousins and other relatives. Brothers, Rudolph and LeRoy, preceded her in death. She was an honor graduate of Stevens High School in Quincy, Fla., and Bethune-Cookman College (University) in Daytona Beach, Fla., where she later returned to work in the president's office. She reigned as "Miss Bethune-Cookman College" in 1948-49. She began a 28-year career at Norfolk State University as the secretary in the special education department and retired in 1996 after 20 years as an administrative assistant in the president's (Dr. Harrison B. Wilson) office. She was a devoted member of Covenant Presbyterian Church, 913 Covenant St., Norfolk, where a memorial service will be held Tuesday at 10 a.m. with Dr. John Payne officiating. The family would like to thank the medical and nursing staffs at the intake department at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, the medical and nursing staffs at Sentara Leigh Hospital and the Graves Funeral Home, 1631 Church St., Norfolk, staffs for their sensitive and professional attention to their loved one. For viewing hours, please call Graves Funeral Home, (757) 622-1985. Interment will follow the memorial service at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Granby Street, Norfolk. In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial donation to the American Cancer Society. www.gravesfuneralhomeinc.com.