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Betty James Obituary
She died Thursday, said a spokeswoman for the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.
In 1945, James and her husband at the time, Richard, founded the company that would later make Slinky, the toy for which she was inducted into the Toy Industry Hall of Fame in 2001.
She took over management of James Industries Inc. 14 years after the company was founded, after her husband left her to follow a religious cult in Bolivia. Richard James died in 1974.
Initially, James would leave her six children with a caregiver from Sunday through Thursday while she oversaw operations in Philadelphia. But in 1965, she moved the company to her hometown of Hollidaysburg, where although it was sold in 1998 to Michigan-based POOF Products Inc., it remains today.
"She was an icon in the community because of that business," Blair County Commissioner Diane Meling said. "What kid didn't grow up with a Slinky?"
Hundreds of millions of Slinkys have been sold worldwide. James explained the classic toy's success in a 1995 interview with The Associated Press.
"I think really it's the simplicity of it," she said. "There's nothing to wind up; it doesn't take batteries. I think also the price helps. More children can play with it than a $40 or $60 toy."
On its Web site, the Hall of Fame praises James for commitment and perseverance that "allowed children the world over the opportunity to relish the ingenuity and pure fun of a Slinky."
Copyright © 2008 The Associated Press
47 Entries
Susan Glover
March 22, 2010
Years ago my first graders wrote Mrs. James and asked her questions about Slinkies. There were about 25 students in my class that year. I was touched and my students so excited when Mrs. James wrote each child a personal letter and sent each one a Slinky as well. Mrs. James sent me a golden Slinky which I treaure to this day. What a wonderful, generous, and caring person she was. I will always remember her act of kindness toward a group of first graders and their teacher from rural North Carolina. I was deeply saddened to learn that she is no longer with us. I only found out tonight as I was thinking about her and decided to do a little on-line research. My heartfelt sympathy to her family. I feel as though I knew her all these years. I only wish I had had the opportunity to meet her in person.
William Taylor
July 27, 2009
You will always live in our hearts and prayers.
It's been my pleasure working for you.
November 29, 2008
Betty,
You have added joy to our lives slinky. May God keep your family in perfect peace.
Terri and John Andrews Orlando Florida
Zenobia Silas-Carson
November 29, 2008
Thank you for marketing an amazing toy that has stood the test of time! What insight and encouragement in a time when women were not expected to be any more than housewives.
In mourning..
Zenobia L Silas-Carson
How you can show support
Davis
November 29, 2008
Please accept my heartfelt condolence.I didn't know Betty James but I just wanted to give my condoelence. The Bible tell us about a wonderful hope. At Matthew 6:9,10 talk about God's Kingdom and how it will bring condition that will help all mankind, no more sickness or death and the earth will become a paradise.
Randy Boling
November 28, 2008
Though you never met me. I am writing to Thank You for
all the enjoyment of owning a slinky as I was growing up.
The facination with the slinky can help make one courious
about many unseen and undeveloped toys for the future.
Sincerely
Randy Boling
N. Myrtle Beach S.C.
Rick and Mary Lewis
November 28, 2008
Our sympathy to the James family. We have many fond memories of Mrs. James in both our personal and business friendship. Love and prayers go out to all of you.
Tom T
November 28, 2008
Thank you for your work that brought joy to millions. I always loved my slinky but would get so sad when it would get tangled & my mom would throw it away.
A Grandmother
November 28, 2008
Sorry for your lost, may knowing that others do care give you all a measure of comfort.
May God give you the needed strenght to endure each and everyday.
God proimise, a time will come when He will wipe out every tear from there eyes and death will be no more.
My deepest Sympathy
A Mother
November 27, 2008
James Family,
I loved my slinky, I am 56 now. It was a toy you could just play with all alone. What fond memories.
The Bible promise:
The hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who did good things to a resurrection of life.
God will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore.
With Sympathy,
Rebecca Thomason
November 27, 2008
I had a Slinky when I was a kid & had so much fun with it; I even have one now & I am 53 years old.
I'm sorry for your loss, Ms. Betty James was a leader & what we can all strive to be. Thank you for sharing her with us. May she rest in peace. May God be with you all.
A. C.
November 27, 2008
I too owned a few slinkys in my life time. I would even enjoy one if I had it right now! I was sad to read of Betty James' death. I'm sure she will be greatly missed. But when I experience death in my family I always find comfort in the scripture at Revelation 21:4 where God promises that one day death and pain will be no more. So I hope that everyone can find comfort in that scripture as I have.
Pauline Reische
November 26, 2008
I had slinkys as a child, bought them for my 3 children & both of my grandsons. We even owned a dachshund we called Slinky because he went down the stairs just like the original.
I am so sorry to hear about the death of the originator. My condolences to her family. May God bless you all.
Tom Gugliuzza-Smith
November 26, 2008
My heartfelt sympathy to the James family and friends. I remember having a slinky as a child and later in life I purchased them for my boys. I would be found playing with the slinkys and my boys would say daddy you got the slinkys for us.
After living in the PA area for 52 years Hollidaysburg is another beautiful area of PA.
Thank you Betty James and RIP
Aisha Sprague
November 26, 2008
To the family: I am sorry for your loss and hope you find comfort and hope in the scriptures, knowing that God too feels pain and longs to see your loved one again John 5:28,29
Cajun LeBlanc
November 26, 2008
I too had several thru the years as a kid. It was one of my favorite toys.
May you rest in peace.
Bill Carroll
November 26, 2008
My most sincere thoughts and prayers for the family and relatives of this couragous woman. What kid didn't have a slinky to amuse him growing up. Her company provided so much joy to kids throughout the years. That why Slinkdog was in that special movie. God Bless her on her way to the other level.
David Lewis
November 26, 2008
I am almost 60 years and I remember getting a Slinky for Christmas when I a child, the Slinky is the toy I remember most, I got a lot more expensive toys but none that I enjoyed more. I am sorry to hear that Betty James passed away, she was one of a kind.
aria zarco
November 26, 2008
SHE WAS MY BFFFL GRAMA
The Jackson Family
November 26, 2008
To the James family, Betty made a wonderful contribution to society with the Slinky. Although I never owned one, I always enjoyed the commercials when I was a little girl. May the God of all comfort be with you at this difficult time. (2 Cor. 1:4)
jamey beavers
November 25, 2008
?What walks down stairs, alone or in pairs,
And makes a slinkity sound?
A spring, a spring, a marvelous thing,
Everyone knows it?s Slinky.
It?s Slinky, it?s Slinky,
For fun it?s a wonderful toy,
It?s Slinky, it?s Slinky,
It?s fun for a girl and a boy.?
Felicia Peluso
November 25, 2008
God bless you Betty. The slinky was my most favorite toy growing up. My sister and I would make it walk down the stairs, it almost had a life all it's own. Thank you for the great childhood memories.
My prayers are with you and your family.
barb evans
November 25, 2008
ms james i gonna give you credit, i grew up in the projects with an alcoholic father and my mother would put me on a bus and send me to the farm people. but when i come back from the farm. My slinky would be there for my bruder and sisters. We are took turns and shared it. My muder worked in a seed factory and was so thankful she was able to get one. for the family I just sad I never got to take it with me on the bus trip to the farm.
Marianne & Noel Rinaldi
November 25, 2008
"Everyone knows it's slinky!" I loved my slinky and at 55 years old my husband and I can still sing the slinky jingle word for word. Godspeed Betty!
Marianne & Noel
Kim M.
November 25, 2008
Thank-You Betty James for making the Slinky, this was one of my favorite toys. (even my cat like to watch it go down stairs). I now have a plastic slinky, and play with it like a kid.
Mo Dundon
November 25, 2008
What a wonderful legacy ! I loved my Slinky ! R.I.P. Betty James
Roro R
November 25, 2008
I grew up poor. Yet, my mother managed to buy me a Slinky, which kept me busy for quite a while. You shall be missed, Ms. Betty!
Eddie Boston
November 25, 2008
Rest in pease Betty James/The Slinky Lady will never be forgotten thanks for the childnood memories.
Scott
November 25, 2008
To the James Family: I am so very sorry to hear of Betty's passing. I know this must be a hard time for you but may you find comfort in Gods promise at Revealtion 21:4.
Barbara Walker
November 25, 2008
Dear Chris and James family,
I was so sorry to hear of your loss.
It's been many years since our days at Hollidaysburg High School but after reading your mother's story, I find that she must have been an incredible woman.
The thoughts of many are with you during this difficult time.
My deepest sympathy,
November 25, 2008
I really enjoyed my slinky Ms. Betty God bless you rest in peace. Patricia Goldsmith Niagara Falls,New York
Susan Moody
November 25, 2008
I lived in a two-story house growing up and I can remember playing with my Slinky on the stair steps many a time. They are wonderful memories. May God bless you and your family during this difficult time.
A Friend
November 25, 2008
May the family and friends be comforted during this time of grieving. I am 51 and have fond memories of using the Slinky. It was a great toy.
Cheryl
November 25, 2008
Thank you Miss Betty for making my favorite childhood toy.
God Bless you and your family at this difficult time.
Thomas Widgeon
November 25, 2008
Jesus Loves Me!!!
Henryk Zaleski
November 25, 2008
God bless you Betty James. Rest in peace.
Lorna Bell
November 24, 2008
I loved Slinky when I was a kid. Thank you Betty James.
Yalanda
November 24, 2008
My condolences. Was in training last week and the trainer gave us slinkys to keep our hands busy so we wouldn't fall asleep.
Pauline Hicks
November 24, 2008
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
D. ZIMMERMAN
November 24, 2008
REST IN PEACE BETTY JAMES
Catherine
November 24, 2008
My condolences.
Harry Simpson
November 24, 2008
Well done Betty. Well done.
A fellow mourner
November 24, 2008
To the James Family:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. While you have lost your mother and a dear friend, the world had lost someone who has touched the lives of millions over the years.
When we think of the Slinkly, we think of times when families enjoyed uncomplicated fun, and your loved one contributed to that greatly. May your faith in God help you to cope with your loss, and may the promises he has recorded in the bible give you confidence to put hope in his arrangement for the future. Part of this arrangement has to do with righteous, peaceful conditions existing right here on earth. No doubt Betty will graciously fit into that arrangement.
Take Care,
David J Bhaltazhar Esq
November 24, 2008
Jublikhan and I cast our blessings unto your eternal peace.
Sincerely,
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