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JAMES BILLINGTON Obituary
JAMES HADLEY BILLINGTON
Librarian of Congress Emeritus, died peacefully at 11:15 a.m. on November 20, 2018 of complications from pneumonia. He was 89. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Marjorie; as well as his four children, Susan Harper, Anne Fischer, James Billington Jr., and Thomas Billington, as well as 12 grandchildren.A celebration of his life will be held at St. Albans Church, Washington, DC on Tuesday November 27, 2018 at 4:30 p.m.
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Memories and Condolences
for JAMES BILLINGTON
Kathleen Parthé
November 21, 2025
He represented a kind of public intellectual in Washington that is sadly missed these days. May his memory continue to be a blessing.
Renee McCray Wright
December 3, 2024
Continue to rest Dr. Billington
Renee Wright
November 21, 2019
Continue to rest in heaven Dr. Billington
Kathleen Parthe
November 21, 2019
Every time I pick up one of Dr. Billington's books I think of the wonderful mind and heart behind all his work, and the love and pride he had in his family. Twenty years ago this December we were running a conference in Russia and I helped find Russian Christmas ornaments on the Arbat for each of his grandchildren. At a time when there is so much in the news about Russia, his quiet authority is missed.
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Kathleen Parthé
December 15, 2018
Working with Dr. Billington on Russia projects was both a great honor and a genuine pleasure. I will always remember the three trips to Russia in 1998 and 1999 as the chance of a lifetime to get to see how Jim worked up close and how much Russian scholars respected him. So much happened because of Dr. B. that would not have happened otherwise. Rest in peace!
Renee McCray Wright
November 29, 2018
To the Billington Family, my heart and condolences are with you in your time of sorrow. Dr. Billington will be a missed treasure. May he rest and you find comfort and peace knowing he is with the Savior and he will always be in your hearts. You have an Angel watching over you.
Cheryl & Kevin Livingston
November 27, 2018
Dear Mrs. Billington, Susan & Family, Sending healing prayers and comforting hugs. Dr. Billington, will truly be missed by many. We are so sorry for your loss. Much love always,
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