Eleanor James

Eleanor Smith James died peacefully on Thursday, September 29, 2022. Mrs. James, born August 13, 1929, was the daughter of Eleanor Hill Smith of Kinston NC and Frederick William Smith of Mt. Airy NC. A graduate of the Women’s College of Greensboro, she taught high school History until her marriage to Dr. Joseph M. James in 1960. They moved to his hometown of Wilmington NC, in 1962.

Eleanor was a committed follower of Jesus Christ and a member of Myrtle Grove Presbyterian Church. She was a member of the Junior League of Wilmington. She was a savvy financial investor and shared her profits with many charitable organizations. She was First Mate of the “Sugarfoot,” and was a champagne and chocolate aficionado.

Mrs. James leaves behind her husband of 62 years, Dr. Joseph M. James, her daughter, Elizabeth James Dunn and husband, Dr. Thaddeus L Dunn, her daughter, Charlotte Eleanor James and husband, Grady R. Pitts, her grandchildren, Sallie Elizabeth Dunn (Kit Williams), Mary Katherine Dunn, Eleanor Isabelle Hissam and Margaret Alexandra Hissam. She also leaves behind her cousins Charlotte Moseley Worsley, husband Earl M. Worsley, and Rebecca Moseley Fancher, husband Kennedy P. Fancher, their children Will Worsley, Jay Howell (Frances), and Rachel Mobley (Clayton), and their children Jack, Harry, Stevie, and Margot. She was predeceased by her cousin Dr. Thomas V. Moseley, and her best friend, his wife Jessie S. Moseley.

There will be a visitation at Andrews Mortuary, 1617 Market Street, at 11:00 am, Friday, October 7, followed by a private burial at Oakdale Cemetery. Friends may also visit the family at home between 2:00 and 5:00 that afternoon. Memorials may be made to Lower Cape Fear Life Care, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington NC 28401.