Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1920
DIED
2025
Virginia James Obituary
May 26, 1920 - May 25, 2025
Virginia Root James died one day shy of her 105th Birthday at her residence at Rosewood Village Greenbrier. The daughter of the late Mary Brennan and Captain John Allen Root, she was born in Anaconda, MT, on May 26, 1920. In addition to her husband, Harry B. James, and her parents, she is preceded in death by two sisters, Jane R. Nichols and Mary Catherine Cox. She is survived by a daughter, Mary J. Wright; two sons, John F. and Robert A. James; four grandsons, Christopher and Keith Wright and Russell and Brennan James; two step-grandchildren, David Gilmore and Heather Gilmore; five great-grandchildren, Virginia, Sparrow, and Jessalyn Wright; Dylan and Nolan James; and a step-great-granddaughter, Gracie Parrish.
Virginia James was a graduate of the University of California at Berkley and the University of Pennsylvania School of Occupational Therapy. It was while serving as an O.T. in an Army hospital during World War II that she met and married her husband and came to Charlottesville. She fell naturally into leadership positions as her three children grew up as a Cub Scout Den Mother, 4-H leader, PTA Presidents of Johnson Elementary and McIntire Elementary, a past President of the Women's Alliance of the Thomas Jefferson Memorial Church, Unitarian-Universalist, where she was also a former Church School Superintendent; and a kindergarten teacher at Merridale School on Rio Road. She also served for a time on the board of the Janie Porter Barrett Day Care Center in Charlottesville. In her 90s, she published 3 delightful books of poetry which were sold to raise funds for the Alzheimer's Association.
She and her husband were able to travel extensively throughout Europe and Eastern Europe. They crossed the USA and Canada several times, and she took numerous cruises to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, North Atlantic, and around the Horn of South America. She was able to go to both the North and South poles. She was happiest on the deck of a ship, exploring new lands.
A Celebration of Life will be held on June 7, 2025 at 2:30 p.m. at Rosewood Village Greenbrier. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of the Piedmont. Interment will be in Arlington National Cemetery. Hill & Wood Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Virginia James
2 Entries
Ann C, Colley
June 1, 2025
I remember Virginia not only as a kind, thoughtful, and generous person but also as a dear and lasting friend to my deceased parents: Henry and Connie Cheetham. The loss of Virginia creates a gap that is difficult to acknowledge and impossible to replace.
Jim White
June 1, 2025
She was so vivid a presence -as 4-H mom, Unitarian leader, and mother of very dear friends.
I wish I could be there on June 7th!
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results
Make a Donation
in Virginia James's name
Memorial Events
for Virginia James
How to support Virginia's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Virginia James's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
