Elizabeth Beth James

Elizabeth "Beth" James 85, died on March 23, 2018. Elizabeth Fitzgibbon James entered the world on January 19, 1933 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She was a graduate of Shorewood High School in the class of 1950 and went on to attend St. Marys of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana and the University of Wisconsin in Madison, where she was a member of Pi Beta Phi Sorority. During her college summers she enjoyed working as a camp counselor. Beth and Alfred "Fred" James III were wed on December 27, 1952, and began their married life in San Antonio, Texas during her husbands army years. In 1954 the couple, along with a new infant, moved to Wichita, Kansas when Fred took a job with the Gulf Oil Corporation. In her new hometown, Elizabeth became active in volunteer services at the Institute of Logopedics (now Heartspring) serving three terms on the National Board while on the Womens Advisory Council where she held many offices including President. She served on many other Community Boards as well, usually concerning children and their well-being, including Roots and Wings, Wichita Youth Home, Wichita Childrens Home, the Phyllis Wheatley Childrens Home, Child Watch Coalition, Kansas Families for Kids, Community Review Board, Kansas Society for Children with Challenges, and the Junior League of Wichita. She valued participating as a room mother, den mother, Campfire Girls leader and President of the Minneha Elementary School PTA. In addition to teaching in the religious education program at Magdalen Church for many years, where she and Fred were co-coordinators for Special Education in Religious Education, Beth became a longtime member of Monican Circle, a group of Catholic ladies who distribute layettes to the needy. Mrs. James felt that the 18 years she and her husband were licensed foster parents for newborn infants awaiting adoption was her crowning achievement, bringing her immeasurable joy and fulfillment. She also gained pleasure participating in many clubs, including several book clubs, an investment club, Town Talks, Wit & Wisdom, the Pi Beta Phi Alumnae Club, and the Association of Petroleum Women, serving as President of each group. Elizabeth treasured the warm companionship of her beloved dogs throughout her lifetime. Preceded in death by her parents and sister, Ann Slagter. She is survived by her husband of 65 years; her four sons, Fred (Mary-Ann) and Christopher (Sherrie) of Nashville, Tennessee; Peter (Rebekah) of St. Louis, Missouri, and David (Veronica) of Ventura, California; daughter, Kathryn, of Augusta, Kansas; six grandchildren, Charlianne, Catherine, David Fitzgibbon, Molly, Jonathan, and Anna; and sister, Jane Dohmen of Port Washington, Wisconsin. Rosary will be at 6:00 pm, Tuesday, March 27, 2018; Funeral Mass will be at 1:00 pm, Wednesday, March 28, 2018, both at Church of the Resurrection Catholic Church. There will be a private burial following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Spiritual Life Center, 7100 E. 45th St. N., Wichita, KS 67226 or Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, 313 S. Market, Wichita, KS 67202. Downing & Lahey Mortuary East.