Marjorie Ellen James was born in Superior, Wisconsin, on December 3, 1921. She was 87 years young when she passed away on Friday, June 12, 2009.
Within her circle of family and close friends, she was well known as a descendant of Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain), although this was never fully acknowledged by the world.
As a child, she spent summers going on picnics with her family and worked alongside her relatives, including her father, who were traveling carnival entertainers, experiences that nourished her love of family, fun and adventure.
In 1941, Marjorie married Arthur Howard James, a Pullman porter on the Great Northern Railroad, creating homes for him and their two children in St. Paul on Fuller and Iglehart streets in the legendary Rondo community. No matter where she lived, Marjorie loved being around people and being surrounded by her family.
Cecil E. Newman and Howard were good friends, and Cecil was also one of his pallbearers. Howard introduced Marjorie to jazz music and jazz musicians. Both entertained many jazz musicians in their home, including Dizzy Gillespie and Thelonious Monk.
After Howard’s death in 1957, Marjorie worked for many years at Strandy’s Bakery in St. Paul. Marjorie was a tireless supporter of animal rights. She visited area cat shelters regularly and contributed to pet funds to save animals and find them good homes. Marjorie once raised blue point purebred kittens.
As Marjorie’s devoted nurses at Providence Place can attest, she will forever be a radiant light to all who knew her. Her children (Kathleen and Douglas), grandchildren (Robin, Angie, Steven, Nick, Tommy and Danny), and great grandchildren (Jada and Aubrieanna), along with her friends, carry on her phenomenal spirit.
Marjorie rests alongside her husband Howard at the Veterans National Cemetery, Fort Snelling. Donations on her behalf may be made to Caring for Cats, 2141 Division Street, North St. Paul, MN 55109.