HANOVER, NH — Ann James, age 94, died at her home on July 31, 2020. She was born March 22, 1926, in Mendota, IL, the daughter of Walcott and Ann Cavell Van Etten.
Ann graduated from Mendota Township High School in 1944; from Stephens College for Women in 1946, majoring in aviation and receiving her private pilot’s license; and from Michigan State University in 1948 with a BA in psychology.
On June 4, 1949, she married Ensign Robert Crawford James, USN, at the United States Naval Academy Chapel and was a Navy wife for the next 24 years. Their seven children are Rand of Kitty Hawk, NC, Tia of Hanover, NH, Brad of Stowe, VT, Julie of Monroe City, IN, James of Avon, ME, Jason of Punta del Este, Uruguay, and Vanessa of Cornwall, VT.
Ann helped establish the Upper Valley Hostel (Maynard House), David’s House, and Outreach House. She was an active member of the United Church of Christ at Dartmouth College. She was predeceased by her husband, parents, two brothers, and a sister.
Surviving her are her seven children, 15 grandchildren, and six great grandchildren.
The family is deeply grateful to her dedicated caregivers and Bayada Hospice. Private graveside services will be held at the convenience of the family at Pine Knoll Cemetery. Memorial gifts may be given to the Upper Valley Humane Society, 300 Old Route 10, Enfield, NH, 03748. Arrangements were under the direction of Rand-Wilson Funeral Home of Hanover, NH.