June 12, 1918 – Feb. 7, 2010

Sue James

August 18, 1921 – Feb. 12, 2010

Sue and Doug James, recently of Redmond, OR, died the week of February 7, surrounded by their five children and two sons-in-law.

J. Douglas James was born to John Warren James and Nelle Becker James in Springfield, OH, on June 12, 1918. He graduated from Wittenberg University in 1941 and was pursuing graduate studies at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA when he met his future bride, Sue Constanzo. They courted by correspondence for the three years that Douglas served as a medic in the Aleutian Islands, Alaska during WWII.

Sue James was born to Nicolo and Rosina Constanzo in Philadelphia, PA, on August 18, 1921. Designated one of the ten outstanding Seniors at Temple University, she graduated in 1942 with a degree in Education. Sue and Douglas were married on November 4, 1945 in Philadelphia before moving to Springfield, OH.

Doug and Sue attended Christ Episcopal Church. Their faith in Christ was central to their relationship. They ran the James Lumber Company before building the first two modern nursing homes in Springfield. Through his work as Administrator of New Horizons and Ethan Allen Manor, Doug devoted his lifes work to providing compassionate care to dozens of seniors and their families. One of Sues greatest joys was her 23 years of teaching history and social studies at Ridgewood School, where she was much loved by her students and colleagues.

The couple shared a love of the arts, which was a gift they passed on to their children. Douglas enjoyed classical music and playing piano. Sue loved to dance, teaching modern dance to her children and their friends. She enjoyed roles in several community theater productions. Sue was one of the original organizers and Chair of the Summer Arts Festival. An avid reader, Douglas enjoyed working at the Library, after his retirement.

In 1990, Doug and Sue moved to Redmond, OR. They were active members of St. Albans Episcopal Church. Doug continued to play tennis with new friends for some years and served as a volunteer at Hospice of Redmond-Sisters. He loved walking his boxer in the Canyon and exploring the beauties of Central Oregon.

Sue was employed as a Spiritual Coordinator at Hospice of Redmond-Sisters for 16 years, retiring in 2008. During this time she was ordained to the Episcopal deaconate and served as a pastoral caregiver at St. Charles Medical Center in Bend. She was ordained to the priesthood in December 2001, serving at St. Albans through 2008.

Douglas and Sue are survived by their five children: Cynthia Lamb Faust, Deborah Bradshaw, Barbara Coleman, Claudia James, and Greg James, as well six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. They are also survived by: Dougs sister, Joan Wagenseller and extended family; Sues cousins, Dante Costanzo, Anita Troilo, and extended families of cousins, nieces and nephews in Italy, Toronto, and Philadelphia.

A joint memorial service in Redmond will be held in March. Redmond Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements, 541-548-3219.