Elizabeth "Betty" Scott James

Elizabeth “Betty” Scott James, longtime resident of Los Robles, Tallahassee, Florida, known for a lifetime of volunteer work at St. John’s Episcopal Church, and for a range of social activities, including leadership of a Brownie and Girl Scout troop, died Monday, April 4, 2011 at her home in Tallahassee, Florida. She was 93. Mrs. James was the widow of Dr. Charles Fleetwood James Jr., formerly a surgeon and founding physician of Tallahassee Memorial Hospital. The couple met in New York City when James was a resident surgeon at Coney Island Hospital and Elizabeth Scott was working after attending Katherine Gibbs. They were married in 1941 at The Little Church Around the Corner in New York. They moved to Tallahassee in 1947 after James completed a tour of duty as a major in the Army Medical Corps. She was a founding member of the Tallahassee Medical Auxiliary and charter member of the Five County Medical Society. She was also a charter member of the Tallahassee Junior League. She was a member of the Camellia Garden Circle, the Cotillion Club, and the Town Club, and a lifetime member of Alpha Delta Pi. At St John’s, she was in charge of the junior choir vestments and into her 90’s delivered flowers from the church to parishioners who were sick or suffering. “Nobody in Tallahassee has as many friends as she does,” said her sister Sarah Hartsfield. “She never forgets anybody’s name or birthday. She welcomes newcomers to the community and takes them under her wing. She just loves people.” Known to friends and family as “Mimi,” Betty James left an imprint on all who came in contact with her—including her five children, her seven grandchildren, six great grandchildren, and many of their friends. Long before “role model” became a popular term, Mimi exemplified a joy for life, a recognition of its blessings, a high standard for thought and deed, and a capacity to share her love with all who came in contact with her. Elizabeth Scott was born on March 1, 1918 in Savannah, Georgia. After graduating from Bainbridge High School in 1935, the Scott family moved to Tallahassee and in 1938 built a home in Los Robles. In the fall of 1935 she entered Florida State College for Women, graduating in 1939. At FSCW, she pledged Alpha Delta Pi sorority and actively supported the sorority throughout her life. Since her family did not have a car and she was curious about the world beyond Tallahassee, in the summer of her freshman year, she hopped on a bus and toured Florida, stopping to see friends along the way. At FSCW, she carried a double major, English and speech, with a minor in history. “I tried to take all of the courses that I thought were cultural. I knew I wasn’t going to a finishing school, so I decided I would take courses that I thought would enrich my personality,” she said. Her early love of learning and traveling eventually took her all over the world, though her favorite spot was Alligator Point where she water-skied and attended church at Mission By The Sea. “I’ve traveled all over the world,” she would exclaim, “and this is heaven to me.” She is survived by four children: Barbara Scott James of Tallahassee, Charles Fleetwood James III and wife Nan, Pensacola, Elizabeth “Betsy” James Clements of Tallahassee, Carolyn James Fetner and husband Scott, Pensacola. Dennis Hamilton James, pre-deceased her. His wife, Claire P. James, resides in Atlanta. Seven grandchildren: Dennis H. James, Jr., Katherine James Isakson, Charles F. James IV, Alice Elizabeth James, Merrett Elizabeth Clements, Elizabeth Ann Fetner, and Barbara Scott Fetner; six great grandchildren: Hamilton James, Andersson James, Henry James, Elizabeth Isakson, Sarah Katherine Isakson, William Isakson; sister: Sarah Scott Hartsfield, Tallahassee. The James family wishes to thank her many friends and caregivers Cornelius Duhart and Grace Timmons, who gave unstintingly of their love and loyalty, and brought joy to her life. A celebration of life will be held at 3:30 PM, Thursday, April 7, 2011, at St John’s Episcopal Church, 211 North Monroe Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32301. The family will receive friends in Alfriend Hall following the service. A graveside service for family members at Roselawn Cemetery will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John’s Episcopal Church, Mission By The Sea, 28 Carnival Lane, Alligator Point, FL 32346, or the charity of your choice

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Elizabeth "Betty" Scott James

March 1, 1918 - April 4, 2011