Doris E. James

Doris E. James, 91, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 29, 2014.

Born September 24, 1923, in Saint Clair, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of the late Joseph Haverty James and Agnes Evans James. As a baby, the late Walter Fahrquar, the longtime sports columnist for the Pottsville Republican, dubbed her "The Million Dollar Baby," because her father, Joseph Haverty James, had passed up several professional baseball contracts with major league teams to remain at home and provide for her. 

She was preceded in death by her brother, Robert T. James and his wife, Elizabeth (Bibby) James, a sister-in-law, Nancy E. James, a nephew, Daniel A. James, and a great-nephew Richard Robert James.

She is survived by her brother Franklin J. James, Saint Clair; five nephews: Mr. Robert J. James and Mr. Joseph W. James, Saint Clair, Mr. Richard W. James, Hummelstown, Monsignor David L. James, Whitehall, and Dr. Donald F. James, New Cumberland; a cousin, Mrs. Colleen Mochnoc, wife of Mr. Michael Mochnoc, Saint Clair;  great-nephews and nieces.

Miss James attended Saint Mary Parochial School and Saint Clair High School, graduating in 1941. Beginning in January 1942 and throughout the Second World War she was employed by the War Production Board, Washington, D.C. Upon the conclusion of the War, she returned to Saint Clair and was employed by State Office of Employment and then by the Social Security Administration, Pottsville, where she was an executive secretary, retiring in 1980. 

Doris was a devoted and generous parishioner of Saint Mary Parish and a member of its BVM Sodality and, since 2008, of Saint Clare of Assisi. She spent the early part of each day reciting her daily prayers, which included the Miraculous Medal Novena and the Rosary. While having many interests and hobbies, she was in particular an avid reader, especially of Ellery Queen and Agatha Christie mysteries and loved to watch Murder, She Wrote and Matlock. 

Doris was devoted to her family. She took care of her father and mother until their deaths and was a caring and generous sister and aunt, who was always interested in her family and encouraged and supported them in their pursuits in life.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday at 1030 AM  from St. Clare of Assisi Roman Catholic Church, 250 E. Hancock St. St. Clair. The Monsignor David L. James  will be officiating. . Friends may call from 930 – 1030 AM   at the church.   In lieu of flowers the family would prefer donations be made to Saint Clare of Assisi Memorial Fund.  Burial will be in Queen of the Universe Cemetery,  Norwegian Twp.

Bruce T. Hart Funeral Home, St. Clair, is in charge of arrangements.