Virginia D. “Gig” (Saunders) James, 87, of Shrewsbury, died Sunday, August 10th in UMass-Memorial Hospital, University Campus. Her husband of 57 years, George A. James, Sr., died in 2005. She leaves three sons, Arthur G. James of Shrewsbury, George A. James, Jr. and his wife Kathleen of Jefferson and Matthew C. James and his wife Corrine of Dudley; her daughter, Elaine E. Hamlin and her husband, James of Hancock, NH, eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren and many nephews and nieces..
She was born in Worcester, the daughter of Harold and Margaret (Maceijka) Saunders. Mrs. James had been employed by the Town of Shrewsbury School as a cafeteria supervisor. During WW II she was actively involved in the war effort, working in area supply industries. She was a member of St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral, and had served as a Girl Scout Leader. As an avid dancer “Gig” won numerous trophies for her mastery of the Jitterbug, during the forties.
Her funeral is Wednesday, August 13th from O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue, with a service at 10:00 a.m. in St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 102 Russell Street. Burial will follow in Mountain View Cemetery in Shrewsbury. Calling hours are from 8:30 until 9:30 a.m. the day of the funeral.