Virginia Elouise James, 89, passed away of pneumonia on Oct. 29, 2017 while under Hospice care at her daughter’s home in White City, Oregon.

Born on Oct. 2, 1928 to Bessie and John Reeder in Stonewall, Mississippi, Virginia came from a family with humble roots. She married Royce H. Mayo in 1946 in Quitman, Mississippi. They relocated to Ashland, Oregon in 1952 with three of their five children in tow, and later divorced in 1971. Virginia remarried in 1973 to Earl L. James of Medford, Oregon. The couple had no children. Both husbands preceded her in death.

Although she stayed single the remaining 38 years of her life, Virginia kept busy with a vast array of interests, hobbies, family and friends. She loved playing games such as bingo, and cards, which was a staple in her home. Virginia especially loved camping in her motorhome, and frequently joined her friends and family for campouts. Exploring many parts of the United States was perhaps her greatest passion, and she collected spoons to commemorate her travels. In addition, Virginia enjoyed crocheting colorful blankets and coasters in unique colors and patterns, which she’d give away as gifts or donate to charity. She found peace while painting still lifes and landscapes, was an avid reader of no particular genre, and a fan of various types of music. Well-known for her baking, Virginia’s pies were revered by family, and hers were purchased and sold by the landmark Road Runner Coffee Shop along Hwy 62 for several years during her retirement.

Before retiring, Virginia spent the majority of her career in the customer service industry, primarily working for the K-Mart in Medford. Her grandchildren recall many a visit with
“Grandma Elouise” during her work hours – she often sent them searching the aisles for the company’s infamous “Blue Light Special.”

Virginia had a light all her own, and a fire her family will long remember. She was the proud keeper and matriarch of her extensive, extended family, and had a behind-the-scenes way of keeping them coming together for family reunions. The sharing of food, fun, laughter and fond memories with her family was perhaps her final wish.

She waited quietly, and without complaint, for her tribe to gather one last time. As a full day came to a close, Virginia sweetly waved goodbye, and said “I love you” to each loved one present to kiss her forehead just hours before she passed peacefully in her bed.

All of her children survive her – Father James Mayo of Portland, Oregon, Mary Struck of White City, Oregon, Betty Petersen of Lacey, Washington, Virginia Baker of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Royce Mayo of Portland, Oregon. In addition to her kids, other survivors include 17 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren, six great, great grandchildren and one sister, Mildred Ivy, various nieces and nephews and in-laws. In addition to her husbands, her brothers, James and John Reeder and two grandchildren also preceded her in death.