Siri E. James Obituary (1940 - 2010)

Siri E. James, passed away June 28, 2010 at her home in Wickenburg. Siri was born December 11, 1940 in New York, NY to John Andrew James and Siri Peterson James. She was raised in Grass Lake, Michigan graduated from Grass Lake High School in 1958 and later graduated from Michigan State University where she earned a Masters degree majoring in English. She began working in South Chicago, Illinois as a social worker with the State of Illinois until 1972 when she moved to Arizona settling in Phoenix. She continued to help people working as a vocational rehabilitation counselor with the State of Arizona. She was active in the Valley Big Sisters for 9 years before adopting her daughter, Kathleen. Siri came to Wickenburg in 1995 and immediately became involved in the community. She was very talented playing the violin, clarinet, piano and the harp. She enjoyed traveling, music, photography and was an avid reader. Siri's life in Wickenburg was marked by extraordinary service contributing to the welfare and joy of many. She was involved with the Wickenburg Community Services Corporation and the Democratic Party. Siri volunteered at the Del E. Webb Center for the Performing Arts and the Desert Caballeros Western Museum. She was a member of the Wickenburg Art Club, the Wickenburg Children's Cultural Organization, the Wickenburg Historical Preservation Society, and Friends of Music. In addition, she monitored the emergency phone line for LifeAlert, served on the boards of the Wickenburg Public Library, the Wickenburg Community Chorus, Las Senoras de Socorro, and was president of the R & R Respite Care advisory committee. Siri is survived by her daughter, Kathleen Dowell (Stephen) of Queen Creek, Az., Son Evan Lelansky (Linda) of Maine. Brothers Donald & Richard Trull of Michigan and grandchildren: Jonathan James, MacKenzie Dowell, Konner Dowell, Eric Lelansky. And nephews & niece Peter & Tom Trull and Susan Bentley. The family suggests any memorial contributions in her name be made to any of the organizations she loved and supported. Sympathy cards or condolences may be mailed to Kathleen Dowell at P.O. Box 1755 Queen Creek, AZ 85142 A memorial service will be held at a later date to be announced.