Ellen Cook James, 94, of Rutherford died peacefully at home on August 7, surrounded by loved ones. Born and raised in Scranton, PA, she lived in Rutherford, NJ for 68 years.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband Jack James, who died in 1993, one day following their 57th wedding anniversary. She is also predeceased by her sister Muriel Stanton, her brother Bill Cook, and her much loved grandson Douglas James Sheppard, who died in February. She is survived by her son and daughter-in law, William and Joan James of Midland Park, her daughter and son-in law Bonnie James Sheppard and Stuart Sheppard of Rutherford, grandchildren Steven Sheppard of Rutherford and Jill Sheppard Davenport of Washington, D.C., and 3 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren in Western Australia.
Born into poverty and having left school at age 13 to help support her family, Ellen became a quintessential representative of "the great generation." This insightful and self-educated lady did it all, baking from scratch, canning the yield from vegetable gardens, crocheting, sewing her children's clothes, and eventually working outside the home as a salesperson and children's clothing buyer. She was a disciplined saver who proudly purchased her Rutherford home with her husband's night shift earnings. Ellen also knew how to have fun. She was first among her friends to learn to drive and was known for her swimming and sleek back dive. She and Jack enjoyed many nights playing Pinochle with friends and dancing at the big band nightclubs; their specialty was the Peabody. As she got older, she took yoga and tai chi, joined the church bell choir, sat in on history classes at Rutherford High School, and was a hospital volunteer until age 79.
Friends say she is among the sweetest people they have known and will remember her shining eyes and beautiful smile, her willingness to always share whatever she had, and her warm, strong hugs. She outlived most of the people who called her ‘a great lady' but not the many who admire her gentle kindness.
A service to celebrate Ellen's life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 21, at the First Presbyterian Church, East Passaic Street, Rutherford. Memorial donations may be made to the church. For condolences go to collinscalhounfuneralhome.com