Mary James' Obituary
It is with sadness that the family of Mary Delight (McGregor) James announce that she passed peacefully on April 3, 2022. Mary was born on May 26, 1941 to Archibald Leslie and Retta (Ewalt) McGregor in Mankato, MN. She lived for her childhood on Aberfoyle Farm in Mapleton, MN. She had two brothers, Byron (Pat) McGregor and Duncan McGregor. Mary grew up dancing the Scottish Highland Fling and Sword dances to bagpipes (sometimes played by her brother Pat), playing with Lady Inkspot and Sweet William, the goats, being involved in 4-H, and playing piano and the flute. She was a member, growing up, of the United Church of Mapleton. Mary attended Iowa State University and received her Bachelor's of Science degree in Home Economics, with a focus on Applied Art in July 1963. A week later Mary married William David James in Mapleton, MN, and they made their home in Ames, IA. To this marriage came three children, Kevin David, Heather Lynn and Kara Delight. Mary worked for a time for Iowa State University in the Home Economics department and the ISU Library before being a full-time mother and homemaker. She was an active part of the ISU Women's Club (especially the Art and About and Gourmet divisions) and PEO. She was an active member of Collegiate Presbyterian Church in Ames, where she served for many years as a Deacon and, for a time, as visitation coordinator. In 1988, Mary and Bill opened From Gifted Hands Gallery, a contemporary art gallery, at two different locations in downtown Ames. Mary's creative spirit was a joy to so many. She loved campfires on the shores of Lake Superior, travelling around the world, and spending time with her family. She is survived by her children, Kevin (Pearl You) James, of Mountain View, CA, Heather James, of Ames, IA, and Kara (Tony) Hillhouse, of Lincoln, NE; one grandson, Ronan James-Estenson, of Lincoln, NE; a bonus granddaughter, Carmen Hillhouse, of Lincoln, NE; two brothers, Pat (Karen) McGregor, of Mankato, MN and Duncan (Judie, deceased) McGregor, of Mapleton, MN; two nieces, three nephews, and numerous great-nephews and -nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband. A Service of Witness to the Resurrection will be held at Collegiate Presbyterian Church, in Ames, Iowa, on April 28th 2022, at 4:00 p.m. with a reception to follow. Memorials will be given to Town and Gown Chamber Music Association and Good Neighbor Emergency Assistance. Online condolences can be made to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com
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