Marilyn James

Marilyn Nesbitt James, age 93, of Marion, North Carolina went to be with the Lord on April 7, 2017 at her residence with her loving family by her side. Known affectionately as “Pat”, she was born in McDowell County on March 24, 1924 to Wright R. and Ida Willis Nesbitt.

Pat graduated from Marion High School in 1941 and attended Gryer and Queens College in Charlotte. While in Charlotte, she worked for the selective service board sending young men her own age off to World War II. She also worked for the Charlotte Observer.

Pat then moved to New York City and attended the Katherine Gibbs School and Arts Student League. She was assistant to the director of the Barbizon Plaza Art Gallery and Little Theatre and she did fashion modeling for Lord and Taylor and Helena Rubenstein Cosmetics.

Pat returned to Marion and worked as society editor for the McDowell News. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, the morning circle, the Neil Parker Sunday school class, past president of the United Methodist Women, and was also a dedicated member of her Bible study group.

Pat served as Worthy Matron of Marion Eastern Star chapter, was a member of the White Shrine of Jerusalem, the Beta Sigma Phi Society and the National League of American Pen Women.

Pat cherished her volunteer work with the hospital auxiliary, which she helped organize in the early 1950’s and served as one of their early presidents. Pat continued to be an active volunteer serving last as chairman of the Window Box gift shop in the hospital.

Pat was the beloved wife of C. Jack James. They were married on Christmas Day in 1952. After Jack’s passing in 1975, Pat went to work for Marion Elementary School adoring her kindergarten and first grade students. Following a few years off, Pat went back to work as a dedicated teacher and mentor in the Basic Skills Department at McDowell Technical Community College working mostly with the developmentally impaired adults at McDowell Opportunities where her smile would light up the hearts of her clients.

Pat loved and took deep pride in her family. She was a warm and gracious person, not without humor. Her smile would light up any room and she loved to laugh. She had a quiet dignity, unquestioning faith and respect for all living things. Her grandsons were the light of her life.

Pat had a special love for Blowing Rock, where she spent many wonderful times with her dear sister Bobbe and her beloved husband Cecil McKinney and their family.

Left to cherish Pat’s memory are daughter, Marilyn Elizabeth Gentry of Marion, daughter Harriet Frazelle of Vacaville, California, son C.J. James of Marion. Grandchildren Thomas and Daniel Gentry of Marion, Jay and Kelly Frazelle and their families of Vacaville, California. Also surviving Pat are her devoted sister Bobbe Jean McKinney of Hildebrand, and her loving nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be on Thursday, April 13, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Marion with Reverend William Owens officiating. Visitation will follow the service at the church. Pat will be laid to rest by her beloved husband Jack at Oak Grove cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Meals on Wheels, 100 Spaulding Road, Marion, North Carolina 28752.