Diane Conner James

DIANE CONNER JAMES Diane Conner James a resident of Santa Fe died February 26, 2013. She was born on November 27, 1936 in Rochester, New York to Dr. and Mrs. James F. Conner. She married E. Ralph James, Jr. of Hampton, Virginia in 1964. She is preceded in death by her husband; her parents; and sister, Nancy Conner Benson. Diane is survived by one son, W. Borden James and his wife, Romy and one granddaughter of Boston; and one sister, Lynda Crum and husband, Blaine of Daphne, Alabama. She is also survived by six nephews and 2 nieces. Diane left Rochester with her family in 1950, attending high school in Hampton, VA and meeting and marrying there. She and her husband Ralph were a sailing family and she was civically active in Hampton, including President of the Junior League of Hampton Roads. Diane attended the University of Maryland and graduated with a BA and MA in Art History from Virginia Commonwealth University. She actively pursued her PH.D in Art History. Her avid studies carried her to Cuenca, Ecuador and finally to Santa Fe. She was active in community life in Santa Fe, developing many wonderful friends and life in an area she dearly loved. She purchased and managed Poem gift shop for several years before moving on to a retired lifestyle. She was a member of the Church of the Holy Faith, Santa Fe. Graveside services will be held at St. John's Church, Hampton, VA on Sunday, March 3, 2013. Funeral arrangements by R. Hayden Smith in Hampton, VA. Family requests in lieu of flowers that donations be made to Presbyterian Medical Services Foundation, Santa Fe Hospice Program.