Mildred Elaine James, lovingly known as Elaine, passed away peacefully on July 27, 2026, at Roberts Health Centre in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, at the age of 90.

Born in Providence, Rhode Island, on October 16, 1935, Elaine attended Lincoln School before graduating from the Newport Hospital School of Nursing. She devoted her career to caring for others as a Registered Nurse, serving as both a visiting nurse and later as the Intake Coordinator for the Kent County Visiting Nurse Association. Her patients benefited not only from her skill and professionalism, but also from her genuine compassion and concern.

Elaine was predeceased by her beloved husband, Norman A. James, who passed away on June 26, 2024. Family and friends often commented on their extraordinary love story. They lit up in each other's presence, and their affection for one another was evident to everyone who knew them. Their family takes comfort in knowing they are together again.

Elaine is survived by her children, Martha Roof and her husband Scott, Curtis James and his wife Betsy, and Deborah McCall and her husband Chuck; her seven grandchildren, Eric, Emily, Ellen, Sam, Maxwell, Kelly, and Molly; and six great-grandchildren.

Known to many as a "tough cookie," Elaine was fiercely independent and strong-willed. Beneath that tough exterior was an enormous heart and a deep love for her family. She enjoyed spending time at Newport's Second Beach, where her car became known as the "Beachmobile" for the many trips it made carrying family and friends to the shore. She was also an avid reader who always appreciated a good book.

The family is especially grateful to the caregivers and staff of The Seasons of East Greenwich, where Elaine and Norman spent almost seven wonderful years, to the compassionate caregivers at Roberts Health Centre, and to the dedicated nurses of Hope Hospice, whose kindness, understanding, and care brought comfort to Elaine and her family.

A Requiem Eucharist will be celebrated on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at 11:00 am at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 99 Peirce St., East Greenwich, Rhode Island. Burial will be in Swan Point Cemetery, Providence, Rhode Island. Calling hours are omitted. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hill Skeffington Funeral Home of East Greenwich, www.hillskeffington.com