Jane Ellis James

Jane passed away on August 9, 2025, at the age of 87. She was the daughter of Raymond Wallace Ellis, an executive of Hercules Power Company and Ruth Booker Ellis. She is survived by her husband, Albert W. James, Jr. Also she is survived by a brother, David H. Ellis and sister-in-law Martha A. Ellis, two daughters, Anne Thompson Spurgeon and son-in-law Barclay E. Spurgeon, Elizabeth Thompson Good and son-in-law Gregory W. Good, and son Jeffrey B. Thompson and daughter-in-law Marie O. Thompson and granddaughters Olivine M. Thompson, Ellen Spurgeon, Amanda J. Good, Emily Good Freeman and grandson Benjamin Spurgeon and great grandson Malakai Joel Freeman.

Jane, originally from Wilmington, Delaware, worked for Hercules Power Company as an administrative assistant. Later she started a lampshade business in Wilmington making custom shades. When she moved to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, she took her lampshade business (The Shady Lady) with her. For 40 years she made custom shades for wealthy patrons over the Southeast.

In addition, she enjoyed playing golf (won several championships), hiking, canoeing, and kayaking. She had many friends with whom she maintained close-knit contact.

Interment at the Lower Brandywine Cemetery will be private. No condolences, please! Enjoy your life – Jane did.