Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory-Edgewater

Dolores Evelyn James
12/16/29 –2/14/2021

Dolores Evelyn James, daughter of Vera Evelyn (Meininger) Garner and Howard Paul Garner, was born in Washington DC and spent her childhood in the Capitol.  She grew up in the Cedar Hill Community off Pennsylvania Avenue with her two sisters, Joyce Moore (Shrewsbury PA) and Jeanne Garner (Fredericksburg VA) and a large loving family of many aunts, uncles and cousins.  Dolores met her husband, the late Bernard A James, post WWII.  Together they had 9 children the late Bernard James, Jennette Hilton of Tampa, Cheryl Williams of Beverly Beach, David James of Delaware, the late Daniel James, Michael James of Herald Harbor, Vera Sohovich of Annapolis, Patricia James of Glen Burnie and Jeanne James of Herald Harbor.  She is survived by her 7 children, 19 grandchildren, 21 great grand children and 1 great great grandchild.

Dolores, Bernie, and the family moved to Anne Arundel County in the mid 60’s where Howard Garner had built the “summer cottage” on the Severn River as many DC families had done.  Back then, going to “the beach” was going to the bay.  The family spent many years enjoying the waters of Round Bay and the Severn River.  She enjoyed the bay lifestyle, playing cards, was a voracious reader and loved to travel .Even as her vision and hearing declined; she found a way to continue reading til the time of her passing.  It wasn’t unusual for her to read five or more books a week.  She was passionate about the Coastal lighthouses, visiting many from Maine to Florida.  She was always up for a family road trip and traveled the country from east coast to west coast, North to south with family in tow.  She never left the US…but had seen more of our own country than most.  She loved the Outer Banks and traveled with her children, and grand children, on many a summer vacation in Nags Head.  She was a feisty little lady, all 4’9” of her, and would be out the door to watch the pelicans and dolphins in the surf at sunrise and be found at a fishing pier making new friends. 

During WWII she worked for the Army as a cartographer.  Following her marriage, she was a homemaker for many years, not entering the workplace until her 40’s.  She worked as the customer service manager of Montgomery Wards in Annapolis – back when it was the only department store in what is now the Annapolis Mall.  She loved handcrafts.  She was an avid crocheter and liked needle work.  She took up pottery and ceramics and shared her knowledge volunteering at senior centers across Anne Arundel County.  She put her whole heart into this, turning her basement into a pottery shop, kiln and all.  She went on the craft show circuit and shared her art with others.  

She loved her family.  Her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were the light of her life.  She was also our light.  Making every party fun.  Despite her many hardships and health issues in life (cancer, severe arthritis), she was always happy.  Always giving.  Always teaching. Always selfless. 

She had many adventures, had a very full 91 years and passed peacefully in her sleep. A bright light who will be missed.  

There will be a celebration of life service Saturday, May 8th, 11:00 am the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD 21037, followed by a reception at Renditions in Davidsonville.  She will be buried with her husband and son at the Maryland Veterans Cemetery In Crownsville, privately.  




Dolores E. James

Dolores E. James

Dolores James Services

Funeral Service