SCARBOROUGH, MAINE – Alexandra ‘Alix’ James peacefully passed away, surrounded by her family, after a brief illness on Friday, July 17th, 2015 at Piper Shores in Scarborough. Alix was born on October 5th, 1926 in Newport, Rhode Island to Isabella and Bernard Austin.
Alix grew up in Annapolis, Maryland, daughter of a distinguished Vice Admiral and decorated WWII veteran. After attending local schools, she enrolled in Connecticut College where she studied English, graduating in 1948. She moved to Boston where she worked as a teacher.
Alix met Nathaniel ‘Nat’ W. James, III, a career naval officer in Annapolis. They were married at the U.S. Naval Academy Chapel on September 8th, 1951. Over the years they travelled with their six children while Nat worked in Navy assignments from Honolulu, Hawaii, to Newport, Cuba, Virginia and eventually back to Annapolis.
In 1972, Alix and Nat moved to Vinalhaven, Maine, where their two youngest children grew up and attended local schools. She loved the closeness of the island community, the friendships she developed, the unique island life, the beauty that surrounded her and the chickens in her yard. Alix loved organic gardening, reading, and discussing world events. Her day-to-day interactions were always influenced by her strong faith in God and she promoted a deep respect for conserving and protecting the environment. Above all, she was an inspiration to many, full of unconditional love, a positive outlook on life, and known for her warm and welcoming nature. Alix always made others feel that they were special and appreciated.
Her parents and her sisters, Leith Warlick and Jane Watkins, predeceased Alix. She is survived by her husband Capt. Nathaniel W. James, III (USN/RET) and their six children: Nathaniel W. James, IV and wife Donna Greenwood of Scarborough, Maine, Arabella Eldredge and husband John of Brunswick, Maine, Alexandra Gray and husband David of Middletown, Rhode Island, Beatrice Logan and husband John of Cape Elizabeth, Austin James and his wife Lynn of Vinalhaven, Maine and Robert James and wife Jennifer of New York City; and the seventeen grandchildren who brought so much love and joy to her life.
Our family wishes to thank the staff of Piper Shores for their excellent care and support of Alix throughout the years.
A memorial service celebrating Alix’s life will be held at the Pleasant River Chapel, Round the Island Road, Vinalhaven Island on August 22 at 10:30 a.m. followed by a graveside gathering at Brown’s Head cemetery. Transportation on the day of the service will be available at the Vinalhaven Ferry parking lot on Vinalhaven to and from the services. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.longfuneralhomecamden.com. Arrangements are with the Long Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 9 Mountain Street, Camden.

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