Elizabeth James

Elizabeth (Betty) Mae James passed away peacefully December 6, 2016 at the age of 91 after living her final years with Alzheimer disease. She had the good fortune of maintaining her pleasant personality and charming demeanor throughout her life. Her husband, Douglas James, preceded Betty in death in 1990. Betty leaves behind a sister, Marilyn Gunkle, two children, Michael James and Stacy James-Ryan, four grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and a large extended family. Joseph Travers Jr., her brotehr, also preceded Betty in death. Betty's parents, Isabelle and Joseph Travers, were lifelong Californians and longtime residents of the Monterey Bay area. Betty's ancestry traces back to the expedition of Juan Bautista de Anza in 1776 to Monterey and San Francisco, where Presidios were established. Betty attended Casserly School in Corralitos and graduated from Watsonville High School as World War II was in progress. She then worked at Camp Shoemaker near Dublin, California, as a phone operator to help support the war effort. While at Camp Shoemaker, she was tapped to serve as a receptionist at the new United Nations building in San Francisco for the first convening of the United Nations. Also while at Camp Shoemaker, she met her future husband, Douglas, who was in the Navy. They married in Monterey and settled in the Watsonville area to raise their family. Betty worked as a switchboard operator for Coast Counties Power in the 1950's (before it became PG&E) where she established life-long friendships. Betty was known for her vivaciousness, sense of humor, and welcoming, generous personality. Her generous nature extended to accept all the various stray animals her children came home with, and she wished she could establish a refuge for dogs. Betty volunteered with the Santa Cruz Sheriff's Department, where her husband was Sheriff of Santa Cruz County for 16 years. Family and friends will miss Betty. The family wishes to acknowledge the care Betty received by the multidisciplinary staff while at Kindred of Santa Cruz. Private ceremonies will celebrate her life. Betty will be remembered at the 11:00 am Mass on Sunday January 1, 2017 at Valley Catholic Church, 2401 E. Lake Avenue in Watsonville. Those wishing to may contribute to Hospice of Santa Cruz County, who provided care and compassion during her final months, or to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. To express your condolences or share a remembrance with Betty's family, please visit www.pacificgardenschapel.com.