Barbara Finley James

Barbara F. James, 90, of Jacksonville, Florida, passed away early in the morning on Saturday, February 28th, 2026. In the week prior to her passing, she was surrounded by family – children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren – and comforted greatly by Community Hospice.

Barbara was born in Gainesville, Florida, on March 6th, 1935, to Sue and Wilbur James. Barbara grew up in Panama City, Florida, and attended Bay High School. Barbara’s first marriage to Scotty Fraser, at St. Andrews Episcopal Church, was blessed by three children. After moving to Tallahassee, she completed her B.A. degree in Art Education from Florida State University. Her second marriage was to Paul Ritch, an Episcopal clergyman. Barbara continued her spiritual journey at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Tallahassee, and St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Jacksonville, Florida. Barbara graduated with a master’s degree in psychology from the University of North Florida and provided mental health counseling for many years. Barbara loved the ocean near her home at Atlantic Beach, FL.

Barbara was an athlete, painter, and author. She is preceded in death by: her parents, J. Wilbur James, Sr., and Susanna Price Lambert Towson James (Sue); and her sisters, Susanna James Bennett Stuart, and Virginia James Berry Dolder. She is survived by: her brother John W. James, Jr.; her three children, Margaret F. Haines, D. Scott Fraser, and J. Towson Fraser; her ten grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

A celebration of Barbara’s life will be held at the Prairie Creek Conservation Cemetery on Tuesday, March 10th, at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Barbara’s honor at www.prairiecreekconservationcemetery.org.