Frances Dillard James' Obituary
Frances Dillard James, 94, passed away peacefully on November 7th, 2024. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 67 years, Thomas Robinson James. Frances was a woman of great strength, kindness, and compassion who spent her life serving her faith, family, and community.
Frances Jean Dillard, a lifelong Memphian, was born on October 10, 1930, to William Woolridge Dillard and Frances Cooke Dillard. She graduated from Hutchison School in 1948 and attended Holton Arms College in Washington, D.C. Two of her fondest memories from her teenage years were being chosen as May Queen at Hutchison and representing Chickasaw Country Club as Cotton Carnival Princess.
In 1949, a true love story began when Frances married Tom James. “Tommy and Franco” were an awe-inspiring team both on tennis courts and in legal courts, treating everyone around them with the charm, humor, and respect that they shared with each other. One would be hard-pressed to find someone who had ever heard them speak unkindly to one another. Tom was a smart man–he often acknowledged Frances’s excellent cooking skills by asking, “Why would I want to go out to eat when I can get the best meal in town in my own kitchen?” He also realized that Frances could move mountains with her beautiful, twinkling smile and her ability to find some connection with anyone that she met. He encouraged her and gave her the confidence to use her strengths to better the world around her. In 1957, the two were founding members of both St. Louis Catholic Church and Memphis Athletic Club, which later became the Racquet Club. As they raised their five children, chances were good that they could be found daily at one or both of these places. These communities brought them lifelong friends that have spanned the generations. While Frances was involved with many civic and social organizations, including Les Passees, Duration Club School, Forget Me Not, Inc., Le Bonheur Club and Travel Study Club, Madonna Circle, Our Home and Garden Club, and many others, her true passion was advocating for people with special needs in the Memphis community, including her youngest daughter, Carol. Together, Frances and Tom were trailblazers, navigating the way, helping to mentor, and providing comfort to families of individuals with special needs. Their involvement with Shelby Residential Vocational Services (SRVS) spanned almost 60 years. Frances was a donor, fundraiser, and board member of SRVS and maintained similar roles in many organizations like it, including Dae Valley Camp, Very Special Art Festival of Tennessee, Arlington Developmental Center, and Memphis Chapter of the National Society for Autistic Children. She served on various task forces and planning committees in conjunction with the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation (although we use more inclusive language now, this was the title of the organization at the time). She received a Distinguished Service Award from the Tennessee State Society of Autistic Children for her outstanding service in ensuring that people with autism receive access to appropriate education and training. Frances continuously re-learned about diversity, recognizing that labels should not define or limit an individual. She frequently volunteered at the election polls to ensure that people’s voices could be heard. She taught by example how to advocate for those in need.
Frances is survived by her five children–David James, Frances James Metheny, and Carol James, all of Memphis; Dr. Tom James (Yvette) of Billings, MT; and Cathy James (Judy) of Riverview, FL. She is also survived by six grandchildren–Frank Hanney (Kelly); Kate Hall (Luke); Sarah, Shannon (Tom), and Hayden James; and Tyler “Wren” Meagley; as well as three great-grandchildren–Violet Hanney, Ramona Hall, and James August Hall. Along with her beloved Tommy,
she was preceded in death by both of her parents and her brother, Bill Dillard.
Visitation will be held at St. Louis Catholic Church on Saturday, November 16th, at 10 am with a funeral Mass at 11am and a reception in the dining hall immediately following.
In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to The Assisi Foundation at 515 Erin Dr. Memphis, TN 38117
What’s your fondest memory of Frances?
What’s a lesson you learned from Frances?
Share a story where Frances' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Frances you’ll never forget.
How did Frances make you smile?
