Katherine Lawton James

Katherine ?Kay? Lawton Murphy James 76, of 88 Bridge Street, Newport, RI died Sunday, July 3, 2005 at home surrounded by her family. She was the wife of Arthur Curtiss James. They married September 26, 1949 in St. Augustin?s Church. Born in Newport, on December 17, 1928, she was the daughter of the late Capt. Thomas P. and Catherine Murphy Lawton. She was the sister of the late Thomas ?Buster? Lawton Jr. Mrs. James graduated from the Newport School of Nursing in 1949 and became head nurse of Vanderbilt and Maternity ward of Newport Hospital. She then received a teaching certificate in 1957 from Harvard Boston University. After leaving the hospital due to medical reasons, she went on to teach Diaster Training and First Aid for the American Red Cross in Newport. She also worked as a camp nurse for Rocky Hill and Camp Hoffman summer camps. She often volunteered to staff the first aid station during events in Newport, including the Tall Ships, International Jumping Derby and the Newport Folk and Jazz Festivals. She was a member of the Nurses Alumni Association of Newport Hospital and had served as its President. She was also a member of the Point Association, where Kay was instrumental in starting the Junior Point Assocation. Besides her husband she is survived by two daughters Catherine Phillips of Newport, RI, and Paula Ruggeri of Middletown, RI, three grandchildren Jade Phillips of Newport, RI, Whitney Ruggeri and Stacey Ruggeri both of Middletown, RI, and one great grandson Owen Scott Sibya of Newport, RI, and a niece Jean Kerr of Newport. A Memorial Service will be held Friday, July 8, 2005, at 6:00pm in the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport. Calling hours will be Friday from 5:00pm to 7:00pm in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations in Katherines name may be made to the Newport School of Nursing Alumni Association, P. O. Box 4731, Middletown, RI 02842.