In Memory of Mary Ethel James

Mary Ethel James

Mary Ethel James

In Memory Of
Mary Ethel James
March 7, 1921 — October 21, 2020

For 50 years, the popular professional handling team of Carroll and Mary Ethel James were fierce competition in the show ring. Even more importantly, they were loved and admired by those of us blessed to know them. The James’ impeccable character made them sought after mentors for scores of exhibitors and newcomers in the sport. Their influence is visible today, as many well-respected judges first learned from Carroll and Mary James.

Carroll passed away on December 26, 2014 at age 90. Mary celebrated her 99th birthday just as the pandemic hit earlier this year. Southern ladies of her generation never discussed their age. She was one of those women who was always dressed impeccably and friends were always welcomed at her home in Piedmont, South Carolina. Anyone who knew her would testify that the best meal one could possibly have in the entire Greenville area would be prepared by Mary James!

Mary Ethel James
Mary surrounded by her family members as the Greenville Kennel Club dedicated their show to her husband, the late Carroll James. Carroll and Mary were married for 70 years.

The Greenville Kennel Club of today owes its proud history to leaders of the past, like Lifetime Honorary Members Carroll and Mary James who, over time, held multiple roles from President on down. Not only were the James role models in the sport, they were leaders in their Reedy Fork Baptist Church, business owners of T. Carroll James, and major property owners in Greenville County. They were generous givers and their donations of land will continue to make a difference in the lives of others for generations to come.

Mary Ethel James
Presenters, Greenville Kennel Club President Carroll James and Mary James, are pictured with Ch. Lenin’s Tar Lacy Foxfire; owned by Edward B. Jenner, handled by Susan Fisher. Judge Roy L. Ayers, Sr., February, 1979.

Mary is survived by her daughter, Carol “Dianne” Dooley (Larry); four grandchildren, John James (Charlotte), Shelby Myers (Jason). Nikki Bert, and Eric Brent (Dawn); six great children, and daughter-in-law, Judy James. In addition, she was preceded in death by her son, Tommy James, and one grandson, Thomas James.

A private service was held on October 26, 2020 at Greenville Memorial Gardens. Memorial donations may be made to the Reedy Fork Baptist Church, 459 Reedy Fork Road, Greenville, South Carolina 29605.

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  • At the age of four, Linda's love for TV's Lassie prompted her parents, Roy and Hazel Ayers to surprise her with a Collie. Her first times entering the confirmation ring began at age six. From showing her Conrad Collies in juniors, to judging, to becoming a part of an immediate family of three AKC judges, her life has evolved around the sport of purebred dogs. As a young professional just out of the University of Georgia, Linda served on the Executive Staffs of two Georgia Governors. She moved from serving at the State Capitol to assisting the Chairman of the Hyatt Hotel Corporation. As chairman and founder of a family owned Manufacturing Corporation and real estate holding company, Linda has overseen operations, acquisitions, and dispositions of considerable business holdings for over four decades. Her diverse companies have manufactured packaged goods for many household products you likely used in your homes, interior components for the automotive industry you enjoy in your cars, and industrial chemical products used in the electric utility industry. She partnered in commercial acquisitions in Washington, D.C. on a 250 million dollar level. Linda has developed significant properties delivering hundreds of home sites in Greenville, South Carolina in conjunction with NVR/Ryan Homes in addition to apartments, an IMAX theater, commercial tracts and much more. She is the proud mother of one son, Edward P. (Todd) Turner,III of Columbia, South Carolina. After retiring from many years as District Director of the Collie Club of America, Linda served for fourteen years as AKC Delegate for the Greenville Kennel Club. She is currently President of the Carolinas Judges Study Group, a Lifetime Honorary Member of the Collie Club of Georgia where she was their very first Junior Member, a Lifetime Honorary Member of the Greenville Kennel Club, and a Quarter Century Member of the Collie Club of America. Her Christian faith is exhibited in her belief that, “Time is the most important gift you can share to make someone happy or to make a difference.” Mentoring athletes from professional to high school levels has been a huge passion and blessing in Linda's life. At any given time you may find her in a locker room, on the playing field, or on the court inspiring winners. To quote her, "I would rather go to a ballgame than a ball." Linda has been on board since the inception of ShowSight

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