Donna James dies

Donna Irene James, wife of the late Bert V. James, died Monday, March 6, at the age of 89 in Windsor, Ont.



Mrs. James loved the Standardbred industry and attended many race meets and yearling sales throughout the years with her husband. The James family owned the legendary Albatross solely at 2 and in concert with partners during his 3-year-old season and Mrs. James was proud to never have missed one of his races.



Mrs. James particularly enjoyed following the race careers of family-owned fillies and mares with Jambo Belle and world champion Saucy Wave among her favorites. In her later years, Mrs. James retained her keen interest in both racing and breeding through publications and inquiries of two of her sons who are still prominent in the industry.



Mrs. James is survived by her six children including sons David of Circleville, N.Y., Jeffrey and his wife Susan of Farmington Hills, Mich., Bert and his wife Linda of Windsor, Ont., and Peter of Northville, Mich., and her two daughters Mary Anderson of Los Angeles, Calif., and Judith Withington of Windsor, Ont.; and 15 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.



A private memorial service was held by the family in Windsor on March 10. Memorial contributions may be made to the Harness Horse Youth Foundation.

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