Doris Engelhardt James passed away peacefully on June 21, 2023 at her home in Springfield, Virginia. She was a very organized, practical person and was well respected in her leadership role at work. Doris was known for her kindness and generosity and was such a thoughtful friend. She had the gift of seeing the best in everyone and was loved by many. She was such a gentle soul.

Doris was born in Youngstown, Ohio on August 3, 1931 to Louis and Ada Engelhardt. After her graduation from Boardman High School in 1949, she graduated from Muskingum College, New Concord, Ohio, where she received a teaching certificate in 1952. She spent a year in Denver and then returned to Ohio State University to begin a master’s program and was recruited to work for the Central Intelligence Agency in Washington DC. In 1976, she received her Master of Science degree in Library Science from Catholic University, Washington DC.

Within a year of moving to Washington DC, she met the love of her life, Karl Kenneth James (Fuzzy) and they were married in September 1955. She took a leave of absence from work in the early 60’s to take care of her three children but it was then back to work with The Agency. In 1966, Doris and Fuzzy moved to Springfield, VA where she stayed until 2015 when she moved to Greenspring Senior Living.

Doris was one of the founding members of the St Andrew’s Episcopal Church in 1972 and was involved with the church until her death. She was the piano player for the initial services but was happy to relinquish this when “more talented” people came along (according to our humble Doris!) Her love and talent for the piano led her to attend summer classes at the renowned Juilliard School of Performing Arts.

In 1993, after 28 years of service with the Agency, Doris retired. It was time for Doris to travel! She took at least one trip every year with family and friends visiting over 25 countries. She visited some of them more than once – England and the Holy Land in particular.

When not traveling Doris was very involved with the League of Women Voters of Fairfax County, attended lifelong learning classes at George Mason University, volunteered with Fairfax County’s English as a Second Language Program classes for 13 years, and also volunteered at The National Cathedral cataloging artifacts. She was an avid crocheter and blessed many family and friends with her wonderful afghans.

Doris is survived by her daughter Debby Curtis; her son-in-law Curt Curtiss; her daughter in-law Laura James; her grandchildren, Jacquelyn (Jackie) James, Tim Kraft, and Michelle Kraft; her sister-in-law, Shirl James along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Doris was preceded in death by her husband, Karl Kenneth James; her four sons, Karl James Jr, Raymond Morris James, Frederick Louis James and Robert James; her parents Louis and Ada Engelhard; her brother Louis Engelhardt and numerous brothers and sisters in law.