Mary Catherine Gorman James was born on June 23, 1936, to loving parents, Flora (Harrison) and Andrew “Andy” Gorman. She was raised in South Dakota and attended St. Martin’s Academy in Sturgis, graduating in 1954. She worked as a credit and insurance investigator before later serving with the Veterans Administration for the United States Air Force.Mary and her husband, Charles F. “Charlie” James, lived in many states across the country while Charlie worked as a pipeliner. In 1964, they came to Mountain Home intending to stay only for the winter, but they quickly realized it was the perfect place to raise their family. They never regretted that decision.
A devoted advocate for her community, Mary became deeply involved in civic service throughout the area. She volunteered with the Chamber of Commerce for 33 years and worked alongside numerous organizations, including Mountain Home Rotary, Mountain Home BPW, the Baxter County Sheriff’s Foundation Board, Baxter Regional Hospital Foundation Board, and the South Dakota Club. She also enjoyed playing pinochle with many cherished groups of friends.
Mary served two years on the Baxter County Quorum Court and 18 years on the Mountain Home City Council. She especially loved serving the Street Department and contributed to many projects that helped shape the community. She passionately supported the preservation and renovation of the Mountain Home Plaza during the downtown revitalization efforts, always remembering the town square that welcomed her when she first arrived. She remained immensely proud of the growth and progress of Mountain Home and the surrounding area.
Her dedication and service earned her numerous honors, including the Vada Sheid Award, CARTI Woman of the Year, BPW Woman of the Year and the Mountain Home Chamber Spirit Award.
Mary’s other great passion was children. She served on three scholarship committees and was heavily involved in projects benefiting local youth, including the development of soccer fields. She never hesitated to provide clothing, financial assistance, or support to a child or student in need. Above all, she was especially proud of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She is survived by her three children, John (Maureen) James of Parker, Colorado, C. Susan (Andrew) Fraser of Bentonville, Arkansas and Laura (Arnold) Knox of Mountain Home. She also leaves behind nine grandchildren, Ian (Bailey) Fraser, Mary Catherine “Cate” Fraser, Claire Fraser, Billy Knox, Steven Knox, J.B. (KaryAnn) James, Maggie (Will) Buchanan, Marybeth (Josh) Barth, and Rebecca (Paul) Kottenstette and eight great-grandchildren, Ella, Taylor, Riley, Liam, Colton, James, Willa, and Tripp. She also leaves behind several nephews and a niece.
Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Charlie; her parents, Andy and Flora Gorman and her brothers, Owen and Jerry Gorman.
In lieu of flowers, Mary requested memorials be made to Arkansas Children’s Hospital, P.O. Box 222, Little Rock, AR 72203 or to the Mary James Scholarship Fund at Farmers and Merchants Bank.
Arrangements are by Conner Family Funeral Home & Cremation Center. A visitation will take place on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, from 5 until 7 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 605 West 6th St., Mtn. Home, AR 72653. An online guestbook and obituary are available at www.connerfamilyfuneralhome.com.
Click here to visit the Conner Family Funeral Home & Cremation Center website and sign the guest book.
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