November 12, 1931 - November 11, 2022

Born in Miami, AZ on November 12, 1931 to Croatian parents, Rose Marie (Rumic) James was raised largely by nuns; she was relinquished to a convent in Phoenix as a young child and it was there she acquired a love of the Catholic church, the classics, and learning. Rose Marie died surrounded by love on November 11, 2022, and leaves behind her brother Sonny, five daughters (and their spouses), and a gaggle of grand and great grandkids to join Martin, her beloved husband of 64 years.

As a young woman, Rose Marie won a full academic scholarship to the University of Arizona, marrying Martin her sophomore year, leaving her studies to do so.Together they had five daughters and moved cross country more than once, landing in Houston in the early 1970’s where they put down roots. After raising the girls just about singlehandedly, Rose Marie began working full time managing an oral surgery practice; she loved her work and made many industry friends over the course of those 2 decades.

Rose Marie also enjoyed extensive world travel and many trips to Galveston Island, her home away from home. Fishing, crabbing, cast net throwing and enjoying time on the beach were just a few of her many pastimes; Rose Marie ran marathons into her 70s, biked the MS 150, played competitive tennis into her 80s, and was a talented bridge, cribbage and pinochle player, gardener, sewer, knitter, crocheter, quilter, and baker. She eschewed a clothes dryer for a clothesline, and was a dedicated bargain shopper.

A prevalent memory is Rose Marie's laughter lilting above the loudest party, which she was usually hosting; Rose Marie loved any reason to laugh or throw a party. Rose Marie was a hard worker, a loyal friend, a wonderful mother and very vibrant person ~ full of life and the life of any party; she will be greatly missed by many people.

Celebration of Life

Saturday, November 26th, 2022

10:30 AM

Prince of Peace Catholic Church
19222 TX-249
Houston, TX 77070

Stay tuned but we are finalizing a gathering after the funeral service at:

Soto’s Cantina
10609 Grant Road
Houston, TX 77070
(In Cypress Creek Village)

Memories, love, laughter, free!

Food and beverages will be provided.

Donations

In lieu of flowers, a tax-deductible donation may be made to:
Zina Garrison All Court Tennis Academy, a 501(c)(3) organization: https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/760371254
1333 OLD SPAN TRL STE G175
Houston, TX 77054-1849
Houston, TX | IRS ruling year: 1993 | EIN: 76-0371254