On July 7, 2016, Wilma B. James passed away peacefully at home, having completed her 90-year journey. A native of Piedmont, California where she was a member of a pioneer farming family, Wilma graduated from Piedmont High School in 1944. She came to Reno in 1954, moving into a house in the northwest where she lived for the next 62 years.

Wilma met Richard "Dick" James in 1945. He had been recently discharged after serving with the 8th Army Air Corps where he was a member of a special forces unit trained by the British Commandos. They were married in 1946. In 1961, he helped organize Reno's pipe band, and Wilma named it the Sierra Highlanders Pipe Band. Her inspiration was the musical organization of her high school alma mater, the Piedmont Highlanders Pipe Band. Wilma's husband, sons, and grandchildren performed with the Sierra Highlanders over the span of five decades. Besides being surrounded by the family she loved, Wilma knew few greater joys than watching the Sierra Highlanders perform.

Wilma was preceded in death by her parents, sister Lorraine, husband Richard, and son Rick. She is survived by her son Ron (Susan) of Zearing, Iowa (formerly of Carson City); daughter-in-law Paula of Carson City; grandchildren Jennifer (Michael) Digangi, Reed, and Jeremiah; great-granddaughters Becca and Lizzie Digangi; and her nephew, Bob Reynolds (Nancy). She is also remembered by the neighbors of Grandview Avenue, who were her friends and support group, and who recognized her to be the institution she was.

While she sought a quiet, secluded life, Wilma was—as one of her grandchildren called her—an unsuccessful recluse: she was friends with everyone she met, greeting all with grace, humor, and charm. Wilma James was inured at Mountain View Cemetery, Reno.
Published in Reno Gazette-Journal on Sept. 4, 2016