Rachel Kerr James

Rachel Kerr James, a career missionary nurse for 52 years, passed away on April 18, 2023.

She was born in Durham on Oct. 17, 1934, and graduated from Duke University in 1958 with a B.S. in Nursing.

On March 8, 1962, she and her husband were appointed by the International Mission Board as missionaries to the Republic of South Vietnam. She served in Vietnam for 14 years during the war as a nurse practitioner, and in many other countries for 38 years.

She is survived by her husband, Samuel M. James; three living children, Deborah Winans (Chris), Stephen James (Barbara), Michael James (Elizabeth); and one deceased son, Philip James (Cyndy); 14 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on May 13 at First Baptist Church, located at 2709 Monument Avenue in Richmond, Virginia. Visitation to follow.