Edith Joyce James was born on May 22, 1926, in Chicago, Illinois, United States. She was an American national and was identified with Judaism. Her professional life was centered on business administration and the construction-related industries, with documented work in Illinois, Missouri, and at Washington University.
James pursued higher education at Hunter College, Northwestern University, Illinois State University, and Washington University. The PRABOOK record documents attendance at Hunter College from 2000 to 2006, Northwestern University from 2000 to 2010, Illinois State University from 2000 to 2009, and Washington University from 2000 to 2004; fields of study and degrees are not specified.
James began her documented professional career as an accounting supervisor at Panelit in Skokie, Illinois, serving from 1958 to 1962. She then worked as comptroller at Johnstone Construction in Bloomington, Illinois, from 1962 to 1966. From 1966 to 1970, she was assistant director of housing at Washington University. Her subsequent career moved into executive leadership in the construction and elevator sectors: from 1970 to 1976 she was vice president and general manager of William A. Miller Machine and Elevator; from 1976 to 2000 she served as president of J & J Steel Erectors; and in 2000 she was president of James Elevator Company and E.J. Elevator Company. Corporate records also identify Edith J. James as president, treasurer, and director of J & J Steel Erectors, Inc., a St. Louis-based corporation.
James was identified with Judaism.
James participated in professional organizations connected with the construction industry. She was president of the St. Louis chapters of the Sub-contractors Association from 1991 to 1993, was associated with the St. Louis Council Construction Employers, and served on the board of directors of the National Association of Miscellaneous Ornamental Architectural Products Contractors.
James's documented family connections are her mother, Rebecca, and her father, John. Her professional connections included Washington University, construction employers and subcontractor organizations in St. Louis, and the companies she led in steel erection and elevator services.
