An accomplished golfer who proved instrumental in leadership at the island’s government-owned courses was also president of the Mid Ocean Club — and married to one of the island’s most prominent political figures.

Shirley James, who presided over Mid Ocean from 2005 to 2008, was a prolific and highly versatile artist whose work ranged from figure drawing to seascapes.

She told The Royal Gazette in a 2005 interview: “My inspiration is my love of nature, and the theme is hard to describe.

“I truly want to show that there is beauty to be found in everything and everyone that surrounds us.”

Born in the town of Wolfville in Nova Scotia, Mrs James studied art under the tutelage of Helen Beals, Professor of Art at Acadia University, where she obtained a bachelor of science degree.

Mrs James pursued a dietetic internship in Massachusetts General Hospital, then worked as a nutritionist in Montreal, Canada, where she met Clarence James, a surgeon at the Montreal General Hospital.

Dr James, who died in 2016, served as transport minister in the United Bermuda Party government as well as Minister of Health, Bermuda’s first Black Minister of Finance and Deputy Premier under Sir John Swan from 1983 to 1989.

Mrs James took inspiration from the island when the couple settled in Bermuda, including working alongside Bermudian artist John Kaufmann.

She joined and served on the board at the Bermuda Society of Arts, Masterworks and the Bermuda National Gallery.

She excelled at golf, including captaining the Bermuda women's golf team. She chaired the board of trustees at Port Royal Golf Course, working closely with Terry Brannon.

Progressive Labour Party MP and former professional golfer Kim Swan extolled the “Shirley James era” at the course.

He added: “Mrs James served over 20 years as trustee and presided over an advisory committee between the three separate government golf course quangos, the precursor that ushered in the consolidated golf course board of trustees.”

Mr Swan said that he and Mrs James organised several international golf tournaments for the Department of Tourism. She and her husband often opened their home to host receptions for guests from overseas.

The MP added: “From her contribution to the development of golf in Bermuda, the record will show it thrived under her.

“She was more than the wife of a high-ranking politician. She carved out her own space in Bermuda society — in her own right, she did many things worthy of honours, from golf to the arts.

“I was very blessed to benefit from her wisdom, knowledge and leadership.”

The Mid Ocean Club took its flag to half-mast in her remembrance.

A club statement hailed Mrs James as “a remarkable leader and a cherished member of the Mid Ocean Club community”.

“As the longest-serving director in the club’s history, she broke important barriers as both the first woman and the first Black president.

“An accomplished golfer and passionate supporter of the Ladies Group, Shirley brought enthusiasm, grace and dedication to every aspect of club life.

“Her leadership helped strengthen the community and set an inspiring example for generations to come.”

David Ezekiel, who served as vice-president at the club, called Mrs James “a very elegant, quiet woman who had a rod of steel running through”.

“She was very, very good at listening — at the club, she gave everyone a chance to say their piece, then would just do a good wrap-up and suggest the best decision for the club.

“She saw herself as an enabler of decisions that the membership made, as opposed to thinking that the board itself was good enough to make decisions on its own. She was very member-conscious, asking questions on what the membership wanted.

“She was an absolute delight to work with, a steadfast supporter and friend, and in return I gave her the same.

“She certainly left her mark on the club.”

• Shirley Portia James, a leading golf administrator, artist and former president of the Mid Ocean Club, was born on August 12, 1935. She died in March 2026, aged 90