Jodi Ellen James

August 30, 1971 - September 5, 2009

Mrs. Jodi Ellen James , age 38 , of Michigan City, died Saturday, September 5, 2009 at Pulaski Memorial Hospital, due to an automobile accident. Funeral services will be held Thursday, September 10, at 11:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Dr. Don Dempsey officiating. Friends may call at Carlisle Funeral Home on Wednesday, from 5-8 p.m. and on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the service at the church. Burial will be at Swan Lake Memorial Gardens. Jodi was born August 30, 1971 in Terre Haute, IN to Warren Joseph (Charlene) Taylor who survive in Terre Haute, IN. and Dr. Barbara Shipley Taylor (Brock) Vinson, who survive in Westville, IN. On May 23, 1998 at First Presbyterian Church, Jodi married Bobby James. He survives in Michigan City. Also surviving is her brother Jasen Joseph Taylor of Indianapolis. Jodi was an administrator for Purdue North Central. Jodi was a faithful member of First Presbyterian Church, where she is currently an elder on session where she is the head of the worship and music committee. She is a current member of the Chancel Choir, has sung with the Messiah for many years. She is currently a lay minister, member of Presbyterian Women’s Association, a member of Elisabeth Circle, and served as past Deacon. She served on the Indiana Council of Independent Living, and ADAPT (American Disabled for Attendant Programs Today) Memorials may be given to the Muscular Dystrophy Association 314 W. Catapala Drive #F; Mishawaka, Indiana 46545.

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I know Jodi's light will always shine on. I got to work at PNC very early one day last week and there was a light misty fog hanging over the grass in the fields on campus. The sun was still low in the sky but its rays were far reaching. It was completely silent because few people were there yet... I could see her in the mist, speeding across campus in her wheel chair, hair flying in the wind. It took my breath away. And made me smile at the sweet, sorrowful memory. I know I will feel her for the rest of my days. God bless Jodi's family and friends who all loved her so dearly.

I knew Jodi from PNC, You have my deepest sympathy. I will miss her, she always was so kind to me and was a beautiful person. May God be with her always. Gone-a wonderful person who is an Angel.

Jodi I am blessed to have known you. You made the world a better place.I believe you will continue your mission by watching over us with your wonderful smile. Thank you for touching my life. Michaeline

I am so sorry to hear about Jodi. I knew her as part of the TRIO Student Support Services family. I know Jodi was dedicated to helping students fulfill their dreams of higher education and a better life. She will always be in our hearts as well. Dr. Rita Worrall Director, Student Support Services, Disability Services Indiana State University

I will miss Jodi's bubbly personality and friendly smile. As a part of the MAEOPP and IMAEOPP family, she will be missed. God bless her and embrace her as she returns to the Creator. Sincerely, Vince Isom

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

To the family of Jodi, May the love of our Lord and Savior comfort you during this time. May His words provide you with peace and comfort. May you rest in knowing that "absent from the body, present with the Lord." Until we meet again. Venita Stallings, SSS (Indiana State University)

Dear Bob, My deepest sympathies go out to you and Jason and Jodi's mother. Barb Staton and I were just talking on the phone about Jodi and how she always had a smile on her face and how upbeat she was. She really had a major impact on my life, and I'm so glad she was part of my life.

I truly appreciated Jodi's willingness to fight for independent living centers, an interest we shared when we talked at PNC. Wishing her glorious peace and blessings of comfort to her family.

To the Taylor and James' families. I met Jodi and Jasen in 1994. For the last 15 years I considered all of you as extended family. I was honored to be invited to Jodi's wedding. She is a great person and a better friend. Miss you and my prayers are with you and your families.

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, Love leaves a memory no one can steal. Jodi is safe in the hand of God.

I will always remember the "can do" attitude, great advice and your smile Jodi....you will be long remembered and missed greatly! pat

Jodi was an example to us all. She had great spirit - she was very "abled" to say the least. I'm quite sure she is busy helping every angel with a broken wing right now.

Bobbi, my heart goes out to you in your time of loss. Both of you were students of mine, and good ones at that. I feel honored to have known Jodi. The occasional hallway conversations with you and Jodi are what I will miss the most. She was ALWAYS up-beat and always had a kind word and a smile. I guess that's what all of us at PNC can learn from her -- be more positive, more forgiving, more supportive of each other.

I met Jodi at Ball State and was immediately impressed by her fondness for laughter that always made others feel at ease. Even though we had limited interaction after our graduations, I could always count on her sense of humor to enliven any conversation, no matter the topic. She was a delight to know and will be greatly missed. To Bob, Jasen, and Barb, I send my thoughts and prayers.

My deepest sympathy to all of Jodie's family and friends. My prayer is that God give you comfort that only He can in this time of sorrow. Jodie was a lively spirit and will be dearly missed. Our peace comes in knowing that she is WALKING with Jesus now, and we will all meet with her again some day.

(Bob-o) Sorry about your loss, Jodi was a friend and a sparring partner for verbal objections. I wish you the best in all you do. I am sincerely sorry for you loss~Dennis Culvahouse we will miss her forever dculvahouse2001@yahoo.com

Jodi was a true conqueror, willing to challenge the most formidable giants of discrimination, yet gentle enough to share a tear with those who sought her comfort, we know that your in Gods presence now, running and laughing, singing with the other Angels in the presence of our God All Mighty!!!

My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. I have fond memories of the years Jodi and I worked together in DSD at Ball State. MM

Jodi, I will miss you so much. We had so much fun at Ball State and Im so sorry I didnt get up to visit after I moved back from England. I will miss your great sense of humor, wonderful laugh, and how you truly cared about people. I cant help but think of all the great times we had and cry but cry in joy that I knew you and called you friend.

I am in shock. As if Jodi had not had more than her share of pain in life ... I hope she did not suffer too much after the accident. I will miss her. Jodi taught us forbearance by her quiet and dignified presence on this campus (Purdue North Central). She was very efficient and never complained. Again, I will miss her ... she was far younger than me ... Deepa Majumdar Faculty member, Social Sciences, PNC

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Barb and family, I was very sad to hear of the passing of your daughter. It sounded like she was a real fighter and a heck of a good person. I am very sorry for your loss. God Bless you and your family.

I am so terribly sorry for your loss. God's loving comfort be with you now and in the future.

Bob and Barbara, I am so sorry about this. Words can't express how badly I feel. I always missed her when I left PNC but the loss now can't even compare to that. I will always have fond memories of my dear friend and her infectious smile and laugh. Her friendship meant so much to me when I was going through hard times. I will keep the family in my prayers.

I was saddened to hear of the accident and the lost of Jodi. I remember her growing up. She always had that wonderful smile. I admired her 'spunk' and determination. She was a very gifted young lady. My prayers are with the family.

Jodi was a great inspiration to all of us. Her sense of laughter and spirit remind us that life is great regardless of any situation. Her enthusiasm for Relay for Life and Susan G. Komen always reminds us to help others. I will really miss her spirit and "go for it" attitude!!

I've been extremely upset over the passing of Jodi, over the last few days. She was a great woman , and a great wife to Bob. I first met her at a class I had at PNC taught by Chris Smith , she was a very wonderful person and will truly be missed.

Bob, I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Jodi on several projects at PNC. She was on my team at the outdoor retreat in Valpo. during the summer. It was a pleasure to work with her. She could pass a ball better than I ever could! She will be missed.

I am praying for the family. I went to Camp Koch with Jodi and Jasen in the 80's Praying Holly Cunningham

I am so sad to hear about the passing of Jodi. She was a great colleague and friend of mine. I will truly miss laughing and working with her.

With Deepest Sympathy.

Barb and Jason, You have my deepest sympathies. Jodi and I were just getting caught up through Facebook. She had reminded me of the time that she came down to my house after she had gotten her electric wheelchair. We had a good laugh over that and how much trouble she got into when she got home. I know that gave her a new found freedom. She will be missed, but her light will shine on through us here on earth and in Heaven. With God's Love, Alesia (Maddox) Kramm

Jason, We are very sorry to hear about your sister. We give you our deepest condolences and pray for your heart to be peaceful during this time. Also, we pray for your parents for comfort in their hearts and minds. Sincerely, John and Bobbie (Kent's mom and stepfather), Kimberly Bell (Kent's sister)

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.