Kristine James, 57, of Olathe, Kansas passed away on Wednesday, July 31, 2019 at Olathe Medical Center. She will forever be remembered as a loving and inspiring wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend.
Kristine was born on February 27, 1962 in Daniel W. Adams and Mildred E. (Dahlquist) Adams in Naperville, Illinois. She was born with a very rare and serious congenital heart defect (CHD): Transposition of the Great Arteries. Overcoming high negative odds of survival and productive life, with God’s immeasurable grace and extraordinary support of her family, friends and dedicated medical staff, Kris successfully fought through multiple major medical procedures and achieved the life she sought, highlighted by her most cherished daughters Rachel and Rebecca. She earned a B.S.Ed. at Northern Illinois University and taught elementary school a few years. Kris loved her family, cooking, traveling, and her bearded collies.
Kristine’s struggles and successes inspired others among her. Some of her early cardiologists became family friends and attended family events, including her wedding. The day after her death, her cardiologist of 20 years wrote, “She is an inspiration to the many she touched. Although dealt an incomplete deck of cards at birth, she lived life on her terms … the epitome of a fighter, sometimes tough and stubborn on the exterior but soft with a heart of gold (+ some prosthetic material) on the inside. I will miss her.”
Kristine advocated for/with other adults across the globe with CHD, and chose to become a tissue donor in order to enhance the lives of others.
Kristine is preceded in death by her parents, Daniel and Mildred Adams and her sister, Kathleen Atkins. She is survived by her loving husband of 34 years David James of the home, and two daughters Rebecca James at home, and Rachel James of Kansas City. She will be sadly missed by her sister, Karen Roose of Aurora, Illinois along with several nieces and nephews across Illinois, Kansas, Texas, and Indiana.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Atonement Lutheran Church 9948 Metcalf Ave. Overland Park, Kansas 66212. A memorial service was held there August 10, and an interment service will be held on August 24, 11am, at the family’s original Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, 815 S. Washington St., Naperville, IL.
Condolences may be offered at www.McGilley-Frye.com.
