Patricia James

It is with profound sadness that we share the unexpected passing of our beloved mother, Patricia James, who left us on January 12, 2025, at the age of 80. She was surrounded by the love of her devoted family and her amazing caregiver, Jodi Mears.Patricia was more than just a mother—she was the heart of our family, a woman whose warmth, kindness, and compassion touched everyone fortunate enough to know her. Born to William and Francis James in Spring Valley, Illinois, Patricia carried a spirit of love and resilience throughout her life. As a mother, she was loving and devoted, raising three daughters; Kristine Michelbach, Jennifer Matzl, and Julie Salyer. Her unwavering dedication to her family was evident in everything she did.Her life's work as a nurse was a true testament to her caring nature. Paticia was a dedicated nurse who touched countless lives throughout her career. She graduated from Rockford Memorial School of Nursing with her RN and later earned her B.S. in Health Education from the University of St. Francis. Patricia worked for over 30 years in healthcare, serving first on the nursing floor and later as a Clinical Coordinator in Outpatient Surgery. She was a compassionate and caring presence, and her commitment to others was evident in everything she did. Beyond her professional achievements, Patricia was a woman of many passions. She loved playing golf and tennis, was an avid reader of countless books, and found immense joy in traveling the world. She gave back to her community through her involvement with the Rockford Chamber of Commerce and her generosity toward numerous charities.

Yet, for all her accomplishments, Patricia's greatest joy in life was her family—especially her grandchildren, Zachary, Tea, Samantha, and Logan. They were the light of her life, and she loved them with a depth that words cannot fully express. Her pride in them was boundless, and her love was a constant, steady force in their lives.

We are forever grateful for the unwavering love and care that Patricia received from Jodi Mears, who devoted the last year of Patricia's life to ensuring she was cared for with tenderness and grace. We also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Trisha Flosi, Patricia's niece, for her support and for sharing her knowledge for Home Health Care during Patricia's final days.

Patricia was predeceased by her parents, William and Francis, her aunt Josephine Micheletti, and her cousin Kenneth Jaris. Patricia is survived by her daughters, Kristine Michelbach, Jennifer Matzl (Jeff Matzl) their three children: Zachary, Samantha, and Logan. Julie Salyer (Brian Kreiger), and her daughter Tea' Salyer,  sister-in-law Irene Meeker (Stuart Meeker), as well as many dear family members and friends who will carry her memory in their hearts.  Patricia's kindness, wisdom, and love have left an indelible mark on our hearts. She will live on in every story, memory, and smile she inspired. We are eternally grateful for the gift of her life and the joy she brought to all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Patricia's name may be made to Winnebago County Animal Services or the Rockford Rescue Mission, both of which were causes close to her heart. Your generosity will help continue the work she cared so deeply about.

A Celebration of Life will be held 2-4 pm, Saturday, February 8, 2025, at Stateline Church, 601 North Perryville Rd. with a Memorial Serivice to follow at 4 pm. Stateline Cremations is assisting the family, 6204 Forest Hills Rd., Loves Park, IL 61111. www.statelinecremations.com