Debra Kay Nordfelt James

On her 18th birthday, Debbie had a blind date with Allen James, her future husband, love of her life, and the absolute most perfect partner for her. They were engaged on July 27 and married on December 27 of 1974. Three months before her cancer diagnosis, they had just celebrated their 50th anniversary with an intimate and spectacular family party, and a Caribbean cruise with their children.

Their first daughter, Angela, was born just over a year after they were married. Their first son, Lonnie, came 14 months later. Terron was born four years after that, and two years later Melanee was the sweet baby caboose. All Debbie ever wanted was a family of her own, so having a husband and four children was a dream come true. She didn't waste a single day after her family became a reality, absorbing every moment of being a wife and a mother.

Family was Debbie's EVERYTHING! Her world revolved around organizing and participating in family get togethers. She would attend every baseball game, dance concert, piano recital, drill team competition, Halloween parade, musical, bridal/baby shower, graduation, baptism, and any other important event.

As much as Debbie cherished being with her family, she was also a woman of numerous talents and had many hobbies, some of which included: gymnastics, piano playing, traveling, cheerleading, volleyball, sewing, singing, gardening, home improvement, and shopping.

Every single thing Debbie did was with love. As a result, there was no one in the whole wide world who was loved by more people than Debbie. She returned any love she received tenfold. She never met a stranger, and every person who walked through the threshold of their home was immediately deemed family.

Debbie was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her faith and testimony were unwavering. She had an extra special love for the atonement of Jesus Christ, which was strengthened when her son, Lonnie, was killed by a drunk driver at the age of 18. She knew that her sorrows and afflictions were absorbed in the Savior's love and sacrifice.

Debbie's catchphrase and email signature was "Never give up. Never surrender." That was apropos to how she attacked life amidst many physical trials. She strived to maintain a positive attitude and find joy in everything, which was extremely contagious. Her joyous laugh will always be remembered.

Our family would have found the past four months absolutely insurmountable without the unfailing help of family, friends and neighbors. We will always remember the medical teams who watched over Debbie with such tenderness and compassion. Our deepest gratitude goes to those who so lovingly cared for Debbie and our family during her illness.