Michelle Lee James

Michelle Lee Salyers James, 52, of Jacksonville, Florida passed away unexpectedly on Friday August 1, 2025. Michelle was the beloved wife of Tom Taylor James Jr for 8 years and loving mother to her daughter Sydney.

Michelle was born in Ashland, Kentucky on October 13, 1972 to her parents Janice and Phillip. She held a graduate degree in occupational therapy and worked as a compassionate therapist, and competent health care administrator for decades. Michelle was a kind generous heart who was beloved by those who knew her. She enjoyed a close relationship with her mother Janice and called Janice her best friend. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends, listening to music, playing games, boating on the river, and adventuring through life with her husband Taylor.

She is survived by her husband, Tom Taylor James of Jacksonville FL; parents Janice Diamond and Johnnie Brown of Ashland, KY; parents Philip and Elisha Salyers of Lexington, KY; daughter Sydney Denz and her husband Derek of Fleming Island FL; sisters Heather Brumfield and her husband Billy of Delaware, OH and Kim Ryan and her husband Chuck of Lafayette, IN; grandsons Everest and Bodhi, numerous aunts and uncles in Kentucky and West Virginia, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of her life will be scheduled at a later date.

Arrangements by Hardage-Giddens Holly Hill Funeral Home, 3601 Old Jennings Road, Middleburg, FL. Please post words of comfort at www.hollyhillfunerals.com.