Lisa James

Lisa Carol James, 67, of Gahanna, Ohio, peacefully and excitedly was called home to be with her Lord and Savior, June 4, 2025, after a courageously fought battle with heart failure and endometrial cancer. The morning of her passing, Lisa proclaimed she was ready to be reunited with her beloved mother, father, step-father, brother and grandparents. But she was most excited to meet her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Lisa was born February 12, 1958, in Charleston, WV and moved to Ohio with her family in 1972. She graduated from Gahanna Lincoln High School in 1976 and from Campbellsville Baptist College in 1980, with a Bachelors degree in Education. Lisa never served as an educator, rather found her early career passion working for the Westside-Eastside Day Care Center of Columbus, Ohio as an administrative assistant. After working for the day care center for many years, she transitioned to the Green Lawn Cemetery in Columbus, serving in the same role and finished out her career at Kingwood Memorial Park in Lewis Center, Ohio.

Preceded in death by loving parents Frank and Jo Ann James, step-father Gene James and loving brother, Rich James.

Survived by devoted sister, Birdie Beals, who was faithfully by Lisa’s side during her battle and until right before her last breath. In James family fashion, Lisa waited until Birdie was out of the facility where she was receiving care, before she took her last breath. But at Lisa’s side was her loving cousin, Maria Lee, who witnessed Lisa’s peaceful transition to her home in Heaven. Lisa is also survived by “brother” Efrain Illera Trijillo of Columbia, South America, Aunt Wanda Santini and Uncle Bud Osivnik. She is also survived by special cousins Maria Lee, Angela Santini, Deanna Rambo and Dee Santini, plus other loving cousins.

Lisa was known for her angelic voice. Those who were privileged to hear her sing, were mesmerized by her beautiful tones and knew of her never-ending faith she proclaimed through song. Lisa was involved in choir and show choir during her high school and college careers and had singing roles in many school musicals. Her beautiful voice could be heard weekly at her home church of Gahanna Baptist Church. Lisa’s hobbies including reading, crocheting, traveling to England in her younger years, online shopping and online gaming.

Lisa was blessed to have not only many loving family members, but friends who were more like family to her. The family would like to extend a special thank you to, Erin Kallmenten, Pam Hartschuh, Lisa Lawrence, Belinda Wilson, and Amy and Justin Hill who Lisa considered true sisters and a brother, for their love and support these last few months. Lisa never married or had any children, but was privileged to have children of family friends who she loved as her own, including Chase Kallmerten and quadruplets Rileigh, Seth, Noah and Jacob Hill.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Amy Harper, her entire staff and to the staff of the Infusion Center at the Bing Cancer Center of Riverside Hospital for their kind and compassionate care they provided to Lisa and her sister during her short illness.

Moreover, the family would like to extend their appreciation to the staff of the Laurels of Gahanna where Lisa was cared for the last months of her life. The staff, including the front office, front desk, activities director, transportation coordinator, and physical therapy staff showed Lisa nothing but kindness and compassion on a daily basis. But most of all, the family wants to extend their eternal gratitude to the staff of the Rehabilitation Unit. The entire staff showed Lisa such loving care, compassion and kindness during her stay. And to the nurses and patient care technicians who cared for Lisa like she was a part of their own family, the family will be eternally grateful and thankful that you showed Lisa nothing but such love and understanding during your interactions with her. We are forever blessed that you were placed into our lives. You are all truly angels here on this earth.

Per Lisa’s request, no services will held at this time. A celebration of life with be scheduled at a later time.