Shelby Elizabeth James

Shelby Elizabeth James, 31, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away peacefully on August 27, 2025. She was born on August 2, 1994, in Laurel, Mississippi, the beloved daughter of the late Tammy (Bechtel) James. Shelby’s final moments were spent surrounded by her closest friends, family, and her Domino’s Pizza work family, who held her with love and support.

Shelby was preceded in death by her mother, Tammy (Bechtel) James; her brother, Allen Bechtel; and her grandparents, Charles and Mildred (Holland) Bechtel of Georgetown, IL.

A proud graduate of Georgetown-Ridge Farm High School, Class of 2012, Shelby dedicated much of her life to caring for others as a CNA at Pleasant Meadows and Colonial Manor. Most recently, she found joy and fulfillment working at Domino’s Pizza in Kokomo, where she built strong friendships and was deeply loved by her team. Shelby cherished her work family, who meant so much to her.

Outside of work, Shelby enjoyed reading and spending time with her dear friends, especially the Johnson family, who became an important part of her life. She will also be remembered for the love she had for her cat, Winnie.

Those left to carry on her memory include her cousin Charlie (Sarah) Wolpert and their family; uncle Doug (Peggy) Wolpert; cousin Kayla Wolpert and her family; niece Ariah Bechtel; friends Cody (Mallory) Johnson and family; and her father Grady (Ricky) James. She is also survived by her paternal grandparents, Grady and Lu James; uncle Randy James; Aunt Leslie Garrett; and her siblings, Grady Richard James Jr., Morgan Caty James, and Ashley Nicole Creel.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Shelby’s honor on Sunday, September 28, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Bon Air Building, 714 W. Fischer Street, in Bon Air Park, Kokomo, IN. Parking will be available at the front of the building as well as on surrounding streets. An additional Celebration of Life will be held in Georgetown, IL at a later date.