Show Low, AZ - This week, I am taking a break from the current series on Trips & Travels to write about a colleague, friend, and shining example of a life well-lived.
During the time I taught classes for Dynamic Worldwide Training, I had the opportunity a couple times each year to travel to Whiteriver Indian Hospital to do classes for their staff. It was there that I got to know James Lilly, who was leading the Training Department at this exceptional institution. He, too, was exceptional in many ways.
James had a lot of love to share, but God and his family always came first--and they were always behind the smile he had to share with everyone he met. Even during the last few years, when he was fighting the good fight against recurring cerebral glioblastoma, James had a smile for everyone he saw and shared his inner light and positivity. How rare that such a man of love and service is among us to make lives better.
Below is his obituary:
"James Lilly of Show Low, Arizona met his Lord on August 5, 2018. James was born on May 17, 1975 in Farmington, New Mexico to Jerry and Mary Lilly and brother Robert. In 1998 he married Dee Dee Ridgley and they had four beautiful girls: Daizy, Dinny, Jamesey and Deklyn.
James has been a nurse the last 17 years and was an officer in the United States Public Health Service for the last 7 years.
James was more than a teacher to healthcare professionals, he was a teacher of life to all of us. He lived his life by the motto “God’s Got This” and worshipped at the High Country Church of Christ in Show Low Arizona. James was very active with the youth.
James wanted to share his faith with others by the way he lived. James wanted to introduce people to God by showing his love for them. James loved God so much which made him a wonderful husband and awesome Daddy. James was very proud of his girls and loved them all. James felt honored by the friendships he had."
[Source: Owens Livingston Mortuary]
His memorial guestbook: Click HERE
Farewell, my friend. May you share your smile and your inner light with others who have been released from the pain of earthly afflictions and may you take joy in being able to continue loving and watching over your family.