This memorial website was created in memory of our beautiful daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, niece and friend Melissa James.

Melissa came into our lives on March 23, 1977. It didn't take long before we knew that she was an ambitious, highly motivated, energetic little girl. When she set her mind on something, she followed through. As she grew into a young woman she maintained those qualities. She became very business minded and goal oriented.

Her passion for dance was noticed very early in her life. She began dance classes at Tonies Dance Workshop at a young age and continued through graduation. At the age of 19 she found Dance Unlimited.

Melissa dedicated her life to teaching dance to children. They were her children. She loved them all and wanted them to become beautiful dancers and be successful in life whatever their dreams were.

When Melissa wasn't on the dance floor or planning recitals she was usually found spending her days on the beach, either doing promotionals, modeling or local commercials. Melissa's pictures were featured in local Panama City Beach magazines such as Alvin's Island and See.

Melissa was a very sweet individual who cared about everyone. She was funny and the most courageous, strong person you could know. When she entered the room, everyone took notice.

Melissa loved God and gave her heart to him at a very young age. She loved her family and friends very much. She had a special bond with her niece Kaytlyn. They loved each other so much and spent very much quality time together. Melissa planned to be her dance instructor. Melissa was also close to her nephews Seth and Gabe. They were always excited to see her and knew that they were in for a good time.

Melissa was a classy dresser and loved to wear hats. She loved baking cookies and she always had to make just enough for that day so they would be the freshest. She loved to joke around and make people laugh. She loved to surprise her family and friends when it was their birthday. It always was a special time for her.

On December 13, 2005 Melissa was to board a plane from Las Vegas to Newark to spend Christmas with her family. She never made the plane. Two people that she thought were friends viciously murdered her. 

Melissa leaves behind her mom Maura and her dad Dennis along with a sister April and a brother Mike.

Words cannot express how much we all miss her. Our lives are forever changed the day she was brutally taken from us. We will never see her get married or have children of her own. Melissa will never see her niece or nephews grow up. We were all robbed of her love and friendship. Until we are together again, we will cherish all the memories we have of Melissa and the joy she brought to all our lives.

"There is laid up for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord the righteous Judge will award me on that day." 2 Timothy 4:8 

MELISSA AND MIKE





FOR SAMANTHA AND MELISSA 'S FAMILY .... FROM ROSETTA

I'M RIGHT HERE IN YOUR HEART

When tomorrow starts without me, and I'm not there to see.
If the sun should rise and find your eyes, all filled with tears for me; I
 wish so much you wouldn't cry,the way you did today, 
While thinking of the manythings we didn't get to say, 
I know how much you love me,As much as I love you. 
And each time that you think of me,I know you'll miss me too; 
But when tomorrow starts without
 me,
Please try to understand. That an angel came and called my name and took me by the hand, 
and said my place was ready In Heaven far above, and that I'd have to leave behind, All those things I dearly love.

But as I turned to walk away, A tear fell from my eye,
For all of life, I'd always thought, I didn't want to die.
I had so much to live for, So much yet to do,
It seemed almost impossible, that I was leaving you.
I thought of all the yesterdays, the good ones and the bad,
I thought of all the love we shared, And all the fun we had.
If I could relive yesterday, Just even for a while,I'd say good-bye and kiss you, and maybe see you smile,
But then I fully realized, that that could never be, For emptiness and memories, Would take the place of me.

And when I thought of Worldly things, I might miss come tomorrow,
I thought of you, and when I did, My heart was filled with sorrow.
But when I walked through Heaven's gates, I felt so much at home.
When God looked down and smiled at me, From his great golden throne,
He said, "This is eternity, and all I've promised you.Today your life on Earth is past, But here it starts anew.I promise no tomorrow,
But today will always last, and since each day's the same day,There's no longing for the past. 
But you have been so faithful, So trusting and so true, Though there were times you did somethings, you know you shouldn't do.

But you have been forgiven, And now at last you're free,
So won't you take my hand And share My life with Me?"
So when tomorrow starts without me, Don't think we're far apart, for every time you think of me,

I'm right here in your Heart 






MELISSA


With Melissa there is no longer pain.
With Melissa there is no blame
With Melissa there is no hate.
For she is now beyond heaven’s gate.

With Melissa there is no evil.
My Melissa jetes in angelic fields.
My Melissa is not hurt by negative remarks.
Only her friends and family left with broken hearts.

My Melissa is in the presence of a forgiving Father,
For Melissa she desires only our love for one another.
My Melissa is dancing even more then before
With plies and glissades across heavenly golden floors.

From Melissa are the memories we will never forget.
Through Melissa is the strength we carry on and yet,
My Melissa is in the Father’s embrace,
As we boldly come before the throne of grace.

For Melissa there is now happiness, peace and joy.
And Melissa the angels she will now employ!
As Melissa’s work on earth is done,
The heavenly host of heaven resounds.

My Melissa her soul is now at rest.
And Melissa no longer has to pass any test.
My Melissa now sees everything so clearly.
And prepares for the arrival of the ones she holds dearly.

We rejoice evermore that she is finally home
And our comfort is only through God alone.
He holds every tear that we cry in his hand,
Through every heartache God understands.

God speaks words of comfort in my times of grief,
Assuring me that he’s in control and I must believe.
He is close to the brokenhearted as the Psalm says,
I’ll reach out to touch his heart each and every day.

Thank you for trusting me with her for 28 years,
I laugh when I think of her humor through tears.
She brought so much joy to every ones heart,
And our faith in our God will never depart.

Written by Melissa’s Mom 

DANCE, MY MAR, DANCE
EMBRACE THE MUSIC AS IT FLOWS
WAVE YOUR ARMS AND KICK YOUR LEGS
AND POINT YOUR LOVELY TOES.

DANCE, MY MAR, DANCE
BEFRIEND THE MOVING AIR
LET IT CARESS YOUR EVERY CURVE
AND STROKE YOUR SILKY HAIR.

DANCE, MY MAR, DANCE
PIROUETTE AMONGST THE CLOUDS
YOU'VE SHOWED US ALL WHAT YOU CAN DO
SHOW THE ANGELS NOW.

YOU'VE MOVED ON FROM THIS IMPERFECT WORLD
MOVED ON, GONE FURTHER, ADVANCED
BUT FOREVER YOU'LL LIVE INSIDE OUR HEARTS
AND FOREVER IN HEAVEN YOU'LL DANCE.


~ JORDAN SIMONEAUX ~

*IN LOVING MEMORY OF MELISSA JAMES*

I LOVE YOU, MY MAR 

           




              

A Poem For Melissa to comfort her family! / Pat Katrick (Aunt)
Dear Melissa,

Please ask the Lord to send us
A peace beyond this world
Today our hearts need mending
Which is only what God can do!

As we all wait for the day
When we will be together again
Dancing and rejoicing
With our loved ones which will never end!

Far beyond our understanding
A mystery to us all
In time it will be revealed by God
How you came to answer His call!

His Glory shines through you
As all the Martyr's do
His Wisdom we must trust
For He allowed this path for you!

Dear Melissa be with us this day
Lift the heaviness of our hearts
Our prayers are lifted up to you
In turn send us comfort, peace and joy!            

Are you with her when she's dancing, in her room alone?
Are you with her when she says it's my Mickey on the phone?

Do you see her smile when she's remembering something sweet?
Can you see her playing dress up with your shoes on her feet?

Do you hear her cry, her hearts as lost as mine..
Do you hold her close and whisper everything is fine?

She tells me that you come around all the time to play.
Can't you see her mom? She's right there saying hey!

She says you were there, playing dress up too..
Don't put that over there Mooomm! Mickey and I aren't through!

She says she can hear you, and everythings okay..
One day we will go to heaven and be with her to play.

I know it must be you showing how much you care,
Thank you for being with us, it means so much that you are there!

~Samantha~ 

             


"I know my angel's looking down
at me from up above
As I am looking up at her
and sending her all my love"
                                           

Beautiful Dancer!!!!