Christina Elizabeth James

Christina Elizabeth James, 72, passed away peacefully after a long illness on Sunday, April 19, 2026.

She was born in Colón, Panama, where her parents were serving as missionaries. In her early teens, she moved back to the States, first to New Jersey and then to Louisville, where she attended Ballard High School and later graduated from Jefferson Community College nursing school.

As an RN, she worked briefly at Clark County Memorial Hospital and then spent over twenty years at Jewish Hospital in Louisville until her retirement.

Chris loved her family more than anything. She was incredibly loving and giving, always willing to do whatever she could for the people she cared about. She enjoyed traveling with her family, playing pool with friends, and spending time at family gatherings. She was also a proud “crazy cat lady,” lovingly caring for all of her “purr babies,” both indoor and outdoor, who she treated as part of the family.

Christina is preceded in death by her parents, Mainert Peterson and Virgina (Woods) Peterson, and her brother, Sandy Peterson.

She is survived by her husband, Tom James; two sons, Ryan Diaz (Michelle) and Ben James (Sarah); her brother, Charlie Peterson (Jenny); and her sister, Ginny Johnson. She is also survived by four grandchildren: Evan Diaz (Haley), Ty Diaz, Hannah James, and Braden Diaz; and two great-grandchildren, Paisley Diaz and Presley Diaz.

Visitation will be held at Newcomer Funeral home; 235 Juneau Dr.; Louisville, KY 40243 on April 30th, 2026 from 5 to 7 PM with a service to follow.

Because of Chris's lifelong love of animals, the family asks that, in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to Alley Cat Advocates in her memory.

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