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 

The Loss Of A Child

The moment that I knew you had died,
My heart split in two,
The one side filled with memories,
The other died with you.

I often lay awake at night,
When the world is fast asleep,
And take a walk down memory lane,
With tears upon my cheek.

Remembering you is easy,
I do it every day,
But missing you is a heartache,
That never goes away.

I hold you tightly within my heart,
And there you will remain,
Life has gone on without you,
But it never will be the same.

For those who still have their children,
Treat them with tender care,
You will never know the emptiness,
As when you turn and they are not there.

Don't tell me that you understand,
don't tell me that you know.
Don't tell me that I will survive,
How I will surely grow.

Don't tell me this is just a test,
That I am truly blessed.
That I am chosen for the task,
Apart from all the rest.

Don't come at me with answers
That can only come from me,
Don't tell me how my grief will pass,
That I will soon be free.

Don't stand in pious judgment
Of the bonds I must untie,
Don't tell me how to grieve,
Don't tell me when to cry.

Accept me in my ups and downs,
I need someone to share,
Just hold my hand and let me cry,
And say, "My friend, I care."

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