Michele Renee James

It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of Michele Renee James, on January 19, 2023, at the age of 54 at the Foothills Medical Centre after a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer.

Michele leaves behind her partner Ross Butler of 28 years; stepchildren Whitney Butler (Dave), Billy Butler (Amanda), and Melissa Watt (Graham); Michele’s parents, father Bob Jaeger (Ruthann), mother Millie Cannon; half-sister Charlene Cannon; her brother Robert Jaeger; stepmother, Karen Carman and her children, Brian Jaeger, and Rianna Sours. Michele also had four grandchildren, Laurel, Jack, Levi, and Atlas.

Michele was born in Key West, Florida, and spent most of her childhood growing up in Florida and Pennsylvania. She graduated from Boone High School in Orlando, Florida, and worked in the insurance industry before she moved to Calgary in 1992. She worked at Pepsi Cola doing administrative work and then in 1997 became a full-time caregiver and mother to Whitney and Billy.

Michele absolutely loved animals and had many dogs and cats over the years. She leaves behind her beloved puppy Jagger and her cat Dante.

Michele was a free spirit who was an avid Rock and Roll fan, especially her favorite band, the Rolling Stones. She shared this passion with her good lifelong US friends, Marlo, Barbie, and Pete. Michele loved going out to restaurants and trying different foods, especially Mexican food. Her love of water, sand, and beaches took her on many vacations to her favorite location, Mexico. Sitting on the beach or around the pool having a beverage, of course with ice, and her sunglasses on, she would be chatting to everyone around her and with that beautiful smile and witty humor have everyone laughing in minutes. Her smile was infectious.

Michele will truly be missed by both family and friends who loved her warm heart, her caring nature, and compassion for those around her. Michele was taken from us much too soon but she packed a lot of love and life into her 54 years. God has a plan for Michele.

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at Unit 46, Special Services, Foothills Medical Centre for their kind, compassionate care of Michele during her month-long stay in the hospital.

As per Michele’s wishes, there will be no formal service. 

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Foundation or Calgary Humane Society.