In Loving Memory of James Michael Lux

Two months ago, my dad, James Michael Lux, started feeling a little off. He was sleeping more than normal, experiencing some pain and vertigo - just generally not feeling himself. On Monday 9/19, my father was finally able to see a primary care physician who immediately ordered a CT scan based on his symptoms.

The next day, that scan showed spots on both his esophagus and his liver.

The following Friday, he went in for an endoscopy which confirmed it was cancer of the esophagus that had metastasized to the liver.

The next Thursday, 9/29, Dad had his first appointment with an oncologist who delivered devastating news - the cancer had traveled to his lymph nodes as well as his colon. It had taken over and wreaked havoc on his body.

Dad was experiencing excruciating pain and was immediately admitted to the hospital.

The next day, he was sent for a second CT to investigate his intense pain. That CT revealed a blood clot in the main artery to his small intestine.

That Friday morning, we had been given a timeline of of 2-6 months. By that evening, we'd learned the devastating news that he actually only had 48 hours left.

My father passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday October 2, 2022 at 9:40 p.m. He passed with the love of his life, my mom, and his first love, my grandmother, by his side. It was just like he would’ve wanted it.

The shock and suddenness of this tragic loss has left a huge hole in our lives and our hearts.

My dad was the kind of man who worked hard to provide for his family at all costs. He worked the entirety of the time he was unknowingly suffering from cancer.

As you can imagine, the financial toll of this loss will only be overshadowed by the emotional toll of this loss. Any donations will help lighten the immense financial burden on my mom. I still have two brothers at home and my dad’s medical expenses were significant. They’ll also help with the normal household bills that my dad had been taking care of.

We will also be planning two celebration of life services sometime in the future for both his loved ones in North Carolina and his loved ones in Missouri & Illinois.

Anything at all will mean the world to my dad and help to support the family that he loved beyond words.