Army Sergeant April Lynn James, born March 2, 1983, in Evansville, Indiana. She was the beloved daughter of Donald and Rita (Rider) James.

April was a member of the Indiana Army National Guard for 11 years and a United States Army veteran serving with the 163rd in Operation Enduring Freedom during 2004 to 2005 and Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2007 to 2008.

She graduated from Reitz High School in 2001 and Ivy Tech in 2006. She then began at Deaconess Hospital in 2006 as a surgical tech. She loved her job and the doctors and staff she worked with. She was devoted to her work and was well loved by many. She was known as a truly caring person, often helping others.

April loved fishing, hunting, and bike riding. She also loved playing with her three crazy dogs (always missing her late dog, Tater Bug). She loved camping and getting together with family and friends. She participated in marathons and color runs with her friends. She was active in volunteer work with veterans dealing with PTSD.

April is survived by her parents; brother, Aaron James (Jenny); nephews, Dawson and Garret James; uncles, Jon James (Carla), of Vincennes, Earl Rider of Illinois, Mike Rider and Randy James; aunt, Judy Moore (David), of West Virginia; cousins, Mandy Hewitt, of North Carolina, Ryan and Brandon James, Mike, Mitch, and Matthew White, and Nathan and Brittney James, Rob Rider, Hannah Garrett, and Mickey and Kenneth Cox; and boyfriend, Trent Friday.

SGT April Lynn James lost her battle with PTS on May 24, 2015. She was 32 years old.