“

Kathy radiated warmth and vitality.

Katherine Jane James (Jolliffe), born June 18, 1960, in Portland, Oregon, departed this life on July 27, 2026, at the age of 66, after a courageous battle with complications from cancer. Her life stands as a testament to resilience, deep love, and indomitable optimism, leaving an enduring legacy for family and friends who cherished her.

From her earliest days, Katherine—known to those close to her as Kathy—radiated warmth and vitality. The beloved daughter of Bernard and Lylah Schelb, she inherited not only their spirit but their commitment to family and community. Her famous laugh resonated in every room, and her luminous smile was a beacon of welcome and joy. Kathy’s ability to persevere through life’s many challenges, fortified by her unwavering determination, became a defining trait admired by all who knew her.

A remarkable self-starter, Kathy’s drive and ambition led her to build four businesses from the ground up. Through dedication and vision, she created opportunities not just for herself but for others around her, illustrating a potent blend of entrepreneurial spirit and generosity. Within and beyond her ventures, Kathy made lasting connections—her powerful presence inspiring confidence and camaraderie wherever she went.

Kathy’s zest for adventure animated her life outside of work. She took great delight in fishing and camping, savoring moments beneath open skies and beside gentle rivers, sharing these passions with her family. Never one to shy away from hard work, she approached every task with enthusiasm—her hands readily engaged in the messier facets of life, yet always lovingly adorned with brightly painted nails, a testament to her vibrant personality.

“

Her famous laugh resonated in every room, and her luminous smile was a beacon of welcome and joy.

Kathy’s devotion to her family was steadfast and unconditional. She is survived by her son, Jeramy Jolliffe; her daughter, Katie Jolliffe; her youngest daughter, Sara Underwood; and her son-in-law, James Underwood. Her legacy continues through her cherished grandchildren: Aden, Kaylee, Alexis, Carson, Caleb, and Olivia. Kathy’s sisters—Kimberly, Lisa, and Lynn—carry forward the bonds of sisterhood that enriched her life.

In death, Kathy is reunited with her dear parents, Bernard and Lylah; her beloved late husband, Dan; her second husband, Martin; and her baby sister, Sandy. Each reunion in eternity is surely marked by her signature laughter and radiant embrace.

As we gather our memories in the soft glow of her remembrance, let us rejoice in the impact Kathy made on each of our lives. The example she set—in business, in family, in friendship, and in wit—invites us to live courageously and love unconditionally. Though she no longer walks among us, her light remains in the stories shared, lessons imparted, and love extended.

Let us, one and all, pause to honor Katherine Jane James by cherishing and recounting the special moments and memories she gifted us, and by taking comfort in knowing that she is at peace, surrounded once more by those gone before her.