Gracie JAMES Obituary

JAMES Gracie, beloved daughter of Chris Bobel, James Lundy and Thomas Hartl, all of Arlington, Massachusetts, died on October 20, 2010 of injuries sustained in a car accident in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah three days earlier. She had just turned 17 years old. Gracie Christine James was born on September 29, 1993 in Whitewater, Wisconsin where she lived until moving to New Orleans just before her fourth birthday. After her father and mother separated in 1998, Chris and Gracie moved to Cincinnati, Ohio where they lived until relocating to Arlington, Massachusetts with Thomas in 2001. Gracie’s father, James, moved to Arlington in 2006. Until this fall, Gracie had been a student at Arlington High School. In mid-August, Gracie began attending a boarding school in Hurricane, Utah. On the morning of Sunday, October 20th, Gracie and fifteen other girls and school staff were enroute to a full day excursion in Arches Natural Park when the staff driver of their SUV lost control and the vehicle rolled over outside of Sevier, Utah. Found in a coma by rescue personnel, Gracie never regained consciousness. She died quietly on the evening of October 20 in the trauma unit of Utah Valley Regional Medical Center, in the loving embrace of her three parents. At her parents’ request, on the evening of her death, individuals and small groups across the country and as far as Germany lit candles, listened to and sang Gracie’s favorite music and observed shared moments of reflective silence. Gracie was an unusually creative, intuitive, affectionate and sensitive young woman with a shy smile, beautiful eyes and a deep, feeling soul. She was an accomplished figure skater, an avid reader and a budding artist who created evocative and vibrant abstract works in soft pastels. But her main passion was writing. A brilliant and imaginative writer of both short and longer fiction and poetry, she aspired to a career in professional writing. Gracie’s gifts for caring, compassion and emotional connection touched everyone she met as shown by the outpouring of grief and support expressed by her peers at both her current and former schools. The day after her death, grieving students at Arlington High School wore green, symbolizing peace and honoring her memory. In addition to her heartbroken parents, Gracie is survived by her sister, Zoe Habel, age 7, whom she adored unabashedly, her “little” brother, age 16, Craig Hartl, with whom she shared a deep heart connection, her maternal grandmother, Sally Bobel, her paternal grandfather, Heinrich Hartl, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and her steadfast boyfriend, Sam Flavin. Gracie was predeceased by her paternal grandmother, Hedda Hartl, and her maternal grandfather, John Bobel. A memorial service and celabration of Gracie’s life will be held at the church where Gracie was both dedicated and later completed the “Coming of Age” program, First Parish Church, Unitarian Universalist (Harvard Square, Cambridge) on Sunday, November 7th at 5:00 P.M. At the reception that follows, all are invited to contribute words, images and other remembrances on a Memory Wall. The family invites donations in lieu of flowers to the newly established “Gracie James Foundation” which will focus on closing the gaps in systems of support for local teens. Donations can be sent to 76 Paul Revere Road, Arlington, MA 02476.

Published by Boston Herald on Oct. 27, 2010.
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Memories and Condolences
for Gracie JAMES

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Gracie. I remember how much fun we had playing Catchphrase and talking music. I will never forget you. You will always be with me. I know you will be there watching over me. You give me strength. I live for you.

Pamela Handel

May 18, 2011

Dear Jim:

I just learned of your daughter's passing. There is nothing that I can say that will ease the pain that you are feeling. I remember all of the stories that you use to tell me about your beautiful daughter Gracie and I hope that those memories will get you through this dark period. Gracie is now an angel and she is with you always. My sincerest condolences to you.

Barbara Reinhart-Fitzgerald

January 19, 2011

I miss her.

Anonymous

January 10, 2011

OMG. Jim I am so so sorry for your loss... I dont know how I just came across this article but my heart is broken for you. Judy Marshall and family..

Judy Marshall

January 6, 2011

Gracie, no words can begin to describe what you meant to me. Though we were strangers during the hardest two weeks of my life you were by my side. If it wasn't for you I would've never been discharged from brighton. We were strangers at first but by thr time you left we were great friends. I miss you and you and your family will forever be in my prayers. As for now you will be my beautiful angel.

Meaghan Cunniffe

November 11, 2010

It is unimaginable, from all perspectives. I do not know you, but know one of Gracie's friends. I write because I also know. In my thoughts...

Lucy, Torri's Mom

Lucy Wightman

November 8, 2010

I grew up in Somerville so even though I never knew her well I spent a lot of time in Arlington at the Unitarian church. I remember once I was staying with Clara and it was Gracie's birthday and I ended up crashing with them in the ice skating rink. All these flittering memories of the small times we crossed path flood my mind, and I wish I had had the opportunity to get to know her better. She was such a wonderful and it's devastating that she left this earth so early.

Alana Thurston

November 7, 2010

My mind is filled with memories of laughter, beauty, comradery, and whispered confidences between two preteen friends. Was it just a few years ago that Gracie and Sarah played soccer together, made up funny words and dialog, made each other laugh for hours on end? Two lovely girls brimming with the joys of young girlhood with womanhood a near yet shadowy presence. They would tumble downstairs together at supper time, share a tree perch, sneak through a fence to their favorite pastry shop,
gently snuggling under their blankets for a delicious sleep in after an all nighter-sleepover, wistfully hugging good-bye at pick-up time with the promise of future adventures lurking behind their soft, smiling eyes. I yearn for another visit from this beautiful girl who graces us with such endearing and enduring memories. And I comfort myself that although we will never see her on Earth again, she remains among us, in our hearts, nestled and blanketed warmly and lovingly.

Anne DiZio

November 7, 2010

Dear Chrissy and Thomas: Jill and I want to extend our deepest condolences to you and the family. We know your loss is immeasurable, and the void left in your heart can never be filled. Please know that we wish you peace and comfort from those who loved her and the wonderful memories that were her gift to you all. With love, Jill and Jan Sacks

November 5, 2010

For Gracie who will always be with us in our hearts.

Lisa Wilker

November 4, 2010

Your devastating loss of Gracie is unimaginable. Know that I am mourning with you in your sorrow. I will always remember her smile, free spirit and kind heart. With love and prayers.

Heather Dawood

November 2, 2010

Chris and Thomas,
I am so sorry to hear about your tragic loss. My thoughts are with you. Lauren

Lauren Berman

November 2, 2010

Chris,
Such a tragedy for Gracie, you and your family. We are so very sorry.

Bill & Judy Shepard

November 1, 2010

Dear Jim,
We are so sorry for this great loss in your life. Try to remember her in her smiling ways and happy times.
There are no words to say other than we are sorry for you and your family. Our prayers are with you.
Bob, Susan and Brent Johnson and Noella Demers

November 1, 2010

Chrisi,
I'm so sad to hear of your lose. My heart breaks for you. Neither time or distance really dims the light of true friendship and I truly cherish ours. Please hold the memories and times you shared with Gracie as a true blessing. My thougths and prayers go out to you and to all who were blessed to be apart of Gracie's life. Sounds like she lived life large...must have taken after her Mother...in a very short time she was able to touch many lives and she will be missed across the country. May you find peace and calm somewhere amid this storm. Our prayers are with you. Love ya, Paul & Sharon (Pankratz) Taramarcaz Gunnison, CO

Sharon Taramarcaz

October 31, 2010

My deepest sympathy to you and your family in the lost of your daughter,I know how you must be feeling,I lost my youngest son year half ago.she will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.take care.

sheri short (Quigley)

October 30, 2010

After reading what was written about Gracie I can see that she is priceless ruby and will forever be remembered. Our prayers are with you Chrisi and your family. Gladys Mercado and Sam Salas

Gladys Salas

October 30, 2010

Dear Chrisi,
I am so sorry for your loss. Words cannot express my heartfelt sympathy for you and your entire family.

Chris DeNicola-Brletic

October 29, 2010

MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY CHRIS AND FAMILY MY HEART GOES OUT TO YOU I HAVE BEEN THROUGH THIS GOD BLESS YOU ALL AND I WILL BE PRAYING FOR YOU ALL VIKI CAMPBELL(KOROGIANOS) VERMILION OHIO

October 29, 2010

Chrissy, my deepest sympathy to you in the death of your beloved daughter. It has been many years since I've seen you, but I know you were a wonderful loving mother and her gifts were fostered and supported by you. Prayers to you. Mrs. Bowersox

Tricia Bowersox

October 28, 2010

With deepest sympathy

Maria DiFrancesco-Szarek

October 28, 2010

As I read about Gracie's life, I see that she, like other young lives that leave us to early was a grounded angel....Peace be with all Gracie's family and friends.
Denise Steinbrunner Bartlome, Avon, Ohio

October 28, 2010

As I read of gracie's life, I see that she, as many of the young lives that part this world was a grounded "Angel". Peace be with Gracie's family and friends.

Denise Steinbrunner Bartlome

October 28, 2010

Very sorry for your loss.

Jodie & Sarah Thomas

October 28, 2010

My deepest sympathy to Chris and your family. My prayers are with you. A angel has gone to haven. What a young heart and beautiful woman.

Mary Schuffert-Schuerger, Lorain, Ohio

MARY Schuffert=Schuerger

October 28, 2010

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