In Honor of... Joan Constance James Christopher James Injured July 31, 1973
Joan Constance James and two-year old Chris were both critically injured July 31, 1973, on a street in Tulsa, OK, by an alcoholic driver who had previously been hospitalized for alcoholism. Driving at a terrific rate of speed, this indigent uninsured alcoholic driver ran a red light and rammed her huge old car into Joan’s small car. Suffering multiple injuries, Joan was left in a deep coma and given little hope for survival. Chris suffered the loss of a kidney and his spleen. Joan was always a good student; at the time of the accident, she was studying at the University of Tulsa to earn a degree to become a children’s social worker. She was a talented musician, playing second harp in Tulsa’s Philharmonic Symphony. It only took a “minute” for Joan’s future to be destroyed, her life shattered. The subsequent years have been difficult. Deserted by her husband, Joan was determined to make a normal life for herself and her son, despite having emerged from a deep coma (of approximately four months) suffering brain damage. Joan eventually earned a Bachelor of Arts degree over a period of 15 years but was never able to find employment. Discouraged, she attempted to end her life three times. Through the years, Joan endured multiple corrective surgeries. She was also hospitalized in psychiatric hospitals many times, but no amount of counseling seemed to be effective. Mostly her stays in the facilities resulted in her being heavily sedated, which left her even more depressed. Joan and I came to Colorado in 2010, and she was able to live with her brother until she broke her leg approximately five years ago. At my age of 90, it was deemed that I could no longer care for her. She now resides at Aspen Living Center in Colorado Springs. Chris has fared better. He was able to recover from his injuries as much as possible, but during early childhood he suffered many hospitalizations. Chris is married, has two sons, and a granddaughter. He is a skilled mechanic working at American Airlines.
Submitted by: Montez Smith
Driving under the influence shatters lives! And kills!
I have written Joan’s story in a book, Walk the Storm , to try to help others who must live with the tragedy of brain damage. I want them to know they are not alone trying to cope.
- Montez Smith , mother of Joan & grandmother to Chris
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