April Dawn Rhodes-James

April Dawn Rhodes-James passed on February 7th, 2024 holding hands with her husband of 36 years, Barry James, and her beautiful friend Diane Fantaskey. She left her daughter, Catherine Dawn Rhodes; her handsome and intelligent grandson, Robert James Coles, many rescue animals, and a remarkable “family” of friends. She would light up any room with her kind and gentle presence; her exemplary compassionate nature impacted innumerable strangers.

April delighted in a variety of personal and professional creative journeys. Through the years, she authored many books, worked as vice president in corporate communications at Santa Barbara Bank & Trust, owned the local ETC magazine, passionately directed writers, poets, and performance groups, composed music/produced multiple albums, and created countless amounts of heartfelt art in various mediums including her international tour with Women Beyond Borders project. Living on a small Pennsylvania farm, she cared for rescued animals. She managed the international paleontological services business they established 35 years ago.

“Time is a great asset,” she said, “made available for us to deposit random ideas one minute and withdraw inspired approaches to action in the next. Our gift is being able to invest confidently and frequently to enrich the cultivation of the creativity we all need to carry on every day.” You will be missed dearly by all who knew you. Your soaring spirit now vibrates at such an extraordinary level it is perceptible as a euphoric sensation. If you would like to celebrate, please light a candle for her on March 23rd.