Tragedy Strikes Leopold Family on Memorial Day
A devastating car accident on Memorial Day has claimed the lives of a Perry County father and his two young sons. Kyle James, 45, and his boys, 13-year-old Owen and 11-year-old Beau, were killed in a single-vehicle crash in Perry County, Indiana, on Monday, May 27, 2024. The Leopold community is grappling with the immense loss, remembering the lives of the beloved family members.
The Crash and Ongoing Investigation
The accident occurred on State Road 37 in Perry County when the James family’s vehicle left the roadway, striking a guardrail and then a tree. While the exact cause of the crash remains under investigation, authorities are exploring several possibilities, including driver distraction, a potential mechanical malfunction, and the possibility of a sudden medical emergency. The absence of witnesses makes determining the precise sequence of events more challenging, and investigators are relying heavily on forensic evidence and accident reconstruction.
Remembering Kyle, Owen, and Beau
Kyle James, a 1997 graduate of Perry Central High School, worked as a crane operator and was a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 181. He was an active member of the Branchville Conservation Club and the Ohio River Valley Bow Hunters Club, reflecting his love for the outdoors. Kyle also dedicated ten years to 4-H as a member and volunteer, even serving as a Hunter Education Instructor. He leaves behind his wife, Emily, and two daughters, Trista Marshall and Addison “AJ” James. His parents, Larry and Marlene James, and sister, Kristy Herr (along with her children Jerett, Josey, Jenna, and Jaclyn), are also mourning his loss.
Owen and Beau were students in Perry County. While details about their individual hobbies and interests remain private, their loss is deeply felt by their classmates, teachers, and friends. The community remembers them as vibrant young boys full of potential, their lives tragically cut short.
| Family Member | Age | Relationship to Kyle |
|---|---|---|
| Kyle James | 45 | Self |
| Owen James | 13 | Son |
| Beau James | 11 | Son |
| Emily James | N/A | Wife |
| Trista Marshall | N/A | Daughter |
| Addison “AJ” James | N/A | Daughter |
Community Support and Funeral Arrangements
The Leopold community is rallying around the James family during this incredibly difficult time. While formal support initiatives are still developing, neighbors, friends, and community members are offering condolences, meals, and emotional support.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held on June 1, 2024, at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Leopold. In lieu of flowers, the family requested memorial contributions be made to Perry County 4-H, St. Augustine Church Restoration, or the Perry Central Education Foundation for a scholarship in Kyle’s name. Information regarding specific ongoing fundraising efforts or other ways to support the family will be updated as it becomes available.
The Perry County community continues to mourn the loss of Kyle, Owen, and Beau. Their memory will live on through the lives they touched and the outpouring of support from their community. This tragedy serves as a somber reminder of the importance of road safety and cherishing our loved ones.
