KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Eli James, the Knoxville boy who repeatedly overcame enormous medical odds to survive and thrive, died Tuesday at age 12.
Tobias, his faithful companion and service dog, had alerted the family Monday that he wasn't doing well. They took him to the hospital, where doctors checked on him. Although he appeared to have a bowel blockage, which he'd had oftentimes before, his blood work looked good and his sprits were good, according to the family.
He was sent back home with plans for the family to consult the next morning with his surgeon to see how he was doing, according to the family. God had other plans, however. Eli passed away early the next morning, in his mother's arms.
A memorial service for Eli is set for Sunday, July 23 at Mynatt Funeral Home at the Powell Chapel. Friends may visit with the family 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Eli's celebration of life will be at 3 p.m.
The family asks that all who attend wear bright colors or tie-dye, along with Chuck Taylor sneakers. Family and friends can also share condolences, memories and tributes at mynattfh.com.
Eli had an extremely rare type of spina bifida - rachischisis totalis without acrania - that made every day of life a gift. Spina bifida is a type of neural tube defect in which the tube fails to close all the way, meaning the backbone doesn’t form and close as it should, according to the Centers for Disease and Control Prevention.
His family shared his story, the good days and the tough ones, with the world through a Facebook page, Elijah James Journey. It garnered thousands of followers through the years.
Spina bifida limited Eli's mobility. But it never stopped him from living an enriched life. He was an extrovert with a big personality.
Tobias has been his devoted friend for more than five years. They were essentially inseparable, to the point that whenever Eli got a tinted mohawk, the poodle got the same.
His mother, Dawn, posted about his passing Tuesday evening.
"This is a message I don’t know how to send. Unfortunately we lost Eli early this morning. He passed peacefully in my arms in his sleep, listening to Dean Lewis. I don’t have words to explain the heartache I’m feeling and I don’t know how to live without Eli.
Thank You all for all the years of prayers and love. He is now running free"
Eli would have turned 13 in December.
Services are pending.
