As you age, a big concern may be who will care for you when you can no longer do so yourself. Suzanne and Don James, like many others, didn’t want to burden their children with this responsibility, so they began to look at their options.

Suzanne and Don grew up in Marion, KY. Don’s family were members of the church where Suzanne’s father was pastor. They were married in 1968 while both were students at Murray State University. After graduation, they lived in New York City then moved to Maryland in 1973, living in various locations in Columbia.

Suzanne worked in the court system, and Don worked in marketing communications and the medical equipment industry. They became parents of a daughter in 1975 and a son in 1978, both of whom live nearby. In 2003, Don pursued acupuncture training at the Tai Sophia Institute in western Howard County. He found it to be his calling and maintained an independent practice in Columbia until 2018. Suzanne retired from the court system in 2015.

During the same year, Suzanne received successful treatment after her diagnosis of meningioma, a brain tumor. This experience prompted them to plan for their future, so in 2016, they became active residents of Lutheran Village at Miller’s Grant.

Since moving to Miller’s Grant, the James’ have been active community members. Don started the residents’ directory and oversees the Tai Chi group. He spearheaded resident involvement in the Blessings in a Backpack, which supports Swansfield and Running Brook Elementary School’s students. With fellow resident Sue Underwood, he began the monthly residents’ birthday celebration.

Suzanne was the first resident association president and has returned to the position for FY24. Last fiscal year, she served as vice president. She helped start LVMG’s Stephen Ministries, which she’s still active in, and the Exploring Spirituality group. She also finds time to swim daily, while Don enjoys walking six- miles every day.

Their decision to move to LVMG has allowed them to remain active and engaged while ensuring they have access to care – assisted living, long-term care and rehabilitation – if they need it. For them, retirement is not a time to slow down but a time to keep moving forward and staying involved.

Discover more about LVMG’s residents and the active adult living lifestyle we offer.