Mario James' Family

On Saturday, February 4, 2023, Mario James, loving husband to his life partner Katia, devoted son-in-law, father, brother, grandfather, uncle, and caring friend to many started his day much like any other, with passion, integrity and single-minded purpose. Mario’s efforts, mission and vision to help care for his wife, mother-in-law, and his four-legged children who do not have a voice of their own were suddenly halted. Fate had a different plan for Mario on this day, and by mid-morning he was in a helicopter, above the earth, as EMTs did everything they could to save his life.

Mario did everything in his power to support his wife, and his family and to ensure they were well cared for. His friends, family and four-legged children stopped in their tracks, shocked, saddened and stymied when the heart of the man with the heart of gold stopped beating and his life was suddenly halted.

This is a great loss to us ALL. His humanity shined in his devotion to his wife and family, and the labor of love work for his revered horse family. He was there when fire threatened the sanctuary and risked his own safety, he was there when neighbors and friends needed help in their rural community, he was there to help care for his mother-in-law, and always served as the rock on which everyone could always depend. Mario James was the voice of knowledge and reason. He was the cool head, the listener, and the guide.

We are all now faced with the reality that this kind, gentle and sensitive man who was passionate about giving back to others, and who gave his all, now leaves a tremendous void and life will never be the same without him for those he loved.

Mario’s family has set up a special memorial fund in his name to honor his life and his lifesaving work through the Wild For Life Foundation and its mission to prevent animal cruelty, end horse slaughter, and save and protect horses & burros in need.

The family of Mario James respectfully requests your contribution to the Mario Touched the World with Love Legacy Fund at the Wild For Life Foundation. By contributing to this fund you’ll be ensuring a continuation of his life’s work.