Jess Walton, beloved for her portrayal of Jill Abbott on “The Young and the Restless,” recently faced a

significant personal tragedy with the passing of her husband, John James, to liver cancer. This sorrowful

news was shared by Walton on August 12, 2021, marking the conclusion of a brief but intense struggle with the illness.

Three months before his death, John James received a diagnosis of terminal liver cancer. Walton took to Instagram to relay the heartbreaking news, accompanied by a family photo. “Three months ago, my sweet husband of 40 years, John, was diagnosed with terminal liver cancer,” she wrote. Reflecting on the tough times, she described them as the most painful experience for her and their children, yet noted the precious moments they shared during his final months.

John James, a military veteran and grief management expert, died on August 10, 2021, in Oregon, surrounded by his family. He was 77. In her tribute, Walton highlighted James’ lifelong dedication to his family and his work helping others. “John James spent his entire life helping others, especially us, his family,” she wrote. She expressed the honor she felt in caring for him during his final days, providing him with love and comfort from those he cherished most.

This wasn’t the first time James faced health challenges. In 2018, Walton revealed that her husband had undergone surgery to remove a malignant tumor from his neck. She shared updates on Facebook, expressing gratitude for the successful operation at UCLA in Los Angeles, which initially left James cancer-free. However, in early 2021, his cancer returned as metastatic liver cancer. Walton’s social media posts during this period reflected the seriousness of the situation, as she requested prayers and support from their followers.

Despite their efforts and the outpouring of support, James passed away three months after the devastating diagnosis. Walton has continued to honor his memory, sharing heartfelt tributes on social media. On their first wedding anniversary after his death, she posted a wedding photo with a touching message, “41 years ago on our wedding day I kissed the love of my life. Wherever you are my angel, thank you for it all.”

Walton also commemorated what would have been James’ 78th birthday in February 2022, posting nostalgic photos and recalling their tradition of celebrating their birthdays together. Her tribute on the first anniversary of his death in August 2022 further reflected her enduring love and deep sense of loss. “It’s been a year since I lost the love of my life. He was the best thing that ever happened to me and his death was the worst,” she wrote.

John James’ legacy extends beyond his family. As the founder of The Grief Recovery Institute in 1985, his work helped countless individuals navigate their own losses. His commitment to aiding others in their grief was partly inspired by the tragic loss of his newborn son from a previous marriage. His life’s work and his dedication to his family left a lasting impact on those who knew him and those who benefited from his expertise.

Jess Walton’s journey through grief continues as she keeps her husband’s memory alive. Her public tributes serve as a testament to their enduring love and the significant role James played in her life. As she navigates this difficult period, Walton’s reflections on their life together offer a poignant reminder of the strength found in love and the pain of loss.

Through her heartfelt posts, Jess Walton not only honors her husband’s memory but also provides a source of comfort and inspiration to others experiencing similar losses. Her openness about her grief and her appreciation for the time they had together highlight the profound impact John James had on her life and the lives of many others.