James Lange

My name is Brian Bober and have been James Lange's lifetime friend since childhood.  I also had the honor of officiating the wedding of James to  his wife Michelle Dantuono Lange.  I'm writing this at Michelle's request to help share news about a recent event effecting James.


On Friday, January 20th, James Lange suffered a heart attack while traveling on business in Toronto. A person on the scene performed CPR for 15 minutes until paramedics were able to revive his heart. Per medical protocol he was put into a medically induced coma which would give him the best opportunity for recovery. Another close friend, Christopher Pipoli, and I arrived Sunday and have been bedside with the Lange family & his wife Michelle. 


James was taken off sedation Monday morning. His heart is strong & he is able to breathe on his own. However in the time subsequent he has been completely unresponsive. At present he has no voluntary muscle movement and can not respond to basic commands. He can not speak or even track us with his eyes.  He can not move his fingers or toes. 


In an effort to not create false hope or panic we were asked by the family to hold off on spreading news until we had more information which we have begun to receive this week. The results of a CT scan showed "generic" brain damage which means the James we know & love will not be the same. There is hope that he may improve in the next couple of days, or even the weeks and months to come. As someone who has been here with James, and in consultation with the doctors and Michelle, at this time, I am unsure exactly how much improvement to expect. There is a possibility that there will be none. That being said I will never discourage anyone from having faith, having hope, and praying with all their hearts for our James to recover. Nothing would make me happier. 


While James was a private person, I and others will attempt to use this Caring Bridge site as a way to thoughtfully manage and provide updates, and also serve as a point for everyone to share their thoughts and memories. A tragic accident has occurred but James is still very much alive and the future is still uncertain. There is still hope. 


No matter what the future holds I will always remember James, my friend of almost 40 years, for his many amazing qualities. For someone who began so painfully shy to blossom into a social and FUNNY person with a multitude of friends. I would marvel at how he would interact with my, and all, children, at how it came so naturally to him. At how I know for certain that he is great father & husband. For being fiercely loyal. For his brilliant mind. He traveled the world many times over. I will always carry with me my lifetime of memories from grade school, high-school, shore houses, my NYC partner in crime. His life is one to be celebrated. 


The journey is not over. Please join me in praying for James & his family.