The legendary voice of the WWE, Jim Ross, lost his wife, Jan, yesterday after she suffered multiple skull injuries during a crash while riding her Vespa. She was only 55 years old. After a day in the hospital, J.R. posted the heartbreaking news of his wife’s passing on Twitter.
A Priest gave my wife Jan her last rites tonight. My little Angel is gone. ๐๐
โ Jim Ross (@JRsBBQ) March 23, 2017
The WWE Hall of Famer posted a touching tribute to his bride yesterday on his blog.
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“Jan and I started seeing each other in my WCW days and she remained steadfast at my side during my 21 year WWE run, of which she dearly loved and always felt like we were a member of a family there,no matter the various challenges that confronted us along the way including my three bouts with Bells palsy. She never wavered.
Jan and I had memorable success together when I was managing WWE’s Talent Relations Department. We were a team in WWE. I was a “coach” and Jan was the best coach’s wife ever. She loved the talents and their spouses, invited them into our home, cooked for them and even did some of their laundry that they would bring over. Some of the Attitude Era’s biggest stars were made to feel welcome in our home over the years thanks to my wife.
She helped me battle thru multiple bouts of depression as a result of the multiple, Bells palsy attacks, my dependence on Ambian, and nursed me to back health after serious, colon surgery that threatened my life and she never complained one time.
This woman loves me more than I’ll ever deserve and simply knowing her has enriched my life to levels that I can never repay.”
While J.R. is grieving the loss of his angel, the WWE family who has come to know both he and Jan so well over the years took to social media to surround him with love and tributes for the woman that he said “saved his life.”
Here are some of the most touching tributes, including one from the man who introduced J.R. to Jan, Ric Flair.
Ric Flair
My dear friend @JRsBBQ I remember the night you met Jan in West VA like it was yesterday. We are all here for you in this tragedy. #JanRoss
โ Ric Flairยฎ (@RicFlairNatrBoy) March 23, 2017
Trish Stratus
I’m in tears right now.. Jan had a beautiful soul. She & JR were the first to make me feel part of the WWE family. Such a warm, loving lady https://t.co/UIzF4CfYvi
โ Trish Stratus (@trishstratuscom) March 23, 2017
After so much loss of my own in 2015, I am sending the brightest of light and love to @JRsBBQ I’m so sad right now…https://t.co/H49LLcU7dn pic.twitter.com/HDeQLVi4nA
โ Trish Stratus (@trishstratuscom) March 23, 2017
Bruce Prichard
@JRsBBQ and his beautiful wife Jan at our wedding. May she Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/jXeEZwecAB
โ Bruce Prichard (@bruceprichard) March 23, 2017
Charlotte Flair
You are in my thoughts and prayers @JRsBBQ โค my heart is heavy. Jan was special in so many ways ?? https://t.co/08kPz3PL1B
โ Charlotte Flair (@MsCharlotteWWE) March 23, 2017
Jerry Lawler
My heart hurts so tonight for my friend & partner, @JRsBBQ on the sudden & tragic loss of the love of his life, Jan. pic.twitter.com/D1V1yXVA3Y
โ Jerry Lawler (@JerryLawler) March 23, 2017
Mick Foley
My deepest sympathies to @JRsBBQ on the loss of his wife Jan. She was a lovely woman, with a big smile and a bigger heart. Prayers.
โ Mick Foley (@RealMickFoley) March 23, 2017
Diamond Dallas Page
@JRsBBQ I am so sorry to hear of your loss my friend. My prayers are with you.
โ Diamond Dallas Page (@RealDDP) March 23, 2017
D
Natalya
I feel heartbroken for @JRsBBQ and his family. Jan was one of the warmest, kindest people I’ve ever met. My prayers for the Ross family.
โ Nattie (@NatbyNature) March 23, 2017
Road Dogg
My thoughts and prayers go out to @JRsBBQ and the family. May God give you strength right now. I’m sorry Jim.
โ Brian G. James (@WWERoadDogg) March 23, 2017
Charvo Guerrero Jr
Thinking about my friend @JRsBBQ & his Beautiful, Kind & Loving wife, Jan tonight. My prayers are with you.
โ Chavo Guerrero jr. (@mexwarrior) March 23, 2017
Tommy Dreamer
#JanRoss always greeted you w/a smile a laugh & was so much fun to be around
โ Tommy Dreamer (@THETOMMYDREAMER) March 23, 2017
I did so many appearances w/her
Strength to @JRsBBQ
We love you