James Curtis Smith, III

On Tuesday, December 19th, 2017 at the age of 27, James Curtis Smith III passed away, surrounded by loved ones, due to complications of pneumonia. His family arrived at Carroll Hospital in Westminster Maryland Monday evening and things quickly turned into something that would paralyze them all with pain.

James entered this world November 23rd, 1990.

From that very first moment, James illuminated the world around him with his inner light and an unrelenting charismatic smile on his face.  In all his years on this earth, there isn't anyone who could say they’ve shared a single negative experience with him. He would do anything to make you laugh. Most times you could catch him with a sly grin on his face because he was always thinking of something witty to say. Even though he came into this world fighting the odds, being born with physical differences, James never complained. We say differences because many people did not see James as a person with disabilities. He challenged himself every day and strived to be an honest and fair man who never let go of his childhood innocence. He devoted himself to God, acquired a job and a home for himself all the while continuing his education at Morgan University in Baltimore to find his place in the world. He was fiercely independent, but still always social and kept himself close to his family. 

James' free spirit will continue to live on through his loving mother Martina Shindledecker and stepfather Michael Shindledecker. His grandmother Gladys Villarreal and his sisters Dee Lillia Shelton, Sierra Villarreal and Toni O'Reilly. James’ character will also live on through his niece Penelope O'Reilly and his brother in law Michael Shelton. And, finally, through anyone who was blessed to have a chance to meet James.

A celebration of James' life will be hosted by his church and family members with a service held on:

January 6, 2018, Saturday at 11:00 am 

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 

595 Johahn Drive Westminster 21158 

Goodbye hurts the most when it is least expected. But this is not a loss, we know he is now reunited with his grandmother and guardian angel Gladys Smith. We can only anticipate the day when we will reunite with our son, brother, and friend James.

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