James David Short, whose life was described by his friends as "a unique and beautiful song," passed away at the age of 24, while surrounded by his family on Sunday, Aug. 30, 2009, in Akron General Medical Center following injuries sustained from a motorcycle accident on Wednesday, Aug. 26.
Born March 18, 1985, in Aultman Hospital at Canton, James was the beloved son of Rodney L. and Debra "Reb" Lynn (Robinson) Short of New Philadelphia.
James was a young man of great charisma and fun-loving persona whom everyone enjoyed knowing. He was especially energized by working with children, inspiring them to succeed, having earned notoriety in professional rollerblade competitions around the country.
James graduated from New Philadelphia High School and has spent much of the last decade earning a Ph.D. from the School of Life. Having also lived in California, Michigan and Pennsylvania, James was looking forward to beginning his education at Kent State University's TusCampus, having recently received a Pell grant and eagerly awaiting his letter of acceptance.
During his high school years, he began his musical and rollerblading careers. He was a talented singer, songwriter, bass player and guitar player, sharing his musical abilities in a number of bands including One Thing, Autumn Remains, The Color 7, Brickyard Slaves, and The Paul Allens. He was also an accomplished solo acoustic artist.
James was a free spirit who enjoyed all that life had to offer. He was proud of the fact he had slept in the Rocky Mountains, on the beaches of California, and in the desert. He traveled Route 66 to California one time, just because he thought it would be exciting to do. His professional rollerblading career gave him the opportunity to see most of the United States. He was internationally known for his standing record of the longest toe roll in the world, and other tricks which incorporated the toe roll.
He was supported by a number of sponsors during his rollerblading career. Currently, Remz (Skates), INRI Clothing, Jolly Jolly Heartbreakers, and Sic Apparel were his tour sponsors. He also has been backed by 9MM, Razors, Ground Control and Mix Theorem.
When not rollerblading or creating music, James was the life of the party, working at Jesana's Pizza. There, he was an assistant manager and loved creating what he called "artistic, delicious masterpieces." He has also worked for a variety of other companies including Radio Shack, Larry Karol CD's and More, Wal-Mart, Q-dobas and Olga's Kitchen in Detroit, Mich.
In addition to his parents, who will deeply miss James, he is survived by his maternal grandfather, Herb Robinson Jr. and his companion, Ingrid Parker of New Philadelphia; his aunts, Sandy Hartshorn and her family of Clyde, O., and Barbara (husband, Dan) Leishman of New Philadelphia; his uncle, Dave (wife, Patti) Robinson of Naperville, Ill.; numerous cousins; and a world of friends.
James was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Kathryn Robinson, and his paternal grandparents, Chalmer and Mary Short.
Visitation will be held in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia, 116 2nd St. NE on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2009, from 4 to 8 p.m.
A service celebrating James' life will be held in the funeral home's chapel on Friday beginning at 11 a.m. with Pastor Matt Roe officiating.
Special arrangements have been made to lead the funeral procession past James' second home, the New Philadelphia Skate Park, en route to Roxford Church Cemetery, where inurnment will be conducted. Those wishing to ride a motorcycle in the procession are encouraged to do so and will be directed by Geib staff upon arrival at the funeral home.
Those unable to attend are invited to share memories and condolences with the family by visiting the funeral home's Web site.
In an interview given to BE-MAG/Rollerblading Magazine this past July, James responded to a reporter who asked Short about whether or not he would ever settle into one place. He replied, "I am not a stationary person. I live for right now. It's hard for a lot of people to fathom. I move a lot because I'm in need of new experiences. It truly is what makes the creative mind work." � James' philosophy on life was, "It's all good." He also believed, "I'm child and man, then child again. The boy never gets older."
Please direct memorial contributions in James' memory to any Dover-Phila Federal Credit Union, where an account has been established. His parents are going to distribute the money donated to allow other children to achieve their dreams.
Because James gave life to others through organ donation, and because he leaves behind so many loving family, friends and fans, he'll be forever on the move in the heavens above, riffing with the best, rolling with the rest, and waiting to welcome us Home.
Linn-Hert-Geib
