James Edward McCormick IV

Sharon, Jim, Madison and Elizabeth. I am so very sorry. Please know you are in my prayers. Peace be with you.

James was our first born nephew and we are just devastated by his tragic death. We knew him as a sensitive and compassionate young man; principled, funny, kind and always caring. James was very protective of his younger siblings when they came along and I can still recall my parents proudly exclaiming that he was “like a mother hen” with them—they were so proud of his kindness and doting concern. He was a great “big brother”.

Beginning when the boys were just pre-teens, we had the pleasure of having both James and Patrick stay with us in Florida during the summers and we looked forward to their visits. Despite their young ages, they surprised us and said they wanted to see and experience as much as they could during their time with us. We toured Washington, D.C., which was pretty special for all of us; they loved the laser light show at Stone Mountain, Ga; they went boating, fishing and swimming at our friends’ lake house in KY; they rode horses at our friends’ mountain home in TN where they also enjoyed exclusive seating for the annual Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration at a private university, courtesy of our friend who was the Director of Campus Security. We took them camping on Jekyll Island, GA and closer to home in Florida, where they watched the fireworks on the beach from the top of our RV. James especially loved St. Augustine and we would take them back there every year—he loved the “Old World” feel of it, he said—a step back in time. We spent many days at the beach with their “boogie boards” and a football. James excelled on the Zip-Line course and he and Patrick had a healthy competition going. He was wonderful with our dog (James did love all animals), who took turns sleeping with James one night and Patrick the next—it was so cute. James and Patrick had such a wonderful relationship and it was reassuring to see their close, brotherly bond. When they were with us, James was always courteous and helpful to us and to our friends, as was Patrick, and both boys were given open invitations from our friends to visit anytime—with or without us.

There were campfires and roasted marshmallows and S’mores, parades, arcades, moto-cross racing, Irish Ancestry, golf-carts, eating in and dining out, beach days and nights, long conversations (James was keenly observant), lots of laughter, plenty of sunshine and ever so much more. When James smiled back at you, it was a beautiful gift—you could just feel it came straight from his heart—it was special. Sadly, those visits ended abruptly, but we will treasure all our beautiful memories of James. He was a fine young man who was really looking for direction and trying to find his place in his crazy world. Slán Abhaile, young James. Until we meet again.

Our deepest condolences to his wife, Madison, and to their two young children. May all your beautiful memories of James bring you comfort during this very difficult time. May you feel God’s presence near you in every moment, giving you the strength to move forward with grace and dignity towards the life that you and James longed for. Sincere condolences to Patrick, Elizabeth, Sharon and Jim—we have no words to lighten your agony.