James Daniel Stuntz
James Daniel Stuntz, a talented writer, loving son, friend and uncle passed away in Silver Spring, MD on April 18th, 2018 at the age of 39.
Jim is survived by his loving parents, David & Ann Stuntz; his dearest friend, Peter Tabakis; his grandfather, John Stuntz; his sister and brother-in-law, Rebekah & Josh Barricklow and their children -- Jim’s beloved niece and nephew -- Riley & Dean; and his brother and sister-in-law, Mark & Sabrina Stuntz.
Jim was born in Durham, NC on July 22, 1978. Growing up in northwest Pennsylvania, he was valedictorian of North East High School and an award winning, published poet with Merlyn’s Pen. He attended Davidson College in North Carolina where he was awarded the 1998 Patricia Cornwell Scholarship, given to one student annually who demonstrates an exceptional talent and passion for creative writing. Jim’s love of literature extended to his professional life. He worked in the book industry and coordinated special events featuring authors and celebrities, the likes of war veteran Cindy Sheehan, comedians Sarah Silverman and Samantha Bee, and even the great Aretha Franklin.
Jim was an avid reader and devoted uncle. He was known to be fabulously well-versed in all genres of literature, movies and music. He was inarguably articulate: capable of reciting quotes and entire book passages and movie quotes from memory. His adoration of his niece and nephew was demonstrated by the endless activities they enjoyed together from baking to board games. He will be deeply missed by his friends, family, clients and all who knew him.
A PRIVATE wake is scheduled in Jim’s honor this weekend at the family’s cherished lake house in Troutman, NC where invited friends and family will attend the scattering of his ashes. Peter Hausmann will officiate. The family is grateful for all memories, prayers and condolences shared here: http://jimstuntz.forevermissed.com/.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be offered in his name to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.
Come to my arms, my beamish boy!
O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!
- Jabberwocky, by Lewis Carroll
Tributes
Leave a tributeOn another occasion, you saw I was reading Maya Angelou and you said you loved her stuff and wanted to live the amazing type of life she did. Here's hoping you got to do that, my friend. I'm so glad you got some of your writing published; that's awesome. And I'm sorry I missed them earlier, but your writings about your struggles with MH issues were nothing short of inspiring, from someone who's been there herself.
Unrelated and entirely coincidental, but my youngest son is a James Daniel too. :)