Obituaries

Anthony James

Anthony James
Anthony James

Anthony James, 38, was a man of many shades and shapes who moved through this world sometimes as a gentle spirit and other times as a ferocious warrior. 

Anthony was contemplative and yet full of kinetic energy. He lived in the present yet honored the past which formed him. He was inspired by great thinkers and by wise thoughts of his own creation and he, in turn, was inspiring to all of those around him even if they knew him for years or only for minutes. There is a huge hole on this earth that he used to fill because on February 1, 2016, the universe became brighter with him traveling within it – So look to the heavens today and you will feel his spirit surround you. Throughout his journey, Anthony aspired to live his life and follow his heart through the teachings and spirit of his personal Master, Bob Klein, who shaped the man Anthony would become on this Earth and beyond.

Through his short lifetime, Anthony experienced and nurtured many kinds of families. He was born and grew up with his maternal side in Utica, New York: his mom, Donna Smith Skrezec, his grandparents Joanne and Frank LaDue and David Smith; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. He often shared time and love with his paternal side in Arizona: his dad, Tom James; his grandparents Thomas and Cathy James; his sister and brother, Caitlin and Thomas James; and aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

As a teenager he moved to Southold with his mother and gained a brother, Kyle Skrezec and his new title “Dude”. Anthony graduated from Southold High School in 1995 and here formed a band named Stryk-9 which became his passion and his life with Mike, Matt and Aaron, his forever friends. His Southold family also included Dr. Rick and Ellie Hall who surrounded him with healing love. Then he moved on to his family at the Peaceful Dragon in North Carolina where he studied and practiced martial arts with his spiritual guides and the love of his life, Jacque Sheridan. He also graduated from the Center for Massage and Natural Health, forming lifelong friendships along the way and living his vision.

In special remembrance, his spirit was lifted through the red rocks of Sedona to the roiling waves of Hawaii to the pizza and wings in Utica at Gram’s on the shoulders of many special angels in his life whom he still carries with him and whom he continues to make whole.

A special Memorial and Celebration of Anthony’s life will be held in North Carolina this summer with more details to follow. Anyone wishing to send special thoughts or financial contributions may do so to Donna Skrezec, 31 Meadow Court, Southold, New York 11971.

DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home assisted the family.