Dundalk Mourns the Loss of James Francis Skarda IV, Gone Too Soon at 35
With heavy hearts and deep sorrow, the community of Dundalk, Maryland mourns the passing of James Francis Skarda IV, who tragically departed this life on July 7, 2025, at the young age of 35. His unexpected passing has left a profound emptiness in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. Though his time on earth was far too short, James leaves behind a legacy of strength, love, and authenticity that will be remembered for generations.
Born into a close-knit and loving family, James—affectionately known to many as “Jimmy”—grew up with a strong sense of loyalty, humor, and purpose. From a young age, he displayed a fierce devotion to those he cared about, always putting others before himself. Whether you knew him as a son, brother, friend, cousin, or neighbor, James had a way of making you feel important, heard, and loved.
James was a proud native of Dundalk, a community he held close to his heart. He embraced the working-class spirit of the town and carried with him its values of hard work, resilience, and loyalty. He never forgot where he came from, and he never hesitated to give back—to offer a helping hand, to share a laugh, or to simply be present for someone who needed him.
To those who knew him well, James was full of life, often the first to lighten the mood with his sharp wit or a well-timed joke. His laughter was contagious, and his smile could lift even the heaviest of hearts. Beneath that sense of humor was a deeply introspective and compassionate soul—someone who cared more than he let on, who wrestled with life’s challenges with courage and quiet determination.
James was a passionate individual, whether it came to his work, his hobbies, or the people he loved. He approached life with intensity and an unshakable authenticity. He was unafraid to speak the truth and stand up for what he believed in. His life wasn’t always easy, but he faced every storm with grit and grace. He was the kind of person who, even on his hardest days, would still find a way to encourage someone else.
Most of all, James cherished his family. He was a beloved son and a protective sibling, and he poured his heart into those relationships. His loyalty to family was unmatched, and the bonds he shared will remain unbroken, even in his absence. To his friends, James was more than a companion—he was a brother, a rock, a safe place to land.
As we say goodbye to James Francis Skarda IV, we do so with profound grief, but also with immense gratitude. Gratitude for the time we had, for the memories that will live on, and for the impact he made on this world. Though we mourn, we also celebrate the life he lived—a life marked by love, laughter, and an unwavering authenticity.
A Celebration of Life to honor James will be held in the coming days in Dundalk, and details will be shared with family and friends soon. All who knew and loved him are invited to attend, to remember his light, and to support one another in this time of loss.
“Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day… unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed, and very dear.”
May James Francis Skarda IV rest in eternal peace, surrounded by the love of those who went before him. His spirit will live on in every heart he touched. Though he is no longer with us in body, his soul remains ever present—in the memories we carry, the lessons we learned, and the love we continue to share in his honor.