James Patrick Musselwhite, 27
On Monday, 17 January 2022, James Patrick Musselwhite, my loving son, adoring big brother and stranger to no one, passed away at the age of 27.
James was born on 1 April 1994 in Jacksonville, Florida. He was the beautiful son of Donna Nitschke Musselwhite and protective big brother of Catherine Anne XiuJin Musselwhite. James also leaves behind the woman he loved, Samantha Easom, along with her children, that he loved as his own. He is preceded in death by his maternal nana, Patricia Putnam, his paternal grandmother, Margaret Musselwhite and his paternal grandfather, Gene Musselwhite, as well as his favorite pets, Chancey the wonder beagle, Molly the 20lb chihuahua/pug and Sandy the Catholic kitty rescued from under a building at St. Matthews Catholic Church.
James was educated at St. Matthews Catholic School, John Stockton Elementary and Baldwin Middle Senior High School, completing his high school education in 2012. He was a hard worker who wanted nothing more than to be able to provide for his family. One of the happiest days for James was on 16 April 2006, in a hot, steamy room at the civil affairs office in Zhangshu, China, his baby sister, Catherine Anne XiuJin, was placed in his arms and he became a big brother. The sun rose and set on this sweet little girl who quickly captured her brother’s heart. He loved to call her his Kit Cat. And likewise, James was everything to his sister. He’d often give her piggy back rides long after she probably was too big for them, saying “Princesses feet shouldn’t touch the ground”. He was so proud of all her accomplishments and he never let her forget how proud he was. In 2017 he drove at breakneck speed to make sure he got to Catherine’s band performance on time to see her play the flute. She was overjoyed when she saw him there. He was so supportive of everything Catherine was involved with.
It was 2 November 1995 that I first laid eyes on James. He was in a foster home that was closing. I remember getting the call from the placement office about a sweet 19 month old boy who was full of life and love. As I entered the home I saw a little boy with brown hair wearing red footed pajamas and carrying a toothbrush, running around. I thought to myself, that has got to be HIM. And it was. We left the home together, James and I, and that day I became a mother. A few years went by and he was reunited with his birth family. This absolutely devastated my heart, but I always knew that reunification was the goal of foster care. Having grown up in the system, I knew it all too well. Things didn’t go as planned and nine weeks later, James was back in my care. I have often said that when he came back to me, they brought me a different child. I truly believe that nine weeks apart would change the trajectory of his life.
James was very smart, loving, a friend to everyone he met and he fiercely loved me and Catherine. I often say he stood in the brains line twice and forgot to stand in the common sense line of life. He thought with his heart and not with his head. Growing up, James had several dear friends, many of whom he lost touch with because of some of the choices he was making. Victor Wright, whom he thought of as his brother. Dylan and David, his friends from his days at Baldwin, Ms. Lisa and Mr. Terry, oh how he loved spending time with all of them. What I wouldn’t give to have those days back.
Losing his grandmother Margaret 3 years ago and not being able to be with her during her courageous battle with cancer, because of decisions he had made, absolutely devastated him. He owned that grief. But it consumed him. My only solace in all of this tremendous loss and pain that I, as his mother, am feeling, is that he is now with Margaret, his grandfather Big Gene and my mother, Patricia. James also leaves behind to mourn his passing, many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Catherine and I would like to request, in lieu of flowers, that donations be made in his memory to https://www.lovewithoutboundaries.com/donate/. This is an organization that provides much needed support and services to vulnerable children in several countries including China, where Catherine was adopted. Or to https://www.fostercloset.org/about-us/ways-to-help/donate/, a local organization that provides foster parents with clothing, toys, furniture, mentorship and support as we welcome these children into our homes, sometimes with just a few hours notice. Catherine and I thank you all from the bottom of our hearts for your support and understanding during this time.
A memorial service will be held Friday, January 28, 2022 at 2:00pm at Russell Haven of Rest with Father Luke McLoughlin officiating.
Arrangements are under the care of Russell Haven of Rest Cemetery, Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 2335 Sandridge Road, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043. Family and friends may share their condolences at: www.RHRFH.com 904-284-7720