Many knew James only through the lens of the addictions he battled for years. That wasn't the real James though, and those fortunate enough to truly know him immediately recognized him as one who would give the clothes he was wearing to help a friend in need (and did so more than once); one who ended nearly every conversation with those he cared for with 'love you'; and one who considered his close friends to be like brothers and sisters, which he often called them. He was fiercely loyal to his friends and his extended family, and he could relate to anyone and make anyone feel at ease, and he was loved by many.

 It is impossible to capture a person in an obituary, and especially someone whose adult life was largely defined by drug addiction. A part of us died along with James. We will miss him every day for the rest of our lives. The pain of his death is heartbreaking and intolerable, which is why stories like James' should not be ignored. The only way we will conquer the heroin epidemic is to share our stories and raise awareness.

James, you have now found the peace you so desperately searched for here on earth. 

James will be greatly missed by his mother, Pj (Pamela Waldschmidt), his father James Waldschmidt Sr, his sister, loving grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins and friends.