James Hudson

James Richard Hudson, age 34, of Alliance, Ohio went to be with Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on March 5, 2025. Born on December 2, 1990, in Canton, Ohio and lived most of his life in Salem. He graduated from Salem High School in 2010 and went on to the Transition program which is in the Reach for the Stars store on State Street. James learned entrepreneur skills and sold his art work at the store.

James was a light in this world and darkness never put it out. There wasn't anyone he didn't like or wouldn't forgive. He was a kind-hearted, joyful, person who made an impact on everyone he met. His infectious smile, bear-hug embraces and passion for sharing the love of Jesus will be deeply missed and not forgotten by others.

As a Christian he lived as boldly as he could in his childlike faith, James never hesitated to pray for anyone who needed it. He prayed for everyone he knew, even the people in ambulances whenever he saw the flashing lights.

He found immense joy in attending social gatherings, listening to music, using his sign language skills, taking road trips and eating! His love for life and people made him stand out. James let everyone know he saw them and that they mattered.

James had a huge competitive spirit and spent many years participating in the Special Olympics, where he excelled in swimming, basketball, softball, weightlifting, track & field and bocce ball. His drive to win was undeniable, and he took great pride in his medals and loved to show them off. A couple of his favorite movies were called Woodlawn and Facing the Giants. James decided he would give God praise if he won or lost. If you see him holding one finger up in pictures, it wasn't to say he was number one. He was pointing to God just like they did in the movie Woodland. A movie you can watch in his honor!!! James love for sports extended beyond competition; James was a proud Ohio sports fan, always cheering on the Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Cavaliers, Cleveland Indians/Guardians, and his beloved Ohio State Buckeyes. He'd proudly tell anyone who would listen, "Go Browns!" - and equally enjoyed reminding Steelers fans, "Your team sucks in fun!"

He loved Quakers sports, being a Quaker Crazy and giving a high-fives as people passed by him in the stands. James was a volunteer with the Salem Marching Band and carried the banner in parades. He once said that he wanted to do it until he was 102 years old. "Go Band!" James was invited every year to participate in Tim Tebo's A Night to Shine Prom. He loved to make his grand entrance by doing a high step march and ending it in a Parade Rest 1-2 as the people lined upon the sides and cheered him on.

James was also known for his unforgettable sense of humor, and his ability to make anyone laugh. Whether it was telling silly jokes many of which he made up himself, making funny faces, or laughing uncontrollably at his own farts. James had a gift for bringing joy to any room he entered. He loved to call people on their birthdays and sing the birthday song. He never expected anything back, his love was unconditional. He loved to write notes and send letters. He would sit for hours writing to people and enjoyed getting letters back.

James loved being an uncle and was protective of his nieces and nephews. He often promised them, "I will always protect you," and was hopeful that one of them would play for one of his favorite sports teams.

James loved superheroes, a few were Marvel and DC, Ninja Turtles, and Bibleman. He loved doing character voices and making people laugh. One of his favorite things to tell people was that he was going to be in the upcoming Superman movie. Many people thought he was just telling stories, but it is the truth!!!! He is an extra in the movie. The movie is set to release on July 11, 2025. James would have been so proud to have his friends and family go see the movie and spot him on the big screen! He gets to be our movie star!

His family: "Aunt Rachel "/ mom Hudson, his paternal mother and father Kimberly Hudson and Jim Bailey. His siblings: Heather Brassfield (Tucker) and their children Alina, Rosie, and Leonidas; Joshua Bailey (Amanda) and their children Brooklyn, Brock, and Kinsley; and sister Ashley Hudson. Grandfather Jim Bailey, Grandmother Edith Jackson. Aunts, uncles and cousins.

Preceeded in death by Grandparents Francis Hudson and Marilyn Hudson, Grandmother Linda Bailey, Uncles and Aunts and his beloved Sister Kindra Hudson.

We celebrate James' life! It was filled with love, laughter and many hardships that taught us patience. He had a shirt that said {Be patient with me God isn't finished with me yet!} And for all of us, aren't we glad that God isn't finished with us yet! A special prayer that Jesus prayed for us is found in John 17:20-26. It's what Jesus asked for us and we know that his prayers for us were answered with a yes and amen. We just have to give our yes and amen and believe he will do it. Let us not forget to seek after God with all we have. Let us remember that we are loved as Jesus was and are always wanted by God. James was a believer, and he received what Jesus asked for him. This is why he could love you all the way he did, without conditions. Why he always forgave and was willing to make peace and start over. He wasn't perfect but he was perfectly loved by an amazing God!

Though his time here was far too short for us, his impact on the world and the lives he touched will echo on for years to come. James would want everyone to know that Jesus loves them!

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, March 20, 2025 from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Brown Funeral Home, Sebring Chapel 126 W Vermont Ave. Sebring, Ohio 444672. 

The family would like to thank everyone who befriended and loved James. Special thanks to the DD community. His SSA's who heard his voice often and always showed him respect. His teachers and all the work poured out without recognition. His doctors for being so good with him. His counselors who loved him and never gave up hope. Thank you to his youth group leaders that let him participate. Thank you to the Church of Believers that saw his value and spoke into his life. Thank you for those who worked with James. Thank you to those who took the time to do things with him and let him come to your house. Thank you to all his Special Olympics coaches and his bus drivers. To his present and past bosses and supervisors, there are not enough words of thanks. You are heroes on a daily basis.

You all made a difference!