July 14, 2004 – Gerard Luz James III, son of former Lt. Gov. Gerard Luz James II, died in his sleep Monday night at his home in Washington, D.C.
Details were not available Wednesday.
James III, 23, attended a friend's wedding on St. Croix last week before returning home to Washington. According to a family member, his father traveled to Washington on Tuesday to make arrangements for the body to be returned to the territory.
James III was born on Feb. 17, 1981, in Freehold, N.J., while his father was in the U.S. Army and stationed at Fort Dix. He was educated on St. Croix, attending Moravian School, St. Mary's Catholic School and Elena Christian Junior High School and graduating from Education Complex High School. He completed his undergraduate studies at Howard University in Washington two years ago.
While in high school, as a member of the Virgin Islands volleyball team he traveled to Jamaica and other Caribbean islands to compete. He went on to coach the volleyball team at Howard University. He was employed at IQ Solutions in Rockville, Md.
Gov. Charles W. Turnbull and Lt. Gov. Vargrave Richards released statements on Wednesday expressing their condolences.
Turnbull stated: "News of the passing of Gerard Luz James III has saddened Virgin Islanders everywhere. We share the profound sense of loss knowing that someone so vibrant and promising could be taken so suddenly, leaving so many of his friends, loved ones and family in utter disbelief and bereavement."
Richards said that "young Gerard was admired, very much loved, and displayed tremendous potential as an up-and-coming Virgin Islander."
Funeral arrangements are to be announced.
