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James Childs Obituary
Curt was born in Odessa, Texas on 11/28/1954. He graduated from Permian High School in 1973 and attended Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma where he studied pre-med. He spent most of his adult life working in the behavioral health field and was a fierce advocate in the mental health, recovery, and human rights community. He embraced diversity and equality for all with unconditional positive regard. For the last 25 years, he worked for Terros, a local non-profit behavioral health organization in Phoenix, Arizona. He was a Clinical Manager in the Crisis Department and dedicated his life to inspiring change and helping others. He was an avid supporter of the arts & enjoyed spending his free time seeing both local and national performances. Curt lived an adventurous life and was well traveled. Some of his favorite destinations include France, England, Switzerland, Kenya, Dubai, Hawaii, NYC, and Chicago, IL.
When Curt looked in your eyes, you immediately knew you were valued. He radiated integrity, compassion, kindness, & love. He truly was the inspiration of a lifetime.
Curt is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, (James & Claudia Childs); maternal grandparents, (Robert & Mary Martindale); parents, (James & Jean Childs); brother, (Larry Childs); sister, (Claudia Cook); niece, (Amber Auldridge); and nephew, (William Childs).
Curt is survived in death by his brother, (Bob Childs); sister, (Mary Briggs); nieces, (Elizabeth Childs & Heather Rivera); and nephews, (Dustin Childs, Thomas Wilson Travis Auldridge, & William Stone).
Please join us for a Celebration of Life as we honor and pay tribute to Curt's legacy.
When: Saturday, 2/4/23
*4:00-5:30pm (Memorial Service)
*5:30-8:00pm (food, music, & celebration)
Where: Valley Garden Center
*1809 N. 15th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85007
*https://valleygardencenterphx.org
*parking lot on site
Curt's dogs, Paco & Coco will be living out their retirement at Rusty's Angels Sanctuary! In lieu of flowers, donations in Curt's honor are graciously accepted to help fund their care.
Contributions can be made via check, (mailed to address below), or via paypal. Please ensure to note "Curt Child's Memorial" on your check or paypal transaction.
Rusty's Angels Sanctuary
Federal Tax ID # 46-4994027
PO Box 74031
Phoenix, AZ 85087
www.rustysangelssanctuary.org
Donations via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=2ASFPKV23MMGE
28 Entries
Joann Ramirez
January 2, 2024
I miss knowing Curt is not with us. He was a Great Friend as I worked on the Crisis Line for so many years with him. Sadly I didn´t get to talk and see him before he passed away. He was the kindest friend and I´ll cherish him always. I´ll see him later. God bless you Curt where you are with Family and Friends now. I miss you and Love you always.
Joann Ramirez
January 2, 2024
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Talu Kikuyu
February 4, 2023
Talu Kikuyu
February 4, 2023
How you can show support
Talu Kikuyu
February 4, 2023
Erika White
February 4, 2023
I worked with and became friends with Curt many years ago at Terros. He was always a compassionate, wise and loving friend. He was instrumental in reconnecting me with my other Terros friends after being out of touch for a long period of time. I'll always remember his playful sense of humor and his unique and so endearing charisma. Like everyone I so wish we had more time to treasure and be with Curt. He left us much too soon. What a dear and precious soul. The world needs more people like you brother. We will always love you Curtski!
Colleen Oehlschlager
February 3, 2023
Amanda Brandon
February 3, 2023
Kurt and I met when he was in dispatch and I was a new counselor in crisis and he taught me the meaning of empathy . He visited me in DC when I moved from AZ and then welcomed me back when I returned to AZ . I will miss him daily. He was a special person. Xoxo
Tiffany Smith
February 2, 2023
I worked with Curt many years ago at Terros. He was always calm, kind and a great person to work with. I remember he liked going to nice dinners, having good company and loved to travel. Curt was a person that would always bring a smile to your face. Rest in peace, you will be missed.
Colleen Oehlschlager
February 2, 2023
Curt, I miss you so. I wish we could have had more time to talk about the days and reminisce . Rest in Peace
Jerry Lefevre II
February 1, 2023
I went through some difficult times in my life, and I remember how Curt and his mother Jean were there for me. He was an inspiration not only to me, but countless others. I am a better person for having known him. I will miss you my brother.....
Sue Sanders
February 1, 2023
I knew Curt from working on the crisis line. We did dispatching together for a short time, back in the day when we kept a paper log of everything. It was stressful, but fun. You will be missed, Curt.
Jerry Lefevre II
February 1, 2023
I met Curt, his mother Jean, and brother Larry 35 years ago in Odessa, Texas. He was a true, genuine dear friend. Definitely one of a kind. I loved him like a brother. My deepest sympathy, and prayers go out to his family.
Tony Young
February 1, 2023
Curt and I grew up together in San Angelo. He was a wonderful friend to me through all the school years and beyond. A delightful and loving person, always smiling. Godspeed dear friend. Tony Young
Larry Villano
January 30, 2023
When I think of Curt, I think back to the many conversations we had and I can still hear his deep yet calm, gentle and compassionate voice helping to solve whatever the dilemma of the moment was. He was the rock of the crisis department and was passionate about helping everyone in the department grow, including me. I will never forget Curt and the tremendous love he had for life and being of service to others.
Mariel Osorio
January 26, 2023
I was first interviewed by Curt, 7 years ago. Even without the skills and experience at the time, he saw potential in me. I will never forget his kindness. He truly believed in your skills, your worth, and your value. Always making sure he stopped to say hello and direct all his attention to you, so you knew he appreciated your time. My love and support to Curt's family and friends , wishing you peace during this time.
Dan Fox
January 26, 2023
Curt was just a good human, one of the nicest guys around. I first worked with him roughly 16 years ago and immediately saw how dedicated he was to helping those in need. I wish peace to his family and friends.
Meghan Perez
January 25, 2023
I will always be grateful to Curt for being a wonderful friend and mentor. He was welcoming, kind and generous with his support and services.
Trish
January 22, 2023
Curt,
You always made everyone around you feel cared for. Really enjoyed listening to your stories of your travels. Thank you for bringing light to this world.
Salli Marinov
January 21, 2023
Camping at Lyman Lake in 2001 or 2002 when a huge thunderstorm hit. Parents, children and Curt and I ran for the biggest tent, quickly set up a card table and all of us played scrabble for hours. We laughed and laughed! He just went with the flow (pun intended!) What a special man he was!
Dara
January 19, 2023
Curt my friend, it´s always difficult to say goodbye to such amazing people like yourself! You were an amazing man who left a positive mark in this world. Thank you for your friendship, professionalism and kindness throughout the years! Every year I looked forward to your thoughtful texts for every holiday including Halloween . Lots of love and aloha to you on this next journey brother! I look forward to seeing you again! A hui hou brother!
Deena Roach, Solari-inc
January 19, 2023
Wonderful memories and moments with you! So grateful to have known you and spent time with you. You will not be forgotten!
Karen Cowgill
January 19, 2023
Kurt and I met many years ago at Terros. We discovered we were both from Texas, and knew some of the same people in San Angelo and Odessa. I tried not to hold it against him that he went to Permian, as I went to Central. We laughed about that. We had some great times.He was a great man, and was loved by many.
Denis Ashton
January 19, 2023
Always had a positive experience when I was Curt's work partner at Terros. Loved working with him.
Jeff Dragan
January 19, 2023
Curt and I were coworkers and friends for many years (like most of us in this business). He was a kind and gracious person, and I'm grateful to have known him; his absence is felt by all who knew him.
Alexandra OHannon
January 18, 2023
I will remember Curt for his kindness and soft spoken demeanor. I envied his sense of adventure-especially when it comes to travel, and I will always smile when I think of him on the dance floor at our pre-COVID Christmas party.
I know that wherever he's at, he's no longer just kickin'- he's kickin' high.
I am so happy to have known him.
George
January 18, 2023
You were loved, will be missed, but never forgotten
George
Molly Fisher Foster
January 18, 2023
Curt played so many roles in my life. He was my coworker, friend, work manager, and occasional interior decorator! He was a man of extreme integrity, and always strived to find the good in everyone. I received many a gentle reminder from him to look at the good in people, and not focus on flaws. I loved Curt, his memory will be a blessing.
Showing 1 - 28 of 28 results
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