James Ryan April

James Ryan April, lovingly known as Jamie, passed away peacefully at home in Clermont, Florida on October 3, 2025, surrounded by his devoted family. He was 44 years old.

Born on January 24, 1981, in Silver Spring, Maryland, Jamie brought joy, humor, and a deep sense of compassion into the world from the very beginning. Though he lived with a major congenital heart defect, Jamie never let his condition define him. He met life’s challenges with strength, courage, and an unshakable sense of humor, inspiring everyone who knew him.

Jamie grew up in Bowie, Maryland, where he was active in the Sacred Heart Church and St. Pius X youth groups. He graduated from Bowie High School and attended classes at Prince George’s Community College. He began working at the National Labor Relations Board in Washington, DC, eventually continuing his work remotely as his health needs increased—demonstrating his commitment and perseverance.

A true enthusiast of life, Jamie had a wide range of passions. He was a dedicated sports fan who cheered for the Washington Capitals, Washington Commanders, Baltimore Orioles, and Washington Nationals. One of the highlights of his life was witnessing the Capitals win the Stanley Cup and attending the victory parade in person. He also loved Disney, Star Wars, Japanese anime, video games, and history—especially trivia, which he mastered with uncanny skill. His quick wit and endless knowledge made him a joy to be around.

Jamie’s creativity was also a defining part of his life. He spent many years developing original stories, particularly those featuring his beloved character, Rowan Steele. He had a vivid imagination and a storyteller’s heart.

His spirit of adventure led him to travel to places like Japan, Italy, and Canada, collecting cherished memories and sharing them generously with those around him. But his greatest joy came from time spent with his family. He shared an especially close bond with his nephew Harrison, whom he adored and mentored with patience, humor, and love. The relationship they shared was a testament to Jamie’s warmth and generous heart.

Jamie is survived by his loving parents, James and Kristine April; his brother, Michael April; his sister, Rebecca April; brother-in-law Justin Willis; his beloved nephew, Harrison April; and grandparents Charles and Darice Turner. He is also remembered fondly by many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Raymond and Dorothy April, Harry Seigel, and Marie Seigel Turner.

Jamie’s life was not defined by his illness, but by the love he gave, the joy he shared, and the courage with which he lived every day. Though his time with us was too short, his legacy of kindness, creativity, and strength will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Please join us in celebrating the life of Jamie; visitation will be held on Thursday October 16th from 6-8pm at Beall Funeral Home, 6512 Crain Highway, Bowie, MD 20715. A mass of Christian Burial will take place on October 17th at 11am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church 16501 Annapolis Rd, Bowie, MD 20715 with burial to follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers and as a tribute to Jamie’s memory please consider a charitable donation to one of the following organizations.

Adult Congenital Heart Association

Cornerstone Hospice

Sacred Heart Youth Group