Sad News: RIP member James Smith

[Zenopus]

I am saddened to report that James Smith, author of the blog Dreams of Mythic Fantasy (formerly the Underdark Gazette), passed away yesterday per posts made by his family to his blog and his account on Facebook.

His obituary can be found on this memorial page set up by his family: James A. Smith Jr (1968-2019). Tributes, Stories and Photos can be left there.

James was a longtime member here under the handle jasmith , joining in 2009 and making over 300 posts between then and 2015. While not an active poster in recent years, he did still visit the board. His blog will be well-remembered for its long-running series of detailed OSR News updates, the most recent of which was posted on March 23rd of this year. His love of this hobby we share is evident in this work and as related by his family in his obituary:

James was a loving father who enjoyed “old school gaming”, internet blogging, reading, and listening to classic rock. His favorite pastime was playing Dungeons and Dragons with his son.

[Greyharp]

Very sad news. I got a lot out of both of his blogs over the years and I only ever saw him conduct himself with respect and friendliness to those around him. I will miss his contribution to the online scene and hope that his family draws comfort from the messages of sadness and support coming from our online community.

[Deleted]

[DungeonDevil]

Terribly saddening. My condolences to his family.

[xerxez]

Sorry to hear this. I had a few correspondences with him and he was nice and a good writer.

[Vile Traveller]

One of the few bloggers I followed regularly, I'm going to miss him.

[scalydemon]

R.I.P. James You will be missed.

[aldarron]

That just sucks.

[Morandir]

I noticed that a post has been made on his blog with a link for donations to help with funeral costs. If anyone is in a position to donate a few dollars, I’m sure they would appreciate it.

dreamsofmythicfantasy.blogspot.com/2019/04/from-james-family-funeral-expenses.html