A Session for Short: Annual skating event honors former New Phila pro
Hospitalized with extensive injuries he sustained when a drunk driver hit him while riding his motorcycle August 26, 2009 at New Philadelphia, James Short passed away surrounded by friends and loved ones four days later. A professional musician and rollerblader, James touched the lives of many people in his brief time on Earth.
The annual memorial and fundraising event included raffles, live music by 11 local and regional bands, with Nashville DJ Sam Foutz serving as emcee, skate contests, pizza donated by James’ former employer, Jesana’s Pizza at New Philadelphia, burgers donated by the Texas Roadhouse, buns and ice from Buehler’s as well as a host of vendors like Cupcake a Day of Medina offering one-of-a-kind baked goods, various skate apparel providers, made-to-order lemonade and original artwork.
Haircuts, mini manicures and pedicures were offered by Canton-based Salon at Belden Place for donations thanks to owner Tim Rypier and his staff.
All the proceeds raised at the event will be donated to local charities, including Relay for Life, Pathway to Wellness, Tuscarawas County Humane Society, libraries, Greater Dover-New Philadelphia Food Bank and area churches through the James Short Memorial Fund at the Dover-Phila Federal Credit Union.
The annual event was made even more special with the recent announcement that one of James’ original music compositions, On the Prowl, was licensed to Los Angeles music publisher Rex Benson of Pen Music Group for use in the non-theatrical trailers for the upcoming Matthew McConaughey movie, Killer Joe.
“James would get such a kick out of his song being used,” said Robinson. “Rex had contacted me about using an old song I had written and out of the blue I asked him if I could send him James’ CD. He pitched it around to different people and the timing couldn’t have been more perfect. James lives on. His music lives on. It was like a payback for all the bad things when we lost James.”
Legendary professional skater of X-Games fame Louie Zamora attended the event for the first time. “I missed the event in the past but I won’t miss it again,” said Zamora. “James was well known in the skating world and very well liked. I am glad I can be here today to help his friends and family to honor him.”
Kevin Little, owner of Sic Apparel, a former sponsor for James when he skated professionally, was on hand at the event. “James was a friend and he continues to influence other skaters even now,” said Little. “I was unable to make it last year so being here today is a great way for me to honor my friend.”
Temperatures reached into the 90s and skaters of all ages were visibly overheated. “You’ll see them skate for 20 minutes and then take a break,” said Robinson. “They are saving up their energy for the skate competition. James had some tricks he did that no one else can do and it is so funny to see them try.”
Robinson has recently written a book to be published by Minnesota New Age publisher Llewellyn Worldwide. Titled, Haunted Life, the book is mostly about James and a psychic ability that Robinson believes runs in the family. “In the book I detail how life has led up to all the things that have happened and how my beliefs have changed,” said Robinson. “I have always said I am too Christian to be psychic and too psychic to be Christian. Now I realize God has given me these insights and I believe James had them too.”
The evening ended with James’ former band, The Paul Allens, performing James’ original song, Darkest Days, with Robinson singing the lead vocals. Original band members Dave Barnhart and Ben Traxler of New Philadelphia, as well as Ryan “Smitty” Smith of Yellow Springs performed the emotional song.
Robinson has dreams of fixing up the skate park so that others can continue to enjoy the facility. “We would like to have a painting party and invite members of the community to come down and help us to get the park looking a little better,” said Robinson. “The city does a great job and we hope they will allow us to make even more improvements.”