James Joseph Landry

Born and raised in Tyrone, Pennsylvania, James carried an enduring curiosity and gentle spirit from an early age. He graduated from Tyrone Area High School before earning a Bachelor of Science in Geology from Millersville University of Pennsylvania, where his passion for understanding the Earth and guiding others took root.

Throughout his life, James lived in several places that reflected his adventurous spirit and professional pursuits. He called Alaska home from 1985 to 2011; and in 2011 he moved to Australia, where he lived until 2016. Upon returning to the United States, James and his family were transferred to Houston, Texas, and in 2019, James and his wife Brigitte settled in Charlotte, North Carolina. These experiences enriched his worldview and deepened his appreciation for diverse cultures and landscapes.

James was an avid outdoorsman who embraced an active lifestyle. He found great joy in skiing down snowy slopes, mountain biking rugged trails, hiking scenic paths, and swimming in lakes and oceans alike. These pursuits not only kept him physically engaged but also connected him deeply to nature’s beauty and tranquility.

His professional career was marked by integrity and dedication. He contributed his expertise to Albemarle Corporation, ConocoPhillips Company, Michael Baker International, and Groundwater & Environmental Services, Inc., earning the respect and admiration of colleagues for his technical skill, kindness, and generosity.

In Charlotte, James and Brigitte built a warm and welcoming life filled with shared laughter and quiet moments. He cherished simple pleasures: morning coffee on the porch, tending to their garden, and spending peaceful evenings watching fireflies dance across their yard. His workshop, affectionately known as “Dad’s Shed,” was a place where he lovingly repaired and crafted with patience and attention to detail.

Travel was a profound source of joy and inspiration for James. Alongside Brigitte, he explored the world with open eyes and heart—from the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania to the lush vineyards of Australia’s Yarra Valley. His journeys spanned the United States—including favorite stops in South Carolina, Florida, Texas, and Alaska—and international destinations such as New Zealand, Chile, Kenya, and beyond. He delighted in connecting with local people, sharing stories, and bringing back not just souvenirs but lasting friendships and insights.

James’s love for good company and vibrant atmospheres was reflected in his fondness for places like Landry’s Seafood House in Myrtle Beach and Kemah, Margaritaville in Atlanta, and Crab Catchers in South Carolina, where many memorable moments were shared with family and friends.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Brigitte Landry; daughter, Gabrielle Cranford; son, Zach Friess; brother, John Smith; and sister, Kathy Krantz. Family was the heart of James’s life, and he took great joy in nurturing close relationships with those he loved. James was predeceased by his brother, Mark Smith and sister, Patti Meyers.

Though his presence leaves an empty chair at many tables, James’s legacy of compassion, curiosity, and devotion continues to inspire all who knew him. May we honor his memory by embracing life’s adventures with the same generosity of spirit and love that he so freely shared.

A funeral mass will be held for James on Friday, June 20, 2025 at 1:00 PM at St. Luke Catholic Church, 9800 Fairview Rd, Mint Hill, NC 28227. Guests are invited to Brigitte's home following the service for a reception.