United States Navy Honors Memory of Midshipman Kyle James During Graveside Service

The United States Navy paid tribute to the late Midshipman Second Class Kyle Devin Philbert James, 20,  earlier this month during a graveside service in Connecticut. 

Mourners initially convened for a celebration of life on Saturday, November 1 in Windsor, Connecticut, followed by a procession to the Connecticut State Veterans Cemetery for a graveside service with military honors, which the United States Navy rendered on Monday, November 3, in Middletown, Connecticut.

Midshipman James consistently pursued his goal of military service throughout his high school career. His obituary states, "Kyle was frequently the only black child in many of his classes, but this did not hinder his determination to make a positive impact as a leader."  This dedication ultimately led him to seek service in the United States military. His potential was recognized and encouraged by his teachers, guidance counselors, and his mother. 

Shortly after Midshipman James' passing, New Jersey Governor-Elect Mikie Sherrill, who is a graduate of the Naval Academy, said Midshipman James' dedication and drive to serve his country embodied the Navy’s core values of honor, courage, and commitment, and will continue to serve as an inspiration to us all. Governor-Elect Sherrill stated that she was honored to have nominated Midshipman James to the Naval Academy while serving as a New Jersey Congresswoman, and acknowledged that his loss will be profoundly felt by the communities in Annapolis and New Jersey. Sherrill offered her heartfelt condolences to Midshipman James' loved ones, friends, and fellow classmates.

According to an article published by Report Annapolis News on October 11, 2025, Midshipman Kyle Devon Philbert James, was found deceased on Friday, October 10, 2025, one day after being reported missing by officials at the academy. 

Midshipman James' family confirmed to Report Annapolis News that his remains were discovered near the campus. In an article published on October 16, 2025, Report Annapolis News  stated "a source familiar with the investigation told Report Annapolis News that Midshipman James’ family was informed authorities found his remains at a campus-adjacent business." 

On Thursday, October 9, 2025, at around 5 p.m., Midshipman James’ family was notified by Naval Academy leadership that Midshipman James had missed all of his classes that day and was being considered missing due to the unusual circumstances of his absence. His mother last spoke with him earlier that morning, according to a news report published on the YouTube channel for WFSB 3. 

During the evening of Friday, October 10, 2025, the Naval Academy contacted the family of Midshipman Second Class Kyle James to inform them that his remains had been found near the Naval Academy. Academy officials subsequently shared the news with the campus leadership: 

"It is with great sadness that we inform you that yesterday we lost Midshipman 2/C Kyle Philbert James. He was a member of 36th company," the announcement said. "Our notification timing to the Brigade and to you was based out of respect to his family." 

In a statement released yesterday, a spokesperson for the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner's Office stated "in the case for Kyle Philbert James, the manner is suicide and the cause is hydrogen sulfide intoxication." According to the National Library of Medicine, "Hydrogen sulfide toxicity typically results from gaseous exposure that initially acts as an irritant and later acts at the cellular level, inhibiting mitochondrial respiration.Hydrogen sulfide is a highly flammable, colorless, and toxic gas."

A scholarship fund has been established in Kyle’s memory to support students of color at Whippany Park High School from where he graduated in 2023.