James Anthony Smarr "Spaceman"

JAMES ANTHONY ‘SPACEMAN’ SMARR was born on February 1, 1957, in Trenton, New Jersey. He was the second of seven children born to the late Walter and Eria Lee Smarr. After a brave and lengthy battle with cancer, James passed away peacefully on February 24, 2026, at Capital Health Regional Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family.

AN ARTIST AND A VISIONARY

James was educated in the Trenton Public School system. And it was there that he first began to cultivate a lifelong passion for art. By the time he enrolled at Mercer County Community College to study the craft, he had already earned recognition as an accomplished artist. He excelled in various art mediums, including oil, charcoal, and clay busts, showcasing his creativity and skill throughout his education. During this time, his work became more Afrocentric as he engaged in social change efforts. He adopted the name Nasilo and joined the East Trenton Zulus, a local group advocating for change in the black community. But his true calling arrived with the discovery of his love for music and DJing.

Known affectionately as ‘Spaceman’ or ‘Space,’ he launched his career by performing at local bars and dance clubs throughout Trenton. Always the visionary and entrepreneur, he began sourcing records wholesale, which allowed him to secure the latest Disco and R&B releases before they even hit local radio stations or record shops. James also quickly understood that his superior skill behind the turntables was the main attraction for any crowd.

To further his independent ambitions, he partnered with emerging sound engineer Kayron Livingston Jr. to establish Psychotic Funk Productions. The company eventually included Kayron’s younger brother, Paul ‘Tiny Tim’ Livingston. Together, they used their own equipment to perform at multiple locations across the city, sometimes even on the same night.

THE SOUND OF TRENTON

During the peak of the R&B Funk era in the mid-seventies, Spaceman and his team were asked by Mrs. Mary Gist to play music outside her residence for a Jackson Street block party. The event was a massive success. Because of that moment, block parties became some of the most anticipated summer events in Trenton. Soon, it was common to see the large white Psychotic Funk Production truck with its motto, “Mobilized to Energize,” stationed at parties across the city.

In the late 1970s, the group merged with Jet Productions to form Psychotic Jet Productions and Entertainment. This new entity organized major events at venues like BT’s Lounge, The

Candlelight, and City Gardens. They were responsible for bringing legendary acts to the area, including Roy Ayers, Kurtis Blow, and Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes. Long after he stopped DJing himself, Spaceman stayed connected to the local music by continuing to collect records and mentor local DJs.

A PILLAR OF THE COMMUNITY

James loved the City of Trenton. He remained active in his community by volunteering for mayoral campaigns and performing for the North Trenton Little League. In recent years, he served as the president of the Greenwood Trent Center Residents Association and helped feed senior citizens with the Sons of Solomon 220 Lodge.

Within his family, James was more than just a famous DJ. He was a devoted son, brother, and uncle, as well as a loving father to his son, David. As the eldest son, his vibrant personality naturally made him a central figure in the Smarr household. One of his proudest achievements was the care and companionship he provided to his mother until his own health began to decline.

LEGACY

James was predeceased by his parents and an infant brother, Walter Jr. He leaves behind cherished memories with his son, David Edwards of Los Angeles, CA, and his five siblings: Amelia Monk (Michael) of Ewing, NJ, Diane Howard of Trenton, NJ, Robert Smarr (Veronica) of Trenton, NJ, Steve Smarr (Johnna) of Upper Marlboro, MD, and Douglas Smarr of Ewing, NJ. He is also survived by two aunts, Mary Adell Hillyer and Kathleen D. Hillyer, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends.

Spaceman has always been an inspiration to his family and will be greatly missed. His dedication and passion influenced many, and his community respected him deeply. Even today, residents vividly recall the energy he brought to the city alongside figures like DJs Skip, Tiny Tim, 007 and Muscles. There is no one better to keep the heavenly ‘Holy Ghost’ party going than Spaceman Smarr. Rest in Power.

Funeral service will be 11am Friday, March 6, 2026 at Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, 735 E. State St., Trenton, NJ 08609. Calling hour will be 10am until the time of service at the church. Interment will be at Fountain Lawn Memorial Park, Ewing, NJ.

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