I still think about James…we actually only met a couple of times in person and stayed in touch ever so often to catch up on life. He was so funny oh boy would he make me laugh. He sent me this one video something about an oven being left on and him panicking. After we laughed for hours about it and sent each other edited photos of a house burning and us trying to turn it off. We thought it was hilarious. He always put a smile on my face always. He always made me laugh. We would vent to each other about life and practically tell each other everything. I remember the day I found out he left. I saw it on several of my friend’s stories.  It happened to be the same day I was going to reach out and check in see how he was doing. I was heartbroken when I found out. James was that person who you could stop talking to for years just because life came up and resume talking like you spoke to him just yesterday. He was so outgoing funny and sooooo kind. He loved everyone in every stage of life I don’t think I knew about anyone not liking him like ever. I sometimes find myself going back in our messages and re watching the videos when I need a good laugh. I’m very sorry for your family and I’m writing this now to let you know how much of a impact your son has made in peoples lives. That time did keep going but he still lives in a lot of peoples hearts and minds. 

I am so sorry for your loss. I didn’t know James but I came across the obituary. Looks like he was a good man and had a positive effect on his Family and friends and was very passionate about the things he loved. My heart goes to you and your family. Loosing a child in death is one of the hardest things a parent can go through. Jehovah God promises that soon these tragedies will be done and away with. “And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:4) Please know that not a single tear drop of yours has gone unnoticed by Jehovah.

James was not just a friend, but a mentor to many of us. He taught us about resilience in the face of adversity, about the importance of following our passions, and about the beauty of life’s simple pleasures. He had a special ability to make every person feel seen, heard, and valued. He could turn an ordinary day into an extraordinary one with his infectious laughter, his insightful conversations, and his boundless generosity.

He was a man of integrity, whose actions spoke louder than words. James was there for us in our darkest hours, and he was there to celebrate our biggest victories. He loved deeply, and he was deeply loved in return. He valued friendship and family above all else, and treated every person he met with kindness and respect.

His loss has left an emptiness in our hearts, but in this sorrow, we find comfort in the memories we shared, the laughter, the tears, the quiet moments, the loud celebrations. His spirit lives on in each of us, in the lessons he taught us, in the love he shared and even his music.

James was not just a friend. He was family. He was a part of us, and he always will be. let’s remember James for the happy smiley kid he was. And the humorous personality he always had let us remember the good times and forget the bad ones. His loss has created a void in our hearts that can’t be filled, but his legacy lives on in the memories we shared, and the lessons we learned from him.

Rest in peace, dear James . You will forever be missed, but your spirit will forever live on in our hearts. I love u so much brother I will forever miss you calling me your sister . - your lil sis hailey💝💝💝

My Miguelito. You don’t understand how much I miss you and how much I need you. I thank God for bringing you into my life. Thanks to you I was able to leave the toxic place I was at. I got out from there because I actually wanted to have a future with you. It was YOU the person that I needed in my life this whole time, to show me what true love felt like. YOU needed me and I needed YOU! I just wish we could have had more time together. I will never meet anyone like you. You’re one of a kind. I miss the little smirk you would give me everytime you saw me. You’re my twin! I hate staring at the door, waiting for you to come in, hug me and kiss me. But I know you’re waiting for me & at some point, we’ll see each other <3 my cuchi cuchi 🩷 everyone misses you. Specially Me. Everything I do reminds me of you. Seeing your rosy cheeks, always wanting to tie my shoes because I don’t do it right. I hate that everywhere I go I get asked about you & get reminded that you’re not physically here with me, but just how you were always there for me, I know you’re still here with me in spirit. TE AMO & I ALWAYS will 💜

Isaiah and his Godfather Jimbo

I met him as Mr. Echo, in a group chat full of other wonderful artists. He always stood out, both as an artist and as someone to listen. I called him my little brother, because he’s the same age as my brother. He called me hermañita, because despite me being older, he was taller than me. Or he’d call me sibling, but never by my name— we were family and he made that clear early on. We’d talk almost daily, if not weekly. Secrets, stories, music. Any and everything was on the table, probably a little too much at times— but he knew I’d listen because he loved to talk.  I replay our last conversation in my head over and over, wishing I had pressed a little harder to see him when I was in town, but I know that all things happen for a reason. Our last conversation was full of nothing but mutual love and support. Us promising to talk to each other soon. Him making me cry and telling me that he’s proud of me. I listen to the audio messages saved in our Instagram chat almost every week. I know I wasn’t able to meet him in person, but I loved him fiercely. Both personas— James and Mr. Echo. I’m eternally grateful that I got to cross paths with him, even if only briefly. I hope to carry on his memory and make him proud. 

I love you Echito, mi hermañito. I hope you’re resting well and I hope your family is finding peace.