He lived and loved hard
While James Cage Gilmore’s life was short, you would never know it from the richness of the relationships he left behind. For Cage, people were everything, and those he loved were blessed with his steadfast friendship and compassion. He once told his mother, Jennifer, that his greatest accomplishments in life were his daughters and his friendships. Despite his youth, Cage had a firm grasp on what was important in life and organized his life accordingly, cherishing the people around him fiercely and unapologetically.
As a child, Cage was playful and filled with joy. One of his favorite traditions was “cleaning day.” He would grab a little broom, turn on music, and, with the firm resolve only a toddler can muster, would declare, “Come on, Mom, it’s time to dance and clean.” Cage also loved fishing with his family. Whenever he caught a fish, his excitement was so boundless that one might assume all of his wildest dreams had come true.
His sister, Jordan, was his first friend. They grew up close, constantly hanging out and teasing each other with affection. When Jordan had her first son, Cage leaped at the opportunity to be an uncle, doting on his nephew Aiden and supporting his sister with love and pride.
On the first day of eighth grade, Cage met a classmate named Sebastian. From that day forward, the two were inseparable. Cage even lived with Sebastian’s family for an entire year, and then later, they swapped, with Sebastian moving in with Cage’s family. They shared a love for video games and basketball, and a friendship more akin to brotherhood.
In school, Cage excelled academically, with a particular passion for science. He dreamed of becoming a medical biologist. As a freshman, his principal encouraged him to take the ACT; without any preparation, he scored high enough to gain admission into college. Three weeks before graduating high school, his long-term girlfriend, Arianna, gave birth to their first daughter, Kinsley. A year later, they welcomed their second daughter, Oaklynn.
Cage’s mother’s fondest memories of her son are of watching him become a father. His daughters were his pride and joy. One of her last cherished memories is a trip to the circus with Cage and the girls. That night, they all piled into bed together, Cage’s face glowing with excitement and love. When it was time to sleep, Kinsley and Oaklynn clung to him, giggling and refusing to let go–an inseparable trio.
Addiction slowly stripped Cage of his bright and compassionate character. He struggled with anger, depression, and destructive tendencies. His loved ones barely recognized him. Unable to care for his daughters, the girls were primarily raised by Jennifer. Before addiction, Cage and his mom had a standing Sunday tradition–lunch followed by a movie. During his darkest times, the two could barely be in the same room without conflict, their relationship deeply strained by the weight of the disease.
Even so, after his passing, many shared stories of Cage’s loyalty and kindness. They remember a friend who showed up, who cared deeply, even while battling his own struggles. Some have said his compassion changed the way they treat others–a lasting reflection of his true nature.
Cage’s mother, Jennifer English, provided the information for this narrative.
August 1, 2001-April 3, 2023-Age 21
Portrait Artist: Jeremy Hebbel
Narrative Writer: Livia Cohen
