Naughty, daring, caring, loving
From a young age, James was energetic and fearless. His mother remembers him as the “go-go kid.” He learned to ride a bicycle at four with no training wheels and often pushed the limits. A neighbor once called his mom to ask if she knew that James was sitting on the roof of their townhouse with his feet dangling over the edge! He also rode BMX bikes, skateboarded, and loved being outdoors. Fishing was one of his favorite activities.
During high school, James attended Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC), where he studied welding. He developed many practical skills, and over the years he did roofing, mechanical work, and home repairs. He even started his own home repair business.
Family was the focus of James’s life. The family camped in Zion National Park and went to water parks. His mother, Lori, remembers raccoons breaking into their tent and eating all the marshmallows. He had four siblings. As a child he was close with his brother Josh, later with his sister Jessica, and his brother Russell. James cared deeply for his extended family as well, including his nieces and nephews.
Becoming a father was one of the most meaningful parts of James’s life. He had two children, whom he adored; Colten, now 12, and Lorilei, now 14. James’ marriage ended in divorce, and at the time of his death he was in a serious relationship with his girlfriend, Alia. His mother believes he planned to marry her in the future. He had dreams of buying a house and getting a new vehicle.
James had just started a job that involved checking soil to make sure the land was safe and free of harmful chemicals before building could take place. He had only been at the job for about a week before his passing.
At one point James told his mother he felt like he was “going into a dark place.” His family did not fully realize the extent of his substance use at the time. His death deeply affected those around him, and they now speak openly about substance use disorder and the dangers of fentanyl.
James was kind and loving, with a ready smile. Many people reached out to his family after his death to say James was fun to be around and always seemed to have a smile on his face. He treated women like “queens.” “He became such a wonderful person as an adult,” Lori said. “James loved his family and friends. He had goals he never got accomplished.”
His mother remembers the last day they spent together. She took him to fill his tank and buy cigarettes. Later that day he came back and said, “Mom, I forgot to tell you how much I love you.” He gave her a hug. It was the last one they shared.
“It has been very difficult,” Lori stated. Before he was gone, she worried about him and others in the family who have substance use disorder, some of whom are now sober. She is an advocate for awareness and has placed billboards for James. “Fentanyl has destroyed too many lives,” she said. “We miss him so much. We miss his smile, his silliness, and his presence. His upcoming birthday is already feeling unbearable – he would have been 35.”
James’ mother, Lori Bowers, provided the information for this narrative.
March 19, 1992-May 13, 2023-Age 32
Portrait Artist: Clayton Conner
Narrative Writer: Barbara Francois
