Adam Paulson
Some friendships are forged in fire—others in laughter, long runs, and epic gaming sessions. Mine with James was all of the above. From the moment we met, James wasn’t just a friend—he was my brother in spirit, a co-pilot through life’s wild ride.
Participating in Summer track, just going on long runs from University Place to Hilltop and back, or out to Fox Island over the Narrows Bridge and back, for no reason other than to just go and do a thing, were our way of chasing dreams and outrunning worries. James made every mile feel like a story worth telling.
Spending time just sitting and reflecting on all things --- Religion, Politics, Science, Family etc.
Then there were the days of “Road Warrior” — James, Andre, and me, tearing through the TCC park and ride and Safeway parking lot on our 10-speed bikes trying to "take each other's bikes out". We destroyed those bikes but built something stronger: a bond that could never be broken.
James gave me my first taste of college life, inviting me up to UW for the weekend while I was still in high school. He didn’t just open his dorm room—he opened a door to possibility. That’s who he was: always lifting others up, always showing the way.
And oh, the gaming. Pen and paper adventures in Modern, D&D, Delta World, Star Trek, etc. Online MMOs where we battled side by side. James was the kind of player who made the game better just by being in it. His quote of “I got this!” has led to the saying of "I'm at I got this status!" between his closest of friends and will forever bring laughter with classic memories.
I could go on and on ......
James wasn’t just part of my life. He helped shape it. His memory lives in every run, every roll of the dice, every moment I whisper, “I got this,” and feel him beside me.
Rest well, James. You were legendary. And you always will be.




