Malia Rutherford
James had a quiet way of showing love that made you feel cared for without him ever needing to say a word. Every Christmas, he somehow picked the exact gift you didn’t know you needed — an external charger, a solar lantern, a car battery jump starter, a fire starter. They were always practical, always useful, and somehow always perfect. His gifts made you feel safer, prepared, and looked after long after the holidays had passed.
That was who James was. He cared in the small moments that added up to something big. He never let anyone leave without walking them out, making sure they got to their car safely, standing there until he knew everything was okay. It was his gentle way of saying, “You matter. I’m here.”
James was the kindest man — steady, thoughtful, and generous in ways that truly made a difference. His presence was a comfort, his kindness a constant, and his memory will always feel like a warm light we get to carry forward.
He will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.
