James Raymond Noell

James was our first-born. Our pride and joy. Was talking by 1 years old, began to read at 2. He loved to sing and play guitar, singing in the school and church choir for many years.
He was loved by everyone; easy-going, witty, quick to laugh. James loved the outdoors; camping & hiking. He was passionate about music, all genres, but especially the obscure stuff, it was fun learning from him. Tim & James played guitar together; oh, how I’ll miss that and hearing he and his sisters sing together.
He was a smart, immensely talented young man. But he struggled with anxiety and depression which led to his addiction. He fought it for years with multiple stints in rehabs and recovery communities. He had recently found more peace through practicing mindfulness. He found support through AA and a job with a company that supported guys in recovery. What led to this relapse and his death, we will never know. But I am forever thankful for the meaningful and positive conversations we got to have together the past couple of months.
We will forever miss his grin, his laugh, his great hugs. I will miss watching him graduate college, getting married, having kids. Drugs stole all of those things from us.
James leaves behind his parents, Tim and Ruth, younger sisters Audrey and Katie, grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins and extended family; and countless friends.