James had an infectious laugh, a kind and giving heart, and the ability to make someone immediately feel at ease. He could navigate a conversation between serious topics and goofy nonsense like a pro. I’m grateful for the time I got to know him and live with him, and I will cherish those memories. Especially playing games like Mario Party, Ticket to Ride, Cards Against Humanity or Phase 10, and having great conversations while we played, even as the games may have tested our friendship. 

James loved Lauren unconditionally in a way that was truly wonderful to witness. I could not have asked for a better match for my best friend and I was so thankful they found each other. Love you big time Lauren, and James, you will be incredibly missed. Rest easy buddy.

I feel beyond grateful for getting to know James for so many years. There are few people in this world who bring so much passion, levity and light as he did. No matter what he had going on, which was often a lot, he made the time and effort to check in and have such compassion towards anything I threw his way. 

I cherish every bit of time with him & Lauren, eating amazing food, playing games, yelling about the state of the world and laughing until my face hurt. I’m so glad in the past few months that Preston and I got to explore the world of Baulder’s Gate 3 with him, letting him step away from being a DM for once and screaming together as we set caves and enemies on fire, and all the ‘awwww’s for every time Scratch walked by. 

Above all - seeing way he loved my best friend always made my heart feel so full and I’m so thankful to have watched that love grow over the years. I love you both so so much and James will be missed more than words can ever express.

It was such a joy to see James with Lauren. You not only saw  the love they had for each other but you felt it by the way they looked at one another.  He had such a kind, and gentle spirit and a smile that would light up a room.  
 Some of our fondest memories with James were seeing he and Lauren wed, our annual Christmas Cookie experience and the time Lauren and James delivered their amazing homemade cookies in 2020. 

You will be missed, James.

At the head table for their wedding banquet.

These “kids” are more like family than friends.

Sparks literally flying between James and Lauren ❤️

James and Lauren with the biggest smiles ever at their wedding, Oct 2023.

James and Lauren, June of 2107.  He made my birthday celebration at Outback Steakhouse fun and memorable.

When I've been asked about my favorite birthday, for some reason the first one that always comes to mind is the year I decided we should see if James was working and then eat in his section. I don't know if this was something they did for family or staff birthdays or just something James made up, but he had the staff sign a birthday card with various nerdy pseudonyms and it was great. There's nothing like coming in and just expecting to see a friendly face and finding out there was a birthday conspiracy for you, even a small one, and he got it done impressively fast!

I always enjoyed talking with James at our extended family/friends gatherings - he was smart and funny, and the perfect mix of laid-back calm and willingness to jump in that is needed to deal with all of our craziness, and it was so much fun to see him bounce off the rest of the Krouses, just having a ball. I'm very grateful for the time we had him in our group, and mad that it couldn't be for a longer time.

Thanks for making the service available online for those of us out of state. Even if we can't be present with y'all in that moment, we are still with you as much as we can be, now and in future needs. Please don't hesitate to call if you need a companion or distraction or someone to vent to.

My earliest memories of James is as the smiling , compassionate and competent waiter at Outback Steakhouse. We purposely planned trips there on days he was working and requested to be in James’s section. He made every visit a party, a family party.
He shared with us his dream of owning his own restaurant. And he shared with us his cooking skills so we know he would have had a great restaurant. But the hours that restaurant ownership requires would have left him precious little time to be with Lauren, the love of his life. I think he ultimately enjoyed baking and cooking with Lauren more than he would have liked owning a restaurant.

You could tell from day one that James loved Lauren and likewise Lauren loved James. They were a good match for each other.
James had a great smile and on their wedding day I don’t think he ever stopped smiling. It was a wonderful celebration of their love for each other - a night we didn’t want to end.

We all wanted their love to last a very long time. And while the love will continue, now we have only pictures of his smile and memories to hold.

Thank you, Lauren, for bringing James into our lives. I count it a blessing to have been a part of James’s life. We hurt for you now and want you to know we cherish his memory and are here for you when you need a hug and we will gladly share memories of James.

I picture James enjoying the heavenly banquet with Martha and Jim and all his family. Someday we will share a seat at that table with James. Until then, let God hold you in his arms and give you His peace.

James is deeply missed. He was a great friend and I will always look back fondly on our days playing disc golf and late nights throwing darts. Rest easy my friend.

Thinking of James brings so many memories of a gentle, kind, thoughtful soul.  He shared his heart with everyone he encountered and consistently left me feeling he is among the most authentic people I've ever encountered.  

The world may have lost James, but the world remains richer from all the ways he touched and nourished everyone's lives.  I am a better person for having known him.  Thank you, James.

James was such a kind individual.  I wish I could’ve spent more time getting to know him. I know he will be missed greatly by his family and friends.

James,

I will forever be a better person for having been able spend what time I could with you.  Even though you were always going through so much on the inside, you couldn't help but help so many people through hurdles in their lives. The only thing that brings me peace is knowing you are waiting for us somewhere that you are free from pain.

Lots of love
Evan and Krissy

James,

it is hard to overstate the impact that your friendship had on my life in a dark time and your unrelenting compassion, earnest and honest friendship and genuine curiosity helped me through it. I am incredibly thankful for the time I could share with you - no matter how many oceans were between us. I will miss you. Like a lot.

My condolences go to Lauren, James' family, and all the people that lost a friend. You are not alone. Not with your life, nor the universe, nor everything.

James,
     You were the friend I wasn't looking for and didn't know I needed. Your unwavering love and compassion for those around you was and is inspirational. You made me feel seen and heard without judgment at a very low point in my life. I will never be able to repay your kindness or friendship. I will miss you the rest of my life and will think of you always. May your legacy of love live on in those lives that were lucky enough to know you.

James I will never forget that even on your darkest days, your heart  still shined so brightly. You taught us all so much about love and courage. I will carry that with me for the rest of my days.

Nothing will ever replace the presence that’s now gone from this world. James approached every person and situation with empathy and humor, creating an online persona that jumped from the screen into our personal lives. He maintained these qualities during his darkest times while battling his cancer. His love continues to radiate, though we can’t be with him. My heart goes out to his wife and his sister, who I know he loved with all his heart.

I wanted to share how James felt about his life and the people in it for those who might find some peace in it. 

We're proud of you too, little cousin.
Proud of that crazy funny kid you used to be and proud of the incredible man you became.  Proud of the lessons in humility and joy you taught me. ❤️ 

Until the next adventure, I'll see you on the other side. Save a seat for me at cousin's camp.

James was truly the most incredible, caring, kindest person I have ever had the pleasure of meeting, and likely will have ever met in my life.  He was such a shining light in the darkest days, even when he wasn't feeling the best.  He was someone you could always go to and know that he will listen.  He will forever be missed and never be forgotten.  My deepest condolences to his wife, family, and friends for this immense loss.  

Stay curious, my friends <3

James was more than just a friend. On the internet, where people are often rude, shady and dishonest, he was a safe space. He was like Mr Rogers or Bob Ross. His channel was always a fun time to chat and play video games, but he also discussed heavy topics and listened when we had problems in our own lives. Even when he was really sick, he was always a friend we could turn to - and encouraged us to treat each other better. 

James, or CaS as we knew him, was Safety, Acceptance, Family. 

The world has grown a bit dimmer. 

But in his passing, we are seeing the community come together, both online and in real life, to look out for each other. His memory lives on in our hearts and our actions. 

We will miss you buddy.

I am so happy that James came into my life. He was an amazing and supportive friend. I will truly miss his outlook on life and just his personality. He was a force to reckon with and gave me the best advice I could ever ask for about anything. Sending all the hugs and prayers to his family and loved ones. James will truly be missed. ❤️

James was the most genuine, honest, and nice person I have or ever will have the pleasure of meeting. He was an incredible inspiration and will always be my role model on how someone should act and treat others, and he's gone entirely way too soon.

Though the universe may now be darkened with your loss, the radiance you begot can never be diminished in our hearts. I love and miss you, brother.

James gave his time, interest, and love to every individual he came across. He showed genuine care and empathy for people, even during his darkest moments in his cancer journey. I am thankful for the time we shared together and the friendships that he helped me find. My heart goes out to his wife and sister, who I know he loved with all of his heart. I hope your family finds peace during this time. <3

I dont remember what prompted me to wonder into his life..but he welcomed me...help me grow as a person...gave me a family...i will miss james..he was the little brother i always should have had...

Thanks for everything, James. You were - and still are - an inspiration to me. A true friend, lost way too soon.

OBITUARY

James Matthew Kucera

July 16, 1989 – May 26, 2024

Sparkman Funeral Home & Cremation Services

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