The family of James “Weston” Higginbotham is honoring his life and legacy by creating a scholarship in his name after the 20-year-old Auburn University student was found dead during a family trip to Japan. The tribute comes as his loved ones remember him not only for the way he died, but for the meaningful and adventurous way he lived.
Weston’s mother, Nancy Higginbotham, shared a heartfelt message on Facebook describing her son as passionate, curious, thoughtful, and deeply committed to the world around him. She said Weston cared strongly about sustainability, lived as a proud vegan, and believed in making choices that reflected his love for people, animals, and the environment.
Nancy remembered Weston as the adventure leader of the family, someone who was always ready to explore new places and take on new challenges. Whether he was skiing, mountain biking, hiking, or planning trips through famous trails and mountain ranges, he approached life with energy and purpose.
She said Weston had explored places such as Yosemite, the Pyrenees, the Camino de Santiago, and the Swiss Alps. Even when traveling in unfamiliar areas, he often found his way using a paper map and had a gift for discovering hidden locations, scenic views, and local restaurants that made each trip special.
Weston had traveled to Japan with his family on May 22 to celebrate his younger brother Grayton’s high school graduation. The family arrived in Kyoto on May 25, but the trip took a heartbreaking turn days later when Weston separated from them after a disagreement and went to explore on his own.
According to earlier statements, Weston was last seen on May 29 after getting off at Yamashina Station in Kyoto. His phone later lost connection, and family members were unable to reach him through calls, messages, or location tracking, leading to a search that stretched for days.
Nancy shared updates throughout the search before confirming on June 6 that Weston’s body had been found by a volunteer search-and-rescue group in a mountainous area outside Kyoto. Officials have not released a cause of death, though no foul play is suspected.
In her tribute, Nancy also described the close bond Weston shared with his younger brother, Grayton. She said Weston never treated him like an annoying younger sibling, but included him in his friend group and shared interests with him, including running, climbing, music, and fashion.
Weston was studying biosystems engineering with a focus on sustainability at Auburn University, where he also worked in research and participated in student groups. He competed on the climbing and triathlon teams and had been preparing for a trip to Bolivia in August to help with a rural water distribution project.
Instead of flowers, the family is asking people to support the James “Weston” Higginbotham Endowed Scholarship in ecological engineering at Auburn, created to continue the work and values he cared about most. As his family prepares for visitation and funeral services in Birmingham, they are asking others to honor him by spending time outdoors, sharing a vegan meal, and remembering a young man whose love for nature, adventure, and kindness left a lasting mark.
