The family of James “Weston” Higginbotham is preparing to say their final goodbye after bringing the Auburn University student home from Japan. Loved ones are expected to gather in Birmingham, Alabama, as the family lays him to rest following a painful and emotional journey back to the United States.
Weston’s mother, Nancy Higginbotham, shared the funeral arrangements after the family returned home with his remains. The service comes after days of heartbreak, unanswered questions, and an outpouring of support from people who followed the search from across the world.
A visitation is scheduled to take place at Asbury United Methodist Church at 1 p.m. A funeral service will follow at 2 p.m., before Weston is laid to rest later in the afternoon.
Nancy, her husband Keith Higginbotham, and their younger son Grayton Higginbotham recently returned from Japan on a Delta flight that also carried Weston home. Family friend Jennifer Harper Bowen described the arrangement as respectful and dignified.
Weston, an Auburn University student, was found dead in a forested area near Kyoto on June 6 after disappearing during a family trip. He had gone missing on May 30 after becoming separated from his family while they were traveling in Japan.
Nancy previously said she and Weston had argued before he left the group and boarded a train alone. His phone later stopped sharing location data, and surveillance footage reportedly showed him walking toward wooded hiking areas outside Kyoto.
Japanese authorities have ruled out foul play, though Weston’s official cause of death has not been publicly released. That lack of detail has led to online speculation, but those close to the family have urged the public to stop spreading rumors.
Bowen said the focus on unanswered questions has added more pain to a family already dealing with an unimaginable loss. She emphasized that Weston’s loved ones are still in shock and need privacy as they prepare to bury him.
In a tribute shared ahead of the funeral, Weston was remembered as someone who lit up every room with his smile. His family described him as passionate, thoughtful, and deeply connected to the natural world.
Weston cared strongly about the environment and sustainability. He was known for being a dedicated vegan and often carried reusable items because he wanted to reduce waste in small but meaningful ways.
His love of the outdoors shaped much of his life. Family members remembered his travels to places such as Yosemite, the Pyrenees, the Camino de Santiago, and the Swiss Alps.
Those closest to him said Weston was often the adventure leader of the group. He loved planning trips, researching destinations, and helping others experience the world with the same curiosity he carried.
He also shared a close bond with his younger brother Grayton. The two enjoyed running, climbing, music, fashion, and video games together, building memories that now mean even more to the family.
Weston’s obituary encouraged people to honor him by spending time in nature, sharing a vegan meal, watching sunsets, and telling loved ones how much they matter. It also urged people to reduce the noise in their lives and live with more intention.
The family has announced plans to establish the James “Weston” Higginbotham Endowed Scholarship Fund in ecological engineering at Auburn University. As they prepare for his final goodbye, they are asking the public to remember Weston’s life, his kindness, and the love he gave, rather than the rumors surrounding his death.
