Hundreds of mourners gathered in Birmingham, Alabama, this week to remember James “Weston” Higginbotham, the Auburn University student whose sudden death in Japan has left his family, classmates, and community grieving.
The funeral service was held on June 17 at Asbury United Methodist Church, where family members, friends, former classmates, and loved ones came together to celebrate the life of the 20-year-old student.
Weston had been traveling in Japan with his family when he disappeared in Kyoto. The trip had been planned as a celebration for his younger brother Grayton’s high school graduation, but it turned into a heartbreaking search that ended days later.
He was found dead on June 6 in a mountainous area outside Kyoto after nearly a week of search efforts. Japanese authorities have said there is no indication of foul play, though the official cause of death has not been publicly released.
Inside the packed church, those who knew Weston remembered him not by the tragedy of his final days, but by the kindness, curiosity, and adventurous spirit that shaped his life.
His cousin Eddie Higginbotham delivered one of the most emotional tributes of the service. He told mourners that Weston had a gift for making people feel included and described him as someone who carried joy, laughter, and warmth wherever he went.
Rev. Mike Holly also spoke about the lasting mark Weston left on others. He remembered him as a young man with a bright smile, a deep love for the earth, and a spirit that made people feel seen.
Another cousin, Lauren Higginbotham, reflected on Weston’s character beyond his achievements. She said his passions were not just interests, but things he acted on through hard work, service, and care for the world around him.
Weston was also honored by former classmates from Spain Park High School. Olivia Williams, president of the Class of 2024, presented a commemorative plaque describing him as a light in the lives of those who knew him.
Rev. Clay Farrington later spoke about Weston’s empathy, saying he cared deeply about people and the world. He described that sensitivity as both a gift and a heavy burden for someone who felt things so deeply.
Before his death was confirmed, Weston’s parents, Nancy and Keith Higginbotham, had publicly pleaded for help finding him. Nancy described her son as a young man with a heart of gold and asked anyone with information to come forward.
When Weston was later found, Nancy shared the heartbreaking news and said the grief was impossible to put into words. Since then, she has continued honoring him by sharing memories of the life he lived and the people he loved.
At Auburn University, Weston was studying Biosystems Engineering with a focus on sustainability. He was also involved in climbing, triathlon, campus research, and volunteer work with Engineers Without Borders.
His family remembered him as a passionate environmentalist, dedicated vegan, music lover, traveler, and someone who showed up for others without hesitation. He had been preparing for a future project in Bolivia connected to water distribution, a reflection of the work he hoped to continue.
In place of flowers, the family has asked supporters to contribute to the James “Weston” Higginbotham Endowed Scholarship Fund for ecological engineering students at Auburn University. Through that scholarship, his love for sustainability, service, and the natural world will continue to inspire others long after his final goodbye.
