Henry James Erwin, 24

by Daily Inter Lake
| October 2, 2007 1:00 AM

Henry James Erwin, 24, of Rome, Ga., and also of Whitefish, Alaska and anywhere else he collected rocks, died on Sept. 21, 2007. He passed at his place of residence in Rome where family, friends, and even strangers were always warmly welcome.

Henry James was born on Oct. 24, 1982, proud son of Paul and Marcy Erwin, and loving brother of Spence and Meggie Beth.

This free-spirited and hard working young businessman had owned Henry's Smoke Shack. His passion for cooking made it the best barbecue in town. Previously he had succeeded in his other two passions, nature and helping others. He captured nature's essence in his paintings, inspired by his time in the wilderness.

Henry completed a 200-hour course with Aerie Back Country Medicine in Glacier Park, and in addition, received his certification as a wilderness emergency technician. He also completed a 10-week program at the National Outdoor Leadership School in Alaska. But he did not stop there. Next he earned his swift water rescue certification with the U.S. Department of Forestry in Montana in 2005.

Those who knew Henry would say that of all his accomplishments and services, the greatest service he provided was giving pieces of his enormous and loyal heart to everyone who stepped into his life. That great accomplishment and service will last forever in countless hearts.

Survivors of 'the great Henry' include his mother and father, Marcy and Paul Erwin; brother and sister-in-law, Spence and Mary Katherine Erwin; sister, Meggie Erwin, and John Harley Erwin, his baby nephew.

Funeral services were held Sept. 25 at the First Presbyterian Church in Rome with the Rev. Scott Jackson officiating. Interment was at the Floyd Memory Gardens in Rome.

Pallbearers were Stephen Smith, Hans Davidson, Dustin Higgins, George Barron, Robert Sturdivant, Robert Evans and Herman Scoggins.

Henry's family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the Darlington Learning Center, c/o Darlington School, 1014 Cave Spring Road, Rome, GA 30161.