James Bowen How, 24

James Bowen How was born Sept. 17, 1984, in Hyannis, Mass. "He left this world" from Somers on May 3, 2009, at the age of 24.

Though our beloved James is gone from here and will be forever missed, reverberations of his kindness and care for others will continue to be felt in our hearts and in this world.

James graduated from Flathead High School in Kalispell in 2003 and attended the University of Montana in Missoula and Spokane Valley Community College, studying psychology and carpentry.

While his last days were spent in a quiet cabin on Flathead Lake, James' life stretched almost coast to coast — Massachusetts as a baby, Pennsylvania as a child, Montana and Washington as a boy who became a young man.

James' passions for mountain biking, woodworking, music and the outdoors were marked, as were the people in his life, by his talent, courage, determination, honesty and strength. His sweet nature drew many to him, and illuminated his relationships. James responded to the challenges he faced with a deep well of fortitude and perseverance. Ultimately, darkness overcame him, but though the tragedy is unspeakable, it is a solace for us to know James is now in a place of infallible peace. He deserves no less.

He is survived by his father, James, of Kalispell; mother, Susan, of Walla Walla, Wash.; sister, Linden, of Missoula; grandmother, Pauline Torgerson, of Aurora, Neb.; and many other family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Jared How and Oscar Torgerson; and grandmother, Katherine How.

"James, know as we know that we will always be with you, and you with us."

A memorial service for James will be held at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 16, at Bar W Ranch, 2875 U.S. 93 W., next to Spencer Mountain west of Whitefish. Everyone is welcome to join in remembering James and celebrating his life. For details and directions, please email linden.how@gmail.com.

Memorial donations in his name can be made to Trail Runs Through It, P.O. Box 4485, Whitefish, MT 59937.