From left: James’ mother, Molly; James; brother, Sean; and father, Rob Oliver. The photo was taken in June 2023 during a family vacation in Boston.
We remember James
James' life, though brief, left a profound impact on many. By sharing your memories of him, you are keeping his joy and kindness alive and highlighting his significant role in our lives.
We are starting to collect memories and photos about James and would be grateful for any story, moment, or photo you are willing to have posted on this website. Scroll below for memories we’ve collected thus far.
You can email werememberjames@gmail.com. Please note if you want to keep your memory anonymous or include your full name or initials.
Front row from left: Brothers Sean and James.
The second top row from left are James’ parents, Molly and Rob Oliver; Grandpa Bob Oliver; Grandmother Diane Oliver; Aunt Sue and Uncle Greg Campbell; and cousins Piper and Caitlyn Campbell.
The photo was taken in Fennville, Michigan in 2015.
James with friends at a 5th grade outdoor education program.
James with his grandparents Tim and Mary Jo Dailey, big brother Sean at far right. This photo was taken in May 2023 after his Catholic confirmation at St. John Neumann Catholic Church.
James with his parents at his 8th-grade graduation from Geneva Middle School in June 2023.
Photo taken of James in the summer of 2023 in Savannah, GA. From left, James, his Uncle Tim Dailey, Aunt Eilis Dailey, and brother Sean.
James at his Catholic confirmation with youth group leader Mark Restaino.
Photo taken of James and friends before attending Geneva High School Homecoming in Fall 2023.
James' father, Rob Oliver, took this photo on Cape Cod in the summer of 2023. Behind Rob from the left are James, Sean, and Molly.
A favorite family photo of James taken when he was approximately 12 years old.
James' selfie was taken by the Fox River where James loved to fish.
Photo taken at James’ 8th-grade graduation in May 2023. Sean looks nervous that his little brother James will be taller than him.
Sean and James take a break during apple picking to take a picture with their mom.
James with his “Grammie” Mary Jo Dailey at his Catholic confirmation in May 2023. James was Grammie’s baking partner in the kitchen.
Photo taken at big brother Sean’s Catholic confirmation. From left: Uncle Greg, Sean, James, and Aunt Sue.
Photo taken on 2023 at Atlanta Braves vs. White Sox. From left: Sean, Uncle Tim, and James.
Brothers share secrets only they know about.
James and Sean at the Grand Canyon visitor center in the summer of 2016.
Photo was taken of the Oliver family when the boys were in grade school.
One of Aunt Sue’s favorite photos is of the brothers when they were backyard toad wranglers.
James and Sean at Disney World in 2015. Their parents surprised them with the trip the morning they left. It saved “How many more days till Disney?” questions!
The brothers flexing their big muscles with Grandpa Bob.
The Oliver brothers take in the greenery with Grandpa Tim at the Chicago Botanic Gardens in 2016.
James with some of his good friends at Geneva High School. From left: Ellis, James, Hermann, and Joey.
