The family of a teenager who died in his 20s in December have launched a fundraising campaign to raise money to help pay for his funeral expenses.
James, who was diagnosed with an early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, died of a brain hemorrhage.
His family has raised more than $60,000 to pay for the funeral expenses of James, his mother, Barbara Loomis, told ABC News.
James’ mother Barbara Lomais, right, talks with her son James Loomas, 17, at the Loma Vista Cemetery on January 27, 2018 in Loma Park, California.
James, who died at 20, was a star football player at San Jose State University, where he had played for five seasons.
He had been hospitalized several times before his death and had been diagnosed with dementia at age 24.
Barbara said her son was just a kid with dreams who was doing well.
“He just had this huge heart, and his dreams and his goals were all just so far beyond his means,” she said.
“But there were a lot of things that he wanted to do, and he was so happy to be able to do it, that he really didn’t have a lot to live for.”
Barbara said she had been thinking about the young man since he was just two months old.
She said that her son would be remembered by everyone who met him, and she wanted to make sure that his memory is preserved.
“We have a young man who was just born with the condition, so his family is very, very proud of him, as we can be,” she told ABC.
“I want him to be remembered for his heart and his smile and his kindness and his intelligence.”
James Loomans family on Friday announced the launch of a fundraising website to help cover the costs of his funeral and funeral expenses for his parents.
The family says it hopes to raise enough money to cover the funeral and expenses for James’ parents, her sister and his brother.
“It was a terrible shock to us,” Barbara said.
“He was a great kid,” Barbara Lomas said.