James Scott Cameron

He was 110% dedicated to anything he did. From the first time he stepped on the ice he was committed to hockey and being an all-star goalie. He would practice all the time at home, outside of the extensive practice, training, game & tournament schedule (and trust me it was extensive as Jenn & I would often ‘happily’ have to tag along). He was determined to be the best he could be & to give his team the best chance at getting the W each and every game.

Later on when he picked up the guitar there was instantly music being played in the house all day & all night long. As you all know, we had always been an extremely musical family, but James quickly dove into learning the guitar from his buddy Fred, singing every chance he got & starting to write songs almost right away. It was truly amazing to see him on his journey as the stages & crowds grew larger and larger. I was in awe of his talent & stage presence. He would always ask me if I wanted to sit down & try to write with him, but I never felt like I had ‘anything to say’ - how I wish I had just taken him up on the offer even if it was just to say nothing & watch his process.

Through all his talent James was still a typical, but amazing, brother & more recently uncle. As kids we were always pretty close. We had so many amazing family traditions but my favourites surround Christmas & going out as a family to cut down our tree every year, or sitting at the top of the stairs at an unnatural hour on Christmas morning waiting for our parents to tell us we could come downstairs. As we grew up, I remember countless times that James & his friends would hang around while my friends were over & even though he sure bugged us (often intentionally by acting like major goofball) they all loved him - he was too cute not to. We took countless road trips (for hockey, gigs, vacations) and would pass the time singing all types of tunes, or watching James’ goalie movie on the tiny tube TV that plugged into the cigarette lighter. James & I (and the whole family) became even closer when the JCB journey began & I am so thankful for all the amazing memories we got to create in day-to-day life, on stage, during countless basement rehearsals & in the studio together. There is something indescribable about being able to look over while performing, see your baby brother right there in the thick of it with you & just knowing you’re watching him do what he was meant to do. He always pushed me to the next level & boy did we love to sing together. The second his nieces came into the picture they would light up his face every time he saw them & there was nothing they loved more than strumming his guitar as he would try and make it through a song for them. It breaks my heart to think we won’t have the chance to see him as a dad himself, because I know without a doubt he would have thrown himself into it & would have been the best at it.

Some of us knew that James was struggling over the last few years & some may not have known. When he was performing or at a gig, or with his family (and nieces especially) he could not have been happier. But when you have such a creative, full mind like he did, sometimes that creativity comes from a darker place then some of us can even imagine & that is what James was up against. He fought a hard battle & while it makes me so sad to know he couldn’t fight anymore, I am so grateful for all the beautiful memories (and so thankful for all the video we have just through him doing what he did) that he left behind.

I want to say thank you to everyone who loved James & took him under their wing throughout his life. From his hockey coaches & teammates, his musical influences & bandmates, his family & friends who supported the heck out of anything that he did, to our parents who raised the three of us with an almost unbelievable amount of dedication & love. You are all the reasons that James was such a talented, kind, gentle human & there are pieces of each of you in the memories we will hold close for the rest of our lives.

Before I finish I just really want to remind everyone to take care of each other, check on each other, love each other & let each other know how much you care & that you are there. You never know who might really need to hear it that day or who you might be helping through something. That is what James would want & it really is the little things that matter the most when we look back. Thank you for standing with our family during this unimaginable time & know that you will always be a part of our family & that James loved you all.

Just 'cause I'm leavin'

It don't mean that I won't be right by your side

When you need me

And you can't see me in the middle of the night

Just close your eyes and say a prayer

It's okay, I know you're scared when I'm not here

But I'll always be right there

Even though I'm leavin', I ain't goin' nowhere