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James E. Bostic
January 10, 2000 ~ August 24, 2020 (age 20) 20 Years Old
As of the most recent update, we are able to offer visitation periods and funeral services in the funeral home or at a church. ·Please be mindful during visiting hours to keep your condolences brief so that others may offer theirs as well. ·Gathering in the lobby is not allowed so that we may adhere to health code mandates. ·Facemasks are required while inside the funeral home. ·Our staff is available for guidance.
James Earl Bostic was born January 10, 2000, in Winchester, MA, to Franklin and Elizabeth (Yancy) Bostic. Within ten days of his birth, his undiagnosed G6PD deficiency triggered severe jaundice which resulted in kernicterus. The previously healthy newborn became severely disabled. Despite his many challenges, he grew to be an exceptional young man, lighting up a room with his trademark Kool Aide grin.
He attended the RISE (Reading Integrated School Experience) preschool where he quickly became known for his sense of humor and tenacious spirit. He transitioned to the Northshore Education Consortium, where he was a student from Kindergarten to third grade. When his educational team discovered how much his hearing impairment impacted his ability to access curriculum, he was transferred to the Beverly School for the Deaf where he learned ASL as his receptive language. An avid baseball fan, he enjoyed being part of the Miracle League while he was there.
Despite being placed outside of Reading Public Schools, James was active in his community. He was often seen riding his adaptive bicycle and playing in the Wood End Elementary School’s accessible playground. He was his sister Maritza’s biggest fan when she performed in school and regional theatre musicals. It was not uncommon for his vocalizations to be loudly heard above the crowd’s applause, or during parts of her performance. She was similarly supportive of him, often singing to him or making him laugh while acting goofy at home.
James loved action movies including the Avengers, Fast and Furious, and Star Wars. He also loved cartoons; he was particularly fond of Up and all things minion! He loved being outdoors; riding the waves of the freezing ocean in his adaptive beach chair was his favorite summer activity. Every year, he looked forward to going to Camp Communicate where he was able to enjoy an authentic, accessible summer camp experience while also enhancing his ability to communicate across a variety of settings. He was loved by staff and campers alike and looked forward to the annual end of camp dance.
James’ favorite color was yellow. He was a devoted Red Sox and Patriots fan. A lover of music, he was known to be motivated by Beyoncé when not interested in schoolwork. He loved God and loved to go to church. He often vocalized and laughed during praise, worship, and to his mother’s chagrin, during sermons. His faith community embraced him, supported him through many difficult situations, and rejoiced in his many achievements. He knew he was loved by his World Changers Church family.
In 2016, James unexpectedly had a medical crisis that lasted over 15 months. During that time, he became a part of the Gillette Children’s family in St. Paul, MN, where they affectionately addressed him as King James. Thanks to their exceptional expertise and care, he received Deep Brain Stimulation which resolved his medical crisis. Upon his return home, he transitioned to the CREST Collaborative where his team discovered that the DBS also enabled him to communicate through eye gaze technology. At 18 years of age, he was able to tell his mother that he loved her for the first time, just four months after receiving his first communication device. Several months later, he composed and delivered his first speech at the Pediatric Academic Society in Washington, DC. Never camera shy and with his newfound voice, he was interviewed with his mother in multiple videos and news stories advocating for healthcare, accessibility and abuse prevention for the most vulnerable disabled individuals.
King James radiated joy, even in the toughest of times. He was a true warrior, fighting to be heard, eager to learn and committed to loving and supporting others. His charismatic spirit and infectious laughter were undeniably contagious, lifting the spirits of those discouraged or frustrated. He was and is an inspiration to many around the world, especially to parents of children whose gifts might be missed or misunderstood; his story will be a catalyst for true inclusion of all individuals with disabilities in their communities. He made a mark that cannot be erased in the hearts of everyone he touched.
James is survived by his mother, Elizabeth (Yancy) Bostic; sister, Maritza Bostic; maternal grandfather, Gayton Yancy; and paternal grandmother, Christina Bostic; as well as a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. He is predeceased by his father, Franklin Bostic, and his maternal grandmother, Janice Yancy, who he lovingly called Fabulous Grandma.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend calling hours on Wednesday, September 9, 2020, from 1:00-7:00 PM at Cataudella Funeral Home, 126 Pleasant Valley Street in Methuen.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the following organizations in his honor: Parents and Infants of Children with Kernicterus (PICK)
Visit website for online donation via: https://pic-k.org/donate/
Or mail checks to: P.I.C.K. P. O. Box 11663 Overland Park, KS 66207 (please indicate “in memory of James Bostic”)
G6PD Deficiency Foundation:
Visit website for online donation via: https://g6pddf.org/
Or mail checks to (please indicate “in memory of James Bostic”): G6pd Deficiency Foundation, Inc. PO Box 156 Babylon, NY 11702
Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare:
Visit website for online donation via: https://www.gillettechildrens.org/donate
Or mail checks made out to Gillette Children’s Foundation to (please indicate “in memory of James Bostic”):
Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare C/O Gillette Children’s Foundation 200 University Ave E Attn: Foundation, 010605 St. Paul MN 55101
Services
Visitation
Wednesday September 9, 2020 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM Cataudella Funeral Home 126 Pleasant Valley Street Methuen, MA 01844
Donations
PICK Parents of Infants and Children with Kernicterus PO Box 11663, Overland Park KS 66207 Web:https://pic-k.org/donate/
G6PD Deficiency Foundation, Inc. PO Box 156, Babylon NY 11702 Web:http://g6pddf.org/
Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare C/O Gillette Children's Foundation, 200 University Ave E, Attn: Foundation, 10605, St. Paul MN 55101 Web:https://www.gillettechildrens.org/donate