James was one of the first friends I made when I moved to Evanston as a kid. He wanted me to sign his cast. We were friends and enemies at the same time, and at some point, we were just friends. I was so impressed at how successful and happy he had become as an adult. Even as kids though, he had this kind of comfortable, thoughtful frankness that was always beyond his years. It's an incredible quality in a friend, and had a huge impact how I saw and see myself and my world.

My sympathies to his family and all his loved ones. He will be greatly missed, and I'm thankful to have known him.

There is so much I could say about James. Knowing him for over half my life, he was many things to me. A friend to get into mischief with as a teen, a roommate as a young adult, and a confidant and role model as we got older. If it hadn't been for him, my husband and I wouldn't have met for the first time. I have watched him through his struggles and his triumphs and I am forever grateful for his inspiration. I will miss our chats about movies and music and life. I will miss our visits where we laughed or talked seriously about the world and its issues. I miss my friend but I hope to hold on to the lessons he has given me.

Taken
June 10, 2015 at 2:16pm
The journeys we reap
Bestowed at our feet
The pathways laid out
Played out like a riddle
To remember you 
At an almost ripe age 
To the fruit bared with strength
Surprisingly harnessed
And displayed
The shaded window 
We never peeked through
Out of respect for
What we went through
And you
You left us
With wonder

James and I shared many adventures together growing up in Evanston. He will be missed dearly. We were so proud of him and all he accomplished as a soldier and a man.

James was a very close friend to all that accepted him.  I remember his enthusiasm for everything he did. My best memories were; seeing him during passing period with a plan to break out, at the log, behind the hill, discussions on science and our minds, his grungy laugh, his intensity. James had a positive nature dispite hardships. I hoped to see him grow as I always knew he would be great. I didn't get a chance, I heard of his accomplishments, I spoke to him briefly. What he became did not supprise me but made me proud because I always knew he would soar above the things I saw him dealing with when we were great friends in highschool. Don't miss your chances to stay connected with those who impact your life in a positive way. There is always more to learn so pick up your phone.  I will miss James.  

"It is always tragic to loose someone, as when we do, we loose another example of what it means to be human" -Alice Walker 

Take your chances and opportunities to treasure each persons life. We are here for just a short while to help each other love and grow.

James was a good friend of mine in high school. James and I had many great adventures. He left a lasting impression on me. My life would be different had I not meet James when I had. My condolences to his family and friends. Rest in peace James. I will miss you until we meet again.
                 "We'll miss you B"
 The sun shines bright through the storm. Living every moment in the unknown. Friends and family left behind to remember the great times.  It's your turn to go above and shine down on all of us all of your love.

James was always a very insightful person, which I think fostered his remarkable integrity. His strength is inspirational. I don't know what comes next, but I'm sure in whatever it is, he is continuing to do great things. I'll always remember the times we spent together, full of laughter and ambition. I miss you my friend.

I have known James since about 1991. James's lasting impression on me was one of kindness and perseverance; he always struck me as quite intelligent- an intelligence that he often masked with modesty. We lost touch for many, many years aside from social media, and one late night he sent me his phone number and asked me to call him. We spoke about random stuff for at least a couple of hours, my perceptions of this exchange was that James had grown into a fine man with a clear sense of purpose. He was still quite modest and even more kindhearted than I had remembered. That was 2009- and again we lost touch soon after that. I am rather saddened to hear this news- my deepest sympathies and sorrow for his friends and family. May he rest in peace.

My heart goes out to the his family. James was my first friend here in evanston il and my first real friend in life . he proved to me that anything is possible (if you are willing to work hard for it) and i will ALWAYS view his life and struggles as an inspiration to me. WORDS can NEVER EXPRESS how  Great a person he was.though he is gone now he will NEVER forgotten. peace be upon you brother. i will never forget your smile and will always love you!

My condolences to his family. He was an awesome individual. I'm honored to have met and became good friends. I visited him in Chicago back in 2009 after I was discharged from the army. He will be missed. Our last conversation was me wanting to put him on HLN segment "Salute the Troops." He really like the idea.

OBITUARY

James Matthew Brackett

23 December, 1980 – 6 June, 2015

Drake & Son Funeral Home

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