Happy new years! I miss you, you’re always on my mind. You’re everywhere, our memories, I drive down western and find myself going towards your house like you’re there. I replay our last conversation that night in my car  many times. I love you. I talk to you all the time. I cry to you. Life has changed so much since you left.. just missing you a little more this morning

Merry heavenly Christmas my Son, December  is a hard month for me. Your Birthday, the last time I saw you, and Christmas. You are here with us always in our hearts ❤️
I love and miss you so. Mama

Today was a hard day, I woke up so sad missing you a little more than usual. I talked to my coworker about you earlier, I just needed to talk to someone and tell them how much I miss you. You are so loved and missed by so many people. It makes me happy to see how many hearts you touched. You are for sure one of a kind. Oh man, how I wish things were different. How I wish you came to see me after your mama told you she saw me at my work. How I wish to get a call or text from you right now! I love and miss you my dear friend, as always, forever in my heart 🤍 happy holidays J

Happy heavenly birthday handsome! There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think about you. You are so missed! I am convinced that a love like yours only comes around once in a lifetime and I’m glad I got to experience it. Because even after everything happened and we remained friends you always showed so much love! I love and miss you forever and always, forever in my heart my sweet James 🤍

I miss you James.. happy holidays.. I’m so sorry, I wish you were here, I will always miss you.. I miss you so much..I’m so sorry, I love you.

I miss you..happy thanksgiving.. I loved that day with you. The memories I have with you are so special. I am so blessed for the times.. or moments.. I had with you. Multiple Christmas’s birthdays and thanksgivings; but I meant nothing. Lol, not even a single memory or picture from ANYONE. 
I will never forget you.. I will always love you. And that’s all that matters.

Hi .. I miss you.. and I love you forever.

Hey James..I know you’re doing better than I am... I miss you. 

ae

Hi James, I just wish you could have experienced what I just did, I spent a couple few hundreds to see Morgan wallen it was so amazing! I’m sure you get to see any concert you want whenever you want. You’re so lucky. I miss you. And I love you. You will never be forgotten and I will always miss you James.

Missing you a little sooner this time but ya know.. once a month.. I will never stop missing you.. I will never stop wishing you could be here to grow old with your family.. I am so sad.. I wish so bad you were here.. I miss you.. even if we never talked again I just miss you being here.. you were so special to so many people… I miss you James

It’s a pattern, every single time of the month around this time.. I miss you. I don’t even think about it.. it just does.. It never stops hurting..  I miss you James.. i love you for ev er. I’m so sorry.

I woke up missing you a little extra today. I dreamt of you, but I often do. There isn’t a single day that you don’t cross my mind. Whether it’s a song that comes on that you would sing to me lol, or I come across someone with the same name or just a random memory. You will forever live in my heart! I really really need one of your big bear hugs. I miss you so so much 🤍

Hi handsome, still thinking about you. Forever missing you. I love you so much.

Forever remembering you. You will NEVER be forgotten. I miss you, I love you.. for ev er

Miss you daily. There will forever be a hole in my heart no one can fill.

Still think of you constantly. Wish you were here so I could tell you how much I’ve always loved you. I had the chance when you were here and I ruined it. You were writing to me in prison, and fresh out of prison you wanted to try and see if we could make it work. I was scared which led me to not trying. I regret it daily. 

Looking at photos of the V on your hand with the crown, forever hearing your voice telling me I was always your princess. 

Since I was a little girl, you were my first kiss/ my first love. I’ll never forget you. 

Kevin is struggling with his best friend and brother. We talk about you often. I still have your letters and read them when I need to feel you near. 

Usually the days are somewhat bearable but today, today is one of the harder days. Where nothing seems fair. 


Kim, you are in my thoughts always. 
Veronica F.

I’m at a loss for words but thankful I got to know you and make memories with you. Kory and Rachel introduced us at a party you had and we were inseparable for a while. Anytime I stayed with you we fought for the remote and you would hide it so I couldn’t watch the Disney channel and then bribe me with the remote to stay the night saying we’d stay up and watch Disney shows, you kept your word. I loved our late night drives that always ended at the beach and we would sit there and just talk about everything.  Things got rocky after your car accident but we stayed close, there was never a time I wouldn’t pick up the phone for you and vise versa. Our song “roll up” came on my Spotify and I just sat there reminiscing being 17/18 again. Our Disneyland trips were the best. I love how you would message me about our Winnie the Pooh and piglet necklaces we got each other and every now and again a quote from the book. I will miss you forever and I’ll always cherish the memory of you. I know you’re in a better place.

To family,
You raised an amazing man. He truly was there for everyone he loved and cared about. My condolences to the whole family. I hope you find peace in knowing just how much he meant to so many. 💗

Love you Malibu, Pooh Bear, James Dean Watilo.

Jimmy, I'm so sorry I wasn't there for you. I hope you know how hard I tried to find you and I hope you never felt alone. I will miss your contagious laugh, your terrible dance moves and your constant extremely annoying taunting and teasing. I cannot imagine life without you. You will be missed every single day. Our family will never be the same, but you will always be remembered.  You lived your life your own way. No one could tell you what to do, I know this but I can't help but feel like I failed as a big sister. I feel an emptiness like a huge piece of my soul is missing. The loss of you is unimaginable and the thought of moving on without you seems impossible. The only comfort I have is knowing without a doubt that Grandma held your hand when she took you home. Grandma used to tell me “when you hear the chains rattle in the night, it’s me"… but if you could ease up on the pranks I would appreciate it because the snake getting out and getting lost in my room the other night was not as funny as you both think. Going through my phone trying to find every picture and voicemail to hold onto and save, I came across multiple Bitmoji videos you had sent me. You look like a shark or rooster and they were all of you just laughing at me in your annoying voice “How's it feel to be stupid stuuuuuupid!" Haha it would drive me nuts. Now I'm so happy I have them. I miss you, every single day. I love you ♥️

Brother, I can still hear our banter back and forth. I still smile at the memories of me dragging you across the kitchen floor by your hair or hugging you so tight that we did a summer salt on the front lawn at my Halloween party or how hysterical we got after a trip to the dentist when our smiles were effected by being numbed. I’ll never forget the sound of your laugh, especially the way you laughed at your own jokes. I laughed more at the sound of your laugh and the face you made than I did at the jokes that you cracked.
I walked out of the store a few days after you passed and our song was playing on the speaker outside for everyone to hear and I turned because I knew you were there letting me know you were ok. I mean who plays Independence day on a cold January day?? I remember the hugs, the laughs, the difficult conversations we had about your hardships and the desire you had to get past them. You’ve said that you need to learn to appreciate your struggles because it will be hard to feel the joy of accomplishment without it. To keep your head up because pain is only temporary. You know who you are. It’s only gonna get better. You fought your demons and lived life the way you chose to. You loved with your whole heart. Whether it was your extensive shoe collection, your motorcycles, your love of all animals or the people in your life. Even the people you didn’t know. You wanted to help anyone you met, in any way you could. No one was to ever be left behind. I pray that you are watching over us and smiling from heaven. I hope that we make you proud. I will continue to live through our memories. I promise that Grace and Andrew will never forget their Uncle James and that Abigail and Addison will grow up knowing who you were. Hear this prayer in my heart and we’ll never be apart, may you stay in the arms of the angels. I love you. I miss you. ♥️

I just left your celebration of life. What a beautiful service your family put together for you. It doesn’t seem real but being around your loved ones made it 100% real. I couldn’t keep it together and seeing how strong they all were was amazing, I know you’re giving them the strength to get through these tough times. You know a few months back I saw your mama and she told me she was going to tell you to come and say hi. Since that day I was always waiting for that day that you walked through those doors, now I’ll never get that visit.  For now just keep visiting me in my dreams. Save me a spot up there cause you’ll forever have one in my heart. Until we meet again my sweet James Dean 💕

Cousin James, you will be missed dearly. Some of my best memories of you were when we were young and spending holidays at your house in Westminster with all of our family. My heart hurts for your mom, dad, and sisters but I know you and Grandma and Grandpa are in Heaven, looking down and watching over your family. You loved your family and we all loved you! Until we meet again…

James, 
This doesn’t seem real. I don’t think it’s hit me yet. But I’m sure it’s coming.  Our last conversation is killing me as I unfortunately told you to stop reaching out and I regret it every day. You just needed someone to be there for you and I’m sorry I wasn’t. I should have been a better friend knowing you were struggling. But I’m glad you had my brother. He misses you more than words can explain. We love you and think of you daily. 


Kim and family, 
I’m so sorry for your loss. James was a joy to be around as his smile was contagious. His personality was my favorite about him. I remember growing up together in Westminster and having the biggest crush on him because of his goofy personality.  He was incredibly handsome and one of a kind. I can’t imagine what you are going through. Sending hugs from afar from the Flores family. 

Veronica

Oh cousin, what I would do to give you one last big hug…you gave the best. You will be missed, but always in our hearts. We will think of you often, always with a smile. We love you so! Love always, Kallie, DJ, Dalton, Jolene and Waylon.

Dear cousin, I'll miss you more than you'll ever know. But I'll cherish all of the time spent with you, all the warm hugs, stories, family gatherings and more. Tell the angels I said hello. You may be gone but I'll still look up and talk to you just like you'll be looking over all of us. You may be physically gone but never from our minds or our memories. I love you so.

Oh sweet James,
I can’t believe you aren’t here anymore. 
You were such a huge part of our lives and it’s so hard to imagine you not being around. You were always there for me whenever I needed you, there wasn’t anything you wouldn’t have done for me and Amelia. You stepped up and became a dad to this little princess, you were her “ DadN” and she was your little princess. 
I love you always and forever!

My loving cousin, James Dean, you are forever in my heart and memories. The tears that won't stop flowing from eyes are because I love you so much. I will miss your handsome face, bear hugs, your love for your family, your eagerness to help anyone in need, your generosity, kindness and your BIG heart. You are so special and loved by all who knew you. I've always loved this cousins picture. What a fun time we had taking directions from the photographers and all of our mothers. LOL Your face says it all! "Keep your eyes open and smile." Til we meet again, sweet boy.❤️

He was the brother I never knew I needed but always wanted. The last time I saw James was about 12 years ago driving down Valley View in Costa Mesa, Santa Ana area and was frustrated with the traffic and people not letting me over. All of a sudden there was a break in the line and I made my way over, look over to thank the person, and it was James in his car. I yelled "THANK YOU JAMES DEAN!!!" And the look of pure happiness and joy on his face seeing it was me, his bestie from childhood who he hadn't seen in probably close to 10 years, it was like NO time has passed at all. I was pregnant with my now 11 yr old and lifted my body up to the window to show him and pointed to the belly...he was so utterly happy for my hubby and I...then the traffic moved and we parted ways.

 There was always a spark....no, a FIRE in James' eyes and I will always picture him with that fire in his eyes and amazing smile he had. Love and miss you so much brother. Give Gma Patsy a huge hug for me please!

Always there to support and love on us and always ALWAYS make us laugh.

We were there for each other for the big moments in life, a big part of growing up was a youth group Jobs Daughters that all us girls joined and James Dean was the brother to us all. When I think back on James all I see is us as kids, blasting B52s and Eninem in the house rockin out and having an amazing time just being silly, being us.

Back in the 90s and 2000s, where ever the Watilos were, the Howensteins were. We each had a built in best friend our age and lived only houses apart growing up. In that we all became very close like a 2nd family, making for some amazing memories that we all will cherish for our entire lives. From backyard mud wrestling, to beach days, to running in the sprinklers, making our own make shift pool in the back of my dad's pick up with a tarp and water and many many more.

Watilo and extended family,
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. James  had a beautiful deep loving soul that God will continue to carry in each of you.  He loved his family deeply and knew he was loved in return.   
May God carry your heart in the hardest times until you meet him again in HEAVEN.

Don't Think of Him as Gone Away
Don't think of him as gone away - his journey's just begun; life holds so many facets - this earth is only one.
Just think of him as resting from the sorrows and the tears in a place of warmth and comfort where there are no days and years.
Think how he must be wishing that we could know, today, how nothing but our sadness can really pass away.
And think of him as living in the hearts of those he touched... for nothing loved is ever lost - and he was loved so much.

❤️Doreen

Fly with the angels my sweet, loving, kind hearted cousin. I will keep you in my heart and in so many of my favorite childhood memories. I love you for ever... Jamers.

Your mother‘s love is everlasting, and she will hold your memory close in her heart.❤️

Dorothy

I don’t know where to start. But I know you’re at peace now, and I know you’re looking down at all of us. When I heard the news I didn’t want to believe it. I still can’t believe your gone, We just spoke but nothing was really said, there’s so many things I wish I had told you. I’ll start by saying I love you, I've loved you for as long as I can remember. You drove me crazy most of the time and made me angry a lot but I know you loved me. The last real conversation we had was in my car on a rainy night. I knew you were struggling with a lot of things that I didn’t really understand. I know you wanted more out of life, so much more. I know you were tired of the path you were on. I wish you could have figured out your purpose and found peace. My heart is broken thinking I’ll never see you again. All of our memories hold a special place in my heart and soul and I thank you for always being in my life. I learned to accept you as who you were, and no matter what I love you for who you were. You’ve taught me to grow and to be better in ways I didn’t realize at the time. I know you wanted more for me, I know you believed in me more than I believed in myself at times. You gave me the push I needed to enroll back in school you encouraged me. You were always there when I needed I pray for your family in this hard time, I’ll continue to check on your momma for you. I know how much of a mommas boy you were. 
Jimmy dean I love you with all my heart and I do regret not telling you like I should have all these years, A lot of things go unsaid and I’ll have to deal with that. You were an amazing caring loving soul. A soul gone too soon for sure. I’ll cherish our beach drives the most and all the times we just hung out and did nothing. Rest in paradise you’re safe now.

Kim and Bryant my heart goes out to you. I can’t even imagine the pain that you’re in. I pray that you find comfort in God in these hard times because he’s only only one that can heal your broken heart. I know at times. It’s a hard to understand why God would take such a beautiful soul but there’s a time for everyone. Unfortunately, we don’t know the date or the time. Just know that I’m praying for you and I love you guys and I’m so so sorry on the passing of your son what a beautiful  boy he is. My heart goes out to you. It’s just so heartbroken for you both. Lifting you guys in prayer.. I love you both. Love Terri

My heart is completely broken and I have cried many many tears thinking about all the memories we’ve had. We always managed to get ahold of each other all through the years, since we were 13, just babies.  My first love, my sweet sweet James. You had the biggest heart that I loved oh so much. I been praying for you and your family since I’ve heard the news. Thank you for visiting in my dreams. You will always have a place in my heart.

To Bryant and Kim, I have a acky heart thinking of you loss James, may you be comforted by many thoughts and memories. 💔 🙏  love Doris

OBITUARY

James Dean Watilo

December 11, 1989 – January 14, 2024

Dimond & Shannon Mortuary

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