Ryan Christopher James

Ryan Christopher James was born on March 26, 2007 in Torrance, California. He lived all but four of his eighteen years in Manhattan Beach – attending Meadows Elementary, Manhattan Beach Middle School, and Mira Costa High School. His bright future was cut short by an epileptic seizure on October 14, 2025, only one month after starting at his dream school, UCLA.

Although Ryan had epilepsy since childhood, it never defined him. If anything, it drove him to embrace all that life had to offer. Ryan never stopped striving – whether in the classroom, on the track, as a volunteer, or as a loyal friend. Each day he worked to be better than the day before.

Ryan channeled his determination and energy into a variety of passions. First and foremost, Ryan was a dedicated student who received several college scholarships. His proudest moment was his acceptance to UCLA as a business economics major. His early successes on math teams evolved into a quantitative acumen that fueled his love of math and equipped him to dominate just about any sports-related statistical debate. His enduring defense of LeBron as the GOAT provided a rich foundation for the research and debate skills he’d use as a four-year member and TA for Mira Costa’s Model United Nations team.

After Meadows’ Run Club sparked his love for running, Ryan never stopped. He was a four-year member of Mira Costa’s cross country and track teams, inspiring others with a relentless work ethic and compassion for his teammates. He also played MBYB basketball and AYSO soccer (as a fearless goalkeeper) from elementary through high school.

Beyond his extracurriculars, Ryan always looked for new challenges and adventures. Whether conquering black diamond ski runs at Mammoth and Aspen, running and hiking remote areas of the Sierras, sending it on climbing walls, improving his poker skills, building a home for a family in Mexico, rafting in Utah and Costa Rica, or running a marathon just to prove to himself that he could, Ryan didn’t shy away from hard things. And while he usually accomplished his goals, he was more invested in the journey – the grind, incremental improvements, and memories shared.

No matter how busy Ryan was, he always made time for family. He treasured family ski trips, game nights, watching Packers or Lakers games, and the annual Christmas viewing of Home Alone 2. He and his brother, Aidan, had a special bond – forged from the family’s four years in Switzerland, and solidified through years of shared interests, memories, and devotion to their good dogs, Macona and Ginga. They also made a pact and challenged each other to “be a little better each day.”

Ryan was also committed to helping others, most notably with Manhattan Beach Community Church, Amigos Unidos, Link Crew, and Friendship Foundation. From participating in the annual Pier-to-Pier Friendship Walk to his multi-year volunteerism in their life skills programs, Teen Advisory Board, and summer camp, Ryan’s commitment to Friendship Foundation spanned ten years. Ryan’s kindness and positivity made each person feel connected, included, and valued.

Among Ryan’s greatest gifts was his ability to be inwardly focused, analytical, and determined, while outwardly joyful, compassionate, and kind. It’s what drew people into his orbit. It’s why younger runners on the cross country team looked up to him. It’s why campers enjoyed being with him. It’s why his weekly poker games brought friends together from all parts of his life. It’s why many of his peers will remember him as a loyal friend. And it’s what made him such a great role model, leader, friend, brother and son.

Ryan will be forever loved by his parents Nancy Hesterberg & Chris James, his brother Aidan James, his aunts and uncles Carolyn & Michael Hesterberg and Barb & Brett Hesterberg, and cousin Chelsea & Will Ryan. He is now with his adoring grandparents Nancy Peters and Ray & Shirley Hesterberg.

Ryan had such zest for life, many may not have known that he had epilepsy. While his seizures were infrequent, epilepsy is ever-present and unpredictable. Despite medical advancements that help reduce and control epileptic seizures, there is no cure (yet). To learn more or donate to fund research, raise awareness, and support families living with epilepsy, Ryan’s family recommends the following organizations: Cure Epilepsy cureepilepsy.org, Epilepsy Foundation Los Angeles epilepsylosangeles.org, The Cameron Boyce Foundation thecameronboycefoundation.org, Danny Did Foundation dannydid.org