James DeGraaf
1990-2021
Come to Me all you who are weary and heavy burdened, and I
will give you rest. (Matthew
11:28)
It is with profound sadness and loss that we announce the
sudden passing, due to a drug overdose, of a dear son, brother, uncle,
and friend. James Nathaniel Frasier DeGraaf (August 17, 1990 to April
13, 2021). Son of Rene and Elizabeth, brother to Christopher
(Jenna), Cheryl-Lynn (Nathan), Joshua, and predeceased by Steven
(1991). Father of
Tanisha.
His life was one of many challenges and hurts so troubling to
his psyche. His biological parents were unable to care for
him and he was adopted into a family at a very young age with his
biological sister. That adoption didn’t work and he was
returned (without his sister) to the “system”. He
was adopted into the DeGraaf home when he was about 5
½. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder negatively
affected him in so many ways for his entire life. He
struggled mightily to make good decisions, to have impulse control,
and was prone to chemical dependency. James thrived under
structure. He loved to stay busy and active. He
loved working with his hands. He made many, many friends
‘on the street’ when he chose to leave our
home. There he fell to the lure of addictive
substances. Many friends, with huge hearts, gave him meals,
lodging, love, and second, third, and more chances.
Incarceration was his lot for much of his
life….and oddly, we think these were places of respite for
him. He had more frequent contact with his parents when in
jail or prison, always regularly saying how sorry he was to be a
disappointment. He was always much loved and prayed
for…and was reminded of this.
His body, a canvass of tattoos, gives insight into how
conflicted he must have felt in different times of his
life. His life, a series of hard knocks and
disappointments and fears….but we cannot forget all the love and
hope he showed others and was shown to him. His decision on
April 11th resulted in an overdose that killed this dear, and troubled
man. We believe God has him safely home with
Him….God sees the heart of each of us.
James will be remembered for his big laugh and
willingness to help anyone and everyone. He made friends
easily and was always ready to do something fun.
James will be missed by so many.
Special thanks to the ER and ICU staff of St
Mary’s, and to Trillium for their expertise and tender
compassion in directing organ donation.
Cremation has taken place. James’s family will hold
a private service at Mount View Cemetary, Cambridge.
A Celebration of Life service will occur at a later
date when Covid restrictions allow. This will be an
opportunity for people to share their love, stories, and
memories.
Words of condolence can be left with Corbett Funeral Home. In
lieu of flowers please direct donations to
TeenChallenge.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of James DeGraaf 19902021..
Death notice for the town of: Cambridge, Province: Ontario