Visitation, funeral arrangements shared for Auburn University student who went missing in Japan

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – A funeral and visitation time has been shared to celebrate the life of James “Weston” Higginbotham, the 20-year-old who was reported missing while visiting Kyoto, Japan with his family.

Weston Higginbotham’s body was found in a mountainous area outside Kyoto by a search-and-rescue crew days after he was last seen on May 29.

The news of Weston Higginbotham’s visitation, funeral and graveside service was shared by his mother, Nancy Higginbotham, on her Facebook page, where she shared updates about the search for her son while he was missing.

Weston Higginbotham (far right), a student at Auburn University, went missing while on vacation with his family in Kyoto, Japan(Nancy Higginbotham)

“James “Weston” Higginbotham lit up every room with his charismatic smile. He was passionate about protecting the environment and was dedicating his life to sustainability. A proud vegan and environmental enthusiast, he rarely went anywhere without his reusable water bottle and fork, always trying to reduce waste and live intentionally. He was so kind and loved his family and friends and felt most grounded in nature,” read the post on his mother’s page.

The visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, June 17 from 1 to 2 p.m. at Asbury United Methodist Church on 6690 Cahaba Valley Road in Birmingham, Alabama. The funeral service will be the same day at the church as well from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., then directly followed by the graveside service at 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Southern Heritage Funeral Home at 475 Cahaba Valley Rd in Pelham, Alabama.

Weston Higginbotham reported missing in Kyoto, Japan(Kyoto Police)

“To honor Weston’s memory, take a walk at a state park, eat a vegan meal this week, stop and admire the sunset, tell those close to you how much you love them, and reduce the noise in your life. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the James ‘Weston’ Higginbotham Endowed Scholarship fund for ecological engineering at Auburn University,” read Nancy Higginbotham’s post.

The link to the scholarship fund can be found by clicking or tapping here.

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