Video above: Body of missing American student found in Japan by search teamThe family of James “Weston” Higginbotham, a 20-year-old Auburn University student who died recently after going missing in Japan, has established an endowed scholarship to honor his lifelong commitment to the environment.The James “Weston” Higginbotham Endowed Scholarship fund will support students pursuing ecological engineering at Auburn. His family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the fund to continue his legacy of sustainability, according to a Facebook post by his mother, Nancy.The scholarship reflects Higginbotham’s deep involvement in environmental causes on campus. A biosystems engineering student, he was preparing for an August trip to Bolivia to oversee a water distribution project for a local village. Video below shows Japanese law enforcement using a helicopter in the search for Weston.He also worked in Auburn’s research department and was an active member of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, Auburn Student Aerospace Projects and Engineers Without Borders.A proud vegan and environmental enthusiast, Higginbotham carried a reusable water bottle and fork everywhere to reduce waste. His family encourages honoring his memory by spending time in nature, eating a vegan meal, expressing love to family and friends and reducing life’s distractions.Video below: Nancy and Keith Higginbotham clarify Weston didn’t deliberately disappear in JapanBeyond his academics, Higginbotham was known for his charismatic smile and adventurous spirit. He was his family’s designated adventure leader, often navigating with a paper map to find camping spots. His travels included treks through Yosemite, the Pyrenees, the Camino de Santiago and the Swiss Alps. He was an avid mountain biker and skier, and recently maintained a disciplined training schedule for a half-Ironman. He also competed on Auburn’s climbing and triathlon teams.His brother, Grayton, viewed him as a mentor and best friend. The two shared interests in running, climbing, music and fashion. Higginbotham attended more than 135 live music performances, enjoying genres from experimental hip-hop to heavy metal. He valued learning about other cultures, studying abroad in Pamplona, Spain and backpacking across Europe. Visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, June 17, from 1 to 2 p.m. at Asbury United Methodist Church in Birmingham, followed immediately by a funeral. A graveside service will take place at 3 p.m. at Southern Heritage Funeral Home in Pelham.>> FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL: Facebook | YouTube | TikTok | Instagram
Video above: Body of missing American student found in Japan by search team
The family of James “Weston” Higginbotham, a 20-year-old Auburn University student who died recently after going missing in Japan, has established an endowed scholarship to honor his lifelong commitment to the environment.
The James “Weston” Higginbotham Endowed Scholarship fund will support students pursuing ecological engineering at Auburn. His family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the fund to continue his legacy of sustainability, according to a Facebook post by his mother, Nancy.
The scholarship reflects Higginbotham’s deep involvement in environmental causes on campus. A biosystems engineering student, he was preparing for an August trip to Bolivia to oversee a water distribution project for a local village.
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Video below shows Japanese law enforcement using a helicopter in the search for Weston.
He also worked in Auburn’s research department and was an active member of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, Auburn Student Aerospace Projects and Engineers Without Borders.
A proud vegan and environmental enthusiast, Higginbotham carried a reusable water bottle and fork everywhere to reduce waste.
His family encourages honoring his memory by spending time in nature, eating a vegan meal, expressing love to family and friends and reducing life’s distractions.
Video below: Nancy and Keith Higginbotham clarify Weston didn’t deliberately disappear in Japan
Beyond his academics, Higginbotham was known for his charismatic smile and adventurous spirit. He was his family’s designated adventure leader, often navigating with a paper map to find camping spots.
His travels included treks through Yosemite, the Pyrenees, the Camino de Santiago and the Swiss Alps. He was an avid mountain biker and skier, and recently maintained a disciplined training schedule for a half-Ironman.
He also competed on Auburn’s climbing and triathlon teams.
His brother, Grayton, viewed him as a mentor and best friend. The two shared interests in running, climbing, music and fashion. Higginbotham attended more than 135 live music performances, enjoying genres from experimental hip-hop to heavy metal. He valued learning about other cultures, studying abroad in Pamplona, Spain and backpacking across Europe.
Visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, June 17, from 1 to 2 p.m. at Asbury United Methodist Church in Birmingham, followed immediately by a funeral. A graveside service will take place at 3 p.m. at Southern Heritage Funeral Home in Pelham.
>> FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL: Facebook | YouTube | TikTok | Instagram