James McDowell Jr.
2004 Community Hero
Tell James a knock-knock joke and chances are he’ll know the answer – or can quickly find it among the pages of his prized joke collection. At 15, James (known to many as “JR”) is a voracious reader, and he says the 4th volume of “Harry Potter” is his favorite book. He’s a long-time baseball enthusiast and roots for the Seattle Mariners. He loves to laugh just as much as he loves to eat jalapeno poppers, pizza and homemade spaghetti.
James Suffers from Neurofibromatosis Type II, which produces tumors on the spinal region, brain and body. He is quadriplegic with no sensation or movement below mid-chest. James admits that it’s difficult to move parts of his body, like his left arm, and to undergo so many intensive surgeries. But at the same time, James says he enjoys living with other kids at the Providence Center for Medically Fragile Children, especially since he gets to make them laugh.
To the people lucky enough to know him, this young hero is a constant source of delight and inspiration. “He is so very special, with a warm and wonderful sense of humor. He takes one day at a time and enjoys the things that he can do.” James’ idea of a hero is “someone that helps people in need and also does nice things, brave things.” What would he tell others facing hard challenges? “Be happy how you are and be glad you are alive.”
