James Patrick McGowan, 7, of Danbury, died October 7, due to unforeseen events, leaving friends and family to feel that a truly incredible young boy’s life had left them too soon. Born December 4, 2006, James leaves behind his parents Sylvie and Patrick McGowan.

In addition to his parents, maternal grandparents Anna and Henry Sirois of Grand Falls, Canada, formerly of Newtown, who raised James’s mother and three sisters here; paternal grandparents Teresa and James McGowan of Bethel; aunts and uncles and cousins of the Buckley, Saviano, and Estores families; as well as an enormous community of friends, especially the Ellis, Knapp, and Barrett families; and other loved ones survive James.

James was a thriving 7-year-old, a second grader full of life, love, and an excitement for adventure. He had a joy for slot car racing, basketball, and video games, an evident passion for singing, and a flare for interpretive dance.

He wound himself into the hearts of many through his charismatic attitude, and empathetic personality. His infectious laugh and extraordinary imagination never failed to leave a smile on the faces of everyone he encountered. Though his life may have been short in terms of years, his family does not doubt that James impacted the lives of many, in ways that will forever leave a mark.

Because all who knew him recognized his tremendous love and compassion for others, James’s family has donated his organs, in order to continue his service and generosity to others. Or as James would have put it, “It’s the least I could do.”

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St Edward the Confessor Church, 21 Brush Hill Road, New Fairfield, Saturday, October 11, at 10 am. Interment will follow in St Mary Cemetery, 26 Dodgingtown Road, Bethel. Friends may call at The Green Funeral Home, 57 Main Street, Danbury, Friday, October 10, from 2 to 4 pm, and 5 to 8 pm.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Danbury Hospital Developmental Fund, NICU, 24 Hospital Avenue Danbury CT 06810, in honor of James Patrick McGowan.