James R. Dearing

James was born prematurely at Oregon Health Sciences University Hospital on November 6, 1987 to John S. and Peggy L. (Calkins) Dearing. He died at Good Samaritan Hospital in Corvallis on April 7, 2017 due to complications of a sudden brain abscess, surrounded by loving family. James was a free-thinker and a strong advocate of personal freedom, particularly free speech and how it related to open-source media of all varieties. He loved all methods of photography, musical genres, video games and other computer software and was interested in the creative process that produced them. His passion for all media arose early in grade school, producing Powerpoint presentations by fifth grade, and several videos with friends over the years. He always carried his laptop and photo accessories in an overloaded backpack earning the moniker ‘Mr. Tripod’ in college. His college career started at Linn-Benton Community College with two associate degrees in related computer majors (2008 and 2010). He then attended Oregon State University and earned a Bachelor of Science in Digital Communication Arts (2014). Western Oregon University was his next stop, earning a Bachelor of Science with honors in Computer Science in 2016. He was excited to start his master’s degree program in the fall of 2016 and was looking forward to working as a Graduate Assistant. James lived with his parents and enjoyed time with family, from board games to family movie night, when he would sometimes provide experimental movies he acquired through his open source contacts. He was a gentle somewhat shy man who loved his family and was patient with everyone from baby cousins to pet cats. He loved all creatures great and small, and likely wished for a dragon as a pet. James’ standard clothing was tee-shirt and cargo shorts in all weather. He loved Diet Mountain Dew, pizza and macaroni and cheese. He is survived by his parents, his brother Charles, and his maternal grandmother Elinor (Calkins) Ford, all of whom love him very dearly still. A celebration of life is planned for 1 p.m. June 3 at the Marys River Grange, 24707 Grange Hall Road, Philomath. Donations may be made in his name to the Free Software Foundation (https://my.fsf.org/donate). Please leave your condolences at www.mchenryfuneralhome.com.

Tributes

James R. Dearing

November 6, 1987 - April 7, 2017