Eric Xavier James, Jr., age 36, of South Fallsburg, New York, passed away peacefully on September 28, 2026, at Montefiore Medical Center. He was born on February 24, 1990, in Harris, New York.

Eric was a devoted father, beloved family member, cherished friend, and a bright light in the lives of so many. His presence brought laughter, warmth, and joy wherever he went. Eric had a remarkable gift for making people smile and for bringing out the very best in everyone around him. Funny, caring, compassionate, and genuine, he was a role model to many and made each person he encountered feel special.

Eric's greatest joy was being a father. He treasured his children, Ka'vion Acari Brown and Royalty Skye James, and took great pride in the people they were becoming. His love for his children was evident in everything he did, and the memories and lessons he gave them will remain with them always.

Eric was a man of faith who loved God and held his Christian faith close to his heart. He was also a talented and hardworking individual who served his community through his work as an employee of the Town of Fallsburg and as a chef at Tarry Brae. He had a passion for cooking and enjoyed sharing that gift with others.

Outside of work, Eric enjoyed fishing, dancing, and, of course, making people laugh. He was deeply involved in his community and took pride in giving back. Among his contributions were helping build the dog park at Morningside Park and doing landscaping throughout South Fallsburg. Whether through his work, his talents, or simply lending a helping hand, Eric found ways to make his community a better place.

Eric leaves behind a legacy defined not only by what he accomplished, but by how he made people feel. He had a unique ability to turn acquaintances into lifelong friends and friends into family. As those who loved him often said, Eric didn't have friends-he had family.

Eric is survived by his beloved grandmother, Patricia Mae Cottman; his children, Ka'vion Acari Brown (Andrea Brown) and Royalty Skye James (Alia & Chantel Baker); his siblings, Cheree James, Eric Evans, Shamieka Stewart, Michael York, Jasmine James (Tyler), Juliana Rodriguez, and Frankie Allen; his aunts, Lynn Cottman-Robbins, Delmonica James, Stacey Buckner, and Theresa Corley (Edward Corley); his uncles, Michael York, Mark York, Lamar James, and Donald Buckner; and his favorite nieces and nephews, Shamiq Williams, Zariah Williams, and Makai York.

He is also lovingly remembered by his cousins, Lynette James, Yvette James, Alicia Tate, Cherron Buckner, Shannon Horace-Castellanos, Kendra Robbins, Chenay Robbins, Shakira Shaw, Shante Shaw, Shanique Shaw, Alaina Corley, Mark York, Christian York, Kyle Robbins, Corey Buckner, Justin Buckner, Sean Buckner, Tyrell Buckner, Darius Buckner, Kenneth Corley, Jason Corley, and Russell Corley, along with a multitude of cousins, aunties, uncles, brothers, and sisters-including Jimmy Bertholf and Dustin Foertsch-who were family in every sense of the word.

Eric was preceded in death by his parents, Eric James, Sr. and Michele E. York; his uncles, Willie James, Sr., Elvin James, Melvin James, Harold James, and Anthony James; his aunts, Valerie James and Vickie York; and his son, Alberto Luis Corchado III.

Though Eric's time with us was far too short, the love he gave, the laughter he shared, and the lives he touched will never be forgotten. His children, family, friends, and community will carry his memory forward, keeping alive the joy, humor, kindness, faith, and love that made Eric so uniquely Eric.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Eric's life on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Colonial Memorial Funeral Home, 396 State Route 52, Woodbourne, NY 12788 from 11:00am-12:00pm. A funeral service will begin at 12:00pm.

Arrangements were under the care of Colonial Memorial Funeral Home, for further information please call 845-434-7363.