James Victor Chaffin

James Victor Chaffin passed away on April 19, 2024. His end of life was also a gift of life to others. Just as James has always been a gift to those who love him. 

James was an eager participant in life. “Hey Mom, can you cut up an apple for me?” I would ask him to sit quietly while I prepared his treat but would turn around and find him sitting on the countertop with his plate in front of him. “Mom, can we make cookies?” Soon he was next to me on his stool measuring ingredients. “Can I get into the hot tub?” Almost before “yes” came out of my mouth, the dance in and around the hot tub with his siblings had begun, jumping from warm water to large piles of snow that the beautiful Idaho winter brought.

James spent a lot of time at home with me while his siblings were off to school, quietly playing in our craft room with his toys while I did my household work. He was very affectionate, he wanted to hug me often and kiss my face. His personality was starting to bloom as he grew from child to little boy. James was becoming a comedian. He would interrupt any conversation with silliness to snag a smile, contorting his brown eyebrows and beautiful brown eyes into a variety of funny faces. Once he figured out that his “booty dance” made his sister and brothers laugh, there wasn’t much that could stop him from the dance. Much to his parent’s dismay, his favorite stage was on his chair at the dining room table while we gathered as a family to wind down the day over dinner. He was gentle and kind and funny. He would extract love and affection from his siblings and parents in a special way that strengthened our family connection.

Jamesie was a “little brother” in the truest sense. He would let his sister Annalise play dress-up with him and he loved being shown off to her friends. He would sit with his big brothers on the living room couch, “reading” with them even though he was just barely starting to figure out how to read the simplest books. Annalise, Nathan and Michael willingly and lovingly gave him all their love and attention.

As the beautiful Boise spring started to bloom this year, James became Daddy’s running buddy and they both looked forward to this special time. He loved to ride his bike with his parents and siblings. He enjoyed his music program and I was looking forward to seeing what that would look like for him as he grew older. I looked forward to many things in his life: watching his athleticism, his math skills, his sibling bonds, his love for others and how that would develop over time. 

James’s life ended tragically. We are happy we had him for a wonderful six years. We would do anything for more time with him. Come visit us James. Visit us often. Love Mom, Dad, Annalise, Nathan and Michael.

In remembrance of James’s life and in lieu of flowers, our family asks that any charitable donations be made to St. Luke’s Children’s by visiting stlukesonline.org/helpkids. A tribute for James will be announced at a later date.

A viewing will be held in James’s remembrance on Friday, April 26th from 5-7pm at Relyea Funeral Home, 318 N Latah St, Boise. His funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 27th at 11am at the Cathedral of the Rockies, 717 N 11th St, Boise. Luncheon to follow. Interment will occur that afternoon at Pioneer Cemetery.