Family of Auburn student Weston Higginbotham found dead in Japan announces scholarship, funeral plans
BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA: The family of James “Weston” Higginbotham, the Auburn University student who was found dead in Japan after being reported missing during a family trip, has announced funeral arrangements and the creation of a scholarship fund in his memory.
Higginbotham, 20, went missing on May 29 while visiting Kyoto with his family and was later found deceased in a mountainous area outside the city following an extensive search involving authorities and volunteers.
James 'Weston' Higginbotham scholarship fund established at Auburn University
According to information shared by his family, donations made in Weston’s memory will support scholarships for Auburn University students pursuing ecological engineering. The family has encouraged supporters to contribute to the endowed fund in lieu of sending flowers.
The James "Weston" Higginbotham Endowed Scholarship Fund will support students pursuing ecological engineering at Auburn University.
The scholarship reflects Higginbotham’s strong commitment to environmental causes. A biosystems engineering student, he was preparing for an August trip to Bolivia to oversee a water distribution project for a rural community.
His mother said he was a proud vegan and environmental enthusiast. Higginbotham carried a reusable water bottle and fork everywhere as part of his effort to reduce waste.
The family has encouraged people to honor his memory by spending time in nature, sharing meals with loved ones, expressing appreciation to family and friends, and reducing everyday distractions.
Beyond academics, Higginbotham was known for his charismatic smile and adventurous spirit, according to his mother. She said he often served as the family’s “adventure leader,” navigating trips using paper maps to find camping spots.
He was actively involved at Auburn University, working in the research department and participating in several student organizations, including the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, Auburn Student Aerospace Projects, and Engineers Without Borders.
Funeral and visitation services scheduled for June 17 in Birmingham
The family has also released details of visitation, funeral, and graveside services.
According to information shared by Nancy Higginbotham, visitation will take place on June 17 from 1 pm to 2 pm at Asbury United Methodist Church in Birmingham, Alabama. The funeral service will follow from 2 pm to 3 pm.
A graveside service will be held afterward at Southern Heritage Funeral Home in Pelham, Alabama.
Search in Japan and official response
The news follows days after Weston was found dead in Japan after a widespread search effort. He had gone missing while exploring Kyoto alone during a family trip, prompting police and volunteers to search the area.
Japanese officials have said they do not suspect foul play. An official cause of death has not yet been released.
After his body was recovered in a mountainous area outside Kyoto, his mother Nancy Higginbotham wrote in a Facebook post, “The grief we feel is impossible to put into words. We are forever grateful for the time we had with our sweet, precious Weston but cannot begin to understand what life without him will be like.”
She also thanked those who supported the family during the search and encouraged people to remember Weston through simple acts aligned with his values, including spending time outdoors and appreciating nature.
The family has reiterated that donations should be directed to the scholarship fund established in his name.
