Paddle Out for my Son James, only 18

[PAL]

Many of you have heard the news. For those who haven't, my wife and I lost our 18-year-old son James to a brain aneurysm that struck without warning about two weeks back. He was otherwise a happy and healthy young man, although he'd overcome an autism diagnosis early in his life, and gone away to college in Pomona.

We invite you to join us to celebrate the life of James Andrew Lebowitz (1994-2015), a wonderful young man who left us suddenly, but not without a lasting legacy. James gave up his heart, lungs, liver, kidneys and pancreas so that others may live, including San Diegan George Martinez, who had very little time left. For George (and others), James was a literal life saver.

James' story was documented in the San Diego Union Tribune and Western Outdoor News. Story links below.

The paddle-out will depart from La Jolla Shores in the mid-morning (tentatively 9:30 am, with the remembrance to follow around 10 am) on Monday February 23. For those who prefer, boat transport will be available, departing from and returning to Mission Bay - schedule pending.

An informal gathering with food (there will be fish!) will follow, beginning in the early afternoon. Come to one, come to both, or think of us and hug a loved one. The reception will take place rain or shine. The paddle out is weather dependent.

Please RSVP here or on our Facebook event page (https://www.facebook.com/events/636836963109866/?pnref=story), and when you do, let us know if you are planning to paddle or would prefer to join us on a boat. A limited number of loaner kayaks will be available by prior arrangement for experienced paddlers.

Also please let us know if you are planning to join us later on shore, so we can arrange enough food for all.

James was thriving as a freshman computer science major at Cal Poly Pomona. In lieu of cards and flowers, please consider a donation to the scholarship fund we will endow in James' name. Contributions are tax deductible and will further computer science education in perpetuity.

Contributions should be addressed:

In remembrance of James Lebowitz
Please hold for a scholarship endowment.
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Gift Processing Department
3801 West Temple Avenue Pomona, CA 91768

Keep in mind many companies will match donations to the university. The college tax ID is available at request.

James is survived by his mother Susan Lebowitz, his father Paul Lebowitz, and his sister Rachel Lebowitz.

The news stories:

https://www.wonews.com/Blog.aspx?id=2982&AuthorID=59052&t=Giving%20back%20after%20tragedy

http://m.utsandiego.com/news/2015/jan/17/outdoors-kidney-donor-lebowitz-martinez/

[momo fish]

I read this in the news.. My condolence for your loss and I can't begin to imagine what your going through being a father as well. RIP.

[RobFish]

So sorry for the loss Paul.
I, as well as a few others I know, will try our best to make it.

[tamddo714]

my condolences. really sorry for your lost

[Cbad Mike]

Paul,
I read about your family losing James.
The article I read detailed the organ donor process that you went through and was both heartbreaking and beautiful at the same time.
You and your family have been in my thoughts since.
And of course I'll paddle out in February because it is not everyday that I can pay tribute to a young man who saved and changed so many lives.
Mike

[Iceman]

Paul, I would move mountains to be there, my friend.

[Smthtnnr]

My deepest condolences for your loss. Amazing to think how much we take for granted and how quickly things can change. Congrats on raising what seems to be an amazing kid
Tanner

[steveooo]

I'll be there Paul

[capntim]

My sincere condolences to you and your family. I will be out of town that day but I will be thinking of you.

[ful-rac]

My condolences paul, im so sad to hear of your loss.

[619-SWIM-DOG]

My warmest condolences, peace and courage to you and your family.

[jorluivil]

Paul, my condolences on such a tragic loss. The fact that he was only 18 and donated his organs shows that he was far from selfish. Again, my condolences to you and your family.

[HBOUND808]

my condolences. Doing a paddle out on sunday for a family friend. It's never easy.

[Chuck D]

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Paul, I am so sorry to hear about this.

[Cadillyak]

My condolences. A parent should never have to bury their child.

[cell128]

I'm sorry about your loss. I can't imagine the pain that you all had to go through.

[roby]

Paul, sorry to hear about the loss.

What an amazing, inspiring and deeply moving story....

[paintnfish]

Wouldn't miss it.

[kayakfisherman]

Your son, and your family will be in my family's prayers.

I will be at the paddle out. Yani

[PAL]

Thank you friends!

[FISH11]

My sincere condolences on your loss Paul. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

[makobob]

Paul, you and your family have our deepest condolences, and are in our prayers. God bless.

[rogersmith]

I'm so sorry for your loss, wishing you and your family peace

[cabojohn]

Paul, Ill be there for paddle out too.
I'm so very sorry my friend.

[kobra]

Oh my god Paul, I am so sorry to hear that. Our deepest and most sincere condolences to you and your family.

[Aznronin]

My condolences. 😢

[HELLSTER INC.]

Sorry for you loss Paul, My sincere condolences to you and your family.

[Silbaugh4liberty]

Sorry for your loss. I can't even imagine how hard that must be. May we all keep him in our prayers.

[ceviche eater]

My condolences go out to you, may your son rest in piece.

[ROSSOLY]

sorry for your loss....

[ronbo613]

I'm sorry for your loss Paul. I met James a couple times, he was a good kid.

[Gigafish]

My heart goes out to you and your family. Deepest condolences.

[janines.fishtales@cox.net]

I am so, so sorry...

I am surf launch phobic, but I will make my reservation. For all he gave, I will face my own fears in his memory.

Janine

[alanw]

Paul, I can't even imagine what you're going through. I'm very sorry for the loss of James. You did a great job raising a fantastic son, and your family's ability to help others during this time is truly inspiring.

[lbsurf2ca]

Paul,

Sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family.

[bwana]

During our campout at Irvine Lake this past weekend we raised $170.00 to donate to the James Lebowitz Scholarship Endowment.

I challenge and encourage everyone on this site to make a donation no matter how small or large to show support from the kayak community to Paul and his family.

As a father, I can't even imagine what Paul, his wife and his daughter are going through. Their sharing of their son with people in dire medical needs was a lifelong gift to the recipients saving their lives. The way Paul's family handled James passing is an inspiration to us all.

Please do what you can to support them.

[Kayak_Bernie]

my sincere condolences. It is such a shame to lose a person so young and without warning. I nearly lost my older brother twice due to brain aneurysms, he survived both attacks, but it was very touch and go for a while. It was very selfless of you to donate his organs, his death while extremely tragic saved many other people and that is the most lasting legacy that a person can give in my opinion. You and your family have my thoughts and prayers !
-Bernie

[monkeyfishturds]

I'm so very sorry for your loss. My condolences to you and your family. God bless. <O:p</O:p

[eDUBz]

Sorry for your loss.

[ashmoz]

So sorry for your loss. Can't imagine what you're going thru... Prayers to you and your fam.

[CaliHalikiller]

Sorry for your lose we will pray for you and your family

[monkeyfishturds]

Bump

[PAL]

We're a go for Monday, launching from the Shores at 9:30. Circle up about a half mile straight out around 10. If you're fishing earlier that morning and you're so inclined, all are welcome to join us.

[Jimmyz123]

God Bless you Paul, see you Monday. Thank you again for posting up all the photos of James on your FB Page, though I never met him, He looks like a great kid, and he's still alive with all your efforts, he's with us all.

[defjack]

I will be there Paul.. Jack

[Iceman]

Just heard the official word from Paul, we are a go! I am coming down with Steve and a few loaner kayaks that Paul needed. I have some personal business to attend to after paddling, then hoping to run by Kate Sessions Park at noonish for the get together there.

We invite you to join us to celebrate the life of James Andrew Lebowitz (1996-2015), a wonderful young man who left us suddenly, but not without a lasting legacy. James gave up his heart, lungs, liver, kidneys and pancreas so that others may live, including San Diegan George Martinez, who had very little time left. For George (and others), James was a literal life saver.

James' story was documented in the San Diego Union Tribune and Western Outdoor News. Story links below.

The paddle-out will depart from La Jolla Shores Beach at the foot of Avenida de la Playa at 9:30 am, with the remembrance to follow around 10 am on Monday, February 23. If you plan on paddling one mile roundtrip, you're in the ballpark. It might be shorter.

For those who prefer, boat transport will be available (RSVP strictly required - the boat is almost full), departing from and returning to Mission Bay. Board the Fortune at Seaforth Landing at 8:30 am. You'll be on the boat for roughly three hours before returning to the dock at Mission Bay.

An informal gathering with fish tacos and drinks will follow at Kate Sessions Park in La Jolla, beginning around noon. Visit the remembrance table to sign the memory book, view the photo slideshow, and purchase your James Andrew Lebowitz (JAL) Memorial Cal Poly Scholarship Endowment fund sticker.

Tommy Gomes of Catalina Offshore Products is cooking up his famous fish tacos. Stop by the Lifesharing / Donate Life California table to sign up to be an organ donor.

A short memorial program will follow lunch.

Pack a beach or lawn chair if you want to sit - this is waterman style.

Come to the paddle-out, join us at Kate Sessions, come to both, or think of James and hug a loved one. The reception will take place rain or shine. The paddle out is weather dependent. Check in here as the event approaches for updates.

[Iceman]

https://maps.yahoo.com/search/;_ylt=A0LEVraGU.pUuUgAivknnIlQ?p=kate+sessions+par k+san+diego&fr=&fr2=piv-web&hspart=mozilla&hsimp=yhs-001

[Tman]

:you_rock: