On the afternoon of October 10, 2023 James Raymond 'JR' Janda, 17, of Concrete, Washington died in a tragic car accident close to his home.

He was born on March 22, 2006 at 12:35pm at Skagit Valley Hospital in Mount Vernon, Washington. He was the third son born in his family and  attended the Concrete School District Kindergarten through the beginning of his 12th grade year.

For most of his childhood he enjoyed playing baseball and football. He loved fishing with his dad. Something they started doing even before JR could walk. His dad would bring his car seat to the riverbank, and they would sit and fish together.  His hobbies included riding his four-wheeler, shooting hoops, playing video games, hanging out with friends, and engaging in a spirited debate but the things he enjoyed most were cooking, coming up with new recipes, and just spending time with his family including his favorite dog Popeye.

Even as a young child he made mundane things fun. He had a spark and sense of humor that could make the whole room light up and laugh. He was the kind of child you wished you wrote everything he said down because you never knew what he was going to say. A good example of his clever personality is one story when  he was around 8 years old and "borrowed" a boy scout uniform from his grandmother's house. He took it home, put it on and then loaded his dads wheelbarrow full of our chopped wood. He was then on his way to sell it to our neighbors for ten dollars. He wanted to remain an honest salesman, so he told them all he was a "home scout".  He always made us laugh.

JR never met a stranger or missed an opportunity to brighten someone's day. To say he was charming or charismatic would be an understatement. He was a force, a presence, a bright light. He had a joy for life and a confidence that left an impression on everyone that met him. It was hard to leave an interaction or conversation with JR without having a smile on your face.

He also had an amazing heart. He valued people of all walks of life. Instead of meeting anger with anger he tried understanding and empathy. He was wise beyond his years and made us better for knowing him. He taught his friends and family lessons that will continue on for the rest of our lives.

As he grew into adulthood his values and morals remained strong. He was a genuinely good Christian person. He was interested in so many aspects of the world, religion, and politics.  He greatly valued his family, his country and his freedom. He made his family proud every day with his compassion and intelligence. He will be forever remembered as the very special person he was.  JR will be forever deeply missed by those that loved him.

Matthew 5:8 "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God."

He is survived by his parents, James and Kristen Janda; brothers, Hayden O'Neil, David O'Neil (Allison); nephews, Ryder and Archer O'Neil; grandparents, John and Mary Janda, Melissa McAdam, Keith and Angie Passig; aunts, Jenny Janda, Angela and Billy Pettijohn, Mary Jo Janda; uncles, Caleb Janda, Danny McAdam (Roxanne), Kevin McAdam; cousins, Helena Pettijohn, Pippa Pettijohn, Lexi McAdam, Mia McAdam, Eli Haines, Sammy Haines, Neely Martin, Johnny Dellinger; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins that will miss him greatly.

He is preceded in death by his grandfather, Patrick T. McAdam.

A Celebration of JR's life will be held at 2:00, at the Concrete High School Gymnasium on Sunday, October 22, 2023, followed by a reception in the Commons. All are welcome and encouraged to bring your best JR stories to share. JR was laid to rest at the Forest Park Cemetery in Concrete, WA. Share your memories of JR and sign the online guest register.