James Servillas

James Servillas, 23, of St Joseph passed away on July 12, 2017.  James was born on November 24, 1993 in St. Joseph, MI to Bernardito and Monicar Servillas. He was the youngest of four brothers. Growing up he was cheerful, playful, kind, caring, and impressionable. He was a little boy with a warm smile who looked up to his older brothers. He grew up to be a tall and handsome young man. He was described by his family as funny, playful, full of wit, intelligent, artistic, observant and intuitive. He was hard headed but passionate about his ideals, he followed his gut and never second guessed himself. There was something special about James, he would always see the best in every moment. He knew what to say to make everyone laugh and lighten the mood when things were hard, this came naturally for him.  His parents described him as easy to parent, well-liked, and one who matured beyond his age, an “old soul” who was down-to earth and who cherished family and friends. James’ cousins described him as kind, selfless, patient, adventurous, and eager to learn what he could. He had the best taste in music and movies. He was respectful, considerate, observant, and his thoughts were avant-garde. James was wise and knew so much about things in abstract platforms. James was James, honest and unapologetic about it. He shared a very special connection with his cousin Alexis who was the same age. He would go on road trips with his brother Greg to visit Alexis in Philadelphia, and would get tattoos to remember to commemorate each journey.  James enjoyed the outdoors, he would often hike down the bluff and hang-out by the beach.  He enjoyed a number of hobbies including video games, archery, plants, and skiing.  James graduated from Lake Michigan Catholic High School in 2012 where he played football, soccer, and ran track.  His interest and passion for art and architecture led him to win the Berrien RESA Art Award. He attended Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo during this period he discovered where his interests lied, not in the higher education system but in culinary arts.  He left Kalamazoo and relocated to Chicago where he began a career in baking, he started working as a baker at Whole Foods in River Forest, IL.  He was just ‘voted in’ by his co-workers as a permanent employment. He was enthusiastic about this new position and even remarked to his mother that he did not want to be late for work the night before his passing.  James is survived by his parents Dr. Bernardito and Monicar Servillas, his grandparents Dolly Pintang (maternal), Alfredo, and Estrella Servillas (paternal), his older brothers Rich, Greg and JR, sister-in-law Esther, several Aunts Divina, Lady, Daisy, and Laura, Uncles Robert and Manny and cousins Alexis, Shayna, Al, Bouvier, and Skylar as well as close friends Allie, Maddie, and Pieter.  James was preceded in death by his grandfather Jamie Pintang and his uncle and godfather Alfredo Jr (Dindo) Servillas whom he highly respected and missed.