Dylan Michael James, 28, of Utica, passed away on Thursday, May 7, 2026 at Wynn Hospital with his loving family by his side.

     Dylan was born in New Hartford on October 23, 1997, the beloved son of Michael T. James and Amy Werner James. Raised and educated in Utica, he was a proud graduate of Thomas R. Proctor High School and later earned his associate’s degree from Herkimer County Community College. Prior to his passing, Dylan had been diligently studying toward his medical coding certification, working tirelessly to build a career in the field. Dylan had a deep love for music and especially cherished attending concerts with his father and friends. Known for his vast and eclectic taste, some of his favorite bands included the Red Hot Chili Peppers and KISS. He was an avid collector whose shelves overflowed with trinkets, tchotchkes, figurines, records, jewelry, posters, and countless treasured items. Most recently, he had developed a passion for tattoos and sticker collecting. In fact, Dylan dreamed of one day earning a place in the Guinness Book of World Records for having the world’s largest sticker collection. Some of Dylan’s happiest moments were the simple ones spent with his dad — walking through the park, visiting the beach, relaxing at the mall over a cold drink or ice cream, or enjoying a favorite movie together. Dylan especially loved comedies starring Adam Sandler, as well as Paul Blart: Mall Cop, Crank, Distasteful, as well as the Jackass series. He also became captivated by Daenerys while binge-watching the entire Game of Thrones series. Dylan was especially admired for his creativity and artistic spirit. Whether designing pins, keychains, jewelry, magnets, writing poetry and music, or mixing beats on his laptop, he had a remarkable ability to create beauty in everything he touched. He enjoyed gaming on his PlayStation and Xbox, loved seek-and-find puzzles, and at one point proudly played drums in a garage band during his school years. Dylan also shared a particularly close bond with his younger brother, whom he admired deeply and loved listening to perform with his bands. It is impossible to fully capture in words the kind of person Dylan was or the impact he had on those around him. He genuinely cared for everyone fortunate enough to know him. Dylan was kind, respectful, thoughtful, loving, understanding and had an inner strength that was second to none.  Also, it cannot go without saying that he was always ready for a meaningful conversation or spirited debate. Over the years, his nursing staff became like family to him, and he made every effort to celebrate the milestones of those he loved — graduations, birthdays, retirements, housewarmings, debuts gigs, and every important moment in between.

    Dylan is survived by his loving and devoted father, Michael T. James, and Tamara Whooten of Utica; his mother, Amy James; his brothers, Derek James and Brandon James, both of Utica; and his grandparents, Gary and Mary Rose Werner of New Hartford. He is also survived by his aunts and uncles, Christopher James, Dennis James, Brian and Linda James, Kathy and Dan Mineo, Michael P. James, Kenny James, and Robby and Rita James; his cherished niece, Sophia; as well as several cousins. Dylan was predeceased by his grandparents, Robert and Elaine James, and his aunt, Renee Laws.

     Visitation for family and friends will be held on Sunday, May 17, 2026, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at Heintz Funeral Home, 408 Herkimer Rd., North Utica. A funeral service will follow at 7:00 p.m. at the conclusion of visitation. Dylan will be laid to rest at St. Stanislaus, Bishop and Martyr Cemetery in Whitesboro at the convenience of his family. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Dylan’s memory are kindly asked to consider a donation to the Muscular Dystrophy Association at www.giving.mda.org  or the Make-A-Wish Foundation at www.wish.org.

     Dylan’s family extends their heartfelt gratitude to his devoted nurses, Lisa Kimball, Amanda Kealy, and Jennifer Scholl, for the exceptional care, compassion, and support they provided throughout his life. Special thanks are also extended to his Community Habilitation Specialists, Devin Hazel and Amaryllis Santana; his cardiologist, Dr. Frank Smith; his neurologist, Dr. Deborah Bradshaw; as well as Dr. Kaul, Dr. Eldridge, the Palliative Care Team, and the ICU nurses and staff — including Eric and Susan McKinstry — at Wynn Hospital for the extraordinary care and kindness shown to Dylan over the years. Your compassion and dedication will never be forgotten.