James David Backus

James David Backus passed away peacefully on November 24th 2025 from an undetected heart condition. The news of his death sent shock and pain to many in the Webster community and beyond. James is survived by his beloved parents James Michael Backus and Britany Marie Backus as well as his adored sisters Gianna and Kiley Backus. Grandparents David and Christine Gulisano. Karen and James Backus. Aunts and Uncles Brandon and Samantha Gulisano. Alex and Monica Gulisano. David and Katie Bryant. Billy and Amanda Backus. Cousins Hailey and Joseph Gulisano. Shelby and Charles Gliatta. Colin and Landon Bryant. Chase and Stella Backus. Predeceased by Great Grandparents James L and Loretta Backus. Marilyn Curry. 

James was born July 28th 2011 to James and Britany Backus. From day 1 James was always a smiling happy boy determined to be on the move. At 8 months old he was already walking and running so from there on he was always on the go. James loved to play and watch sports, specifically Football and Basketball. His all-time favorite football team is the Baltimore Ravens. In his younger years he always needed to be outside throwing the football or shooting hoops playing PIG. As James grew old enough he played Jr Warrior/ Jr titans football and Northcoast Basketball. Next up was modified football and basketball. In the last year he was on some amazing teams with amazing coaches and teammates. His modified basketball team went undefeated 14-0 and then this year his freshman football team went undefeated 8-0 and they made history for Webster Schroeder's best freshman team to date. James ended up with 10 touchdowns 2 of which were pick 6’s. Even though James had an epic season he was more focused on his teammates then himself. He was always the first to celebrate with whomever had just scored for the team. James loved uplifting his teammates and always had positive things to say on his way home after the game instead of talking about what he contributed to the game or what may have gone wrong. James had the gift of making you feel heard and cared about. Whatever you were going through he would intently listen and try to be helpful however he could. This is one of the things that was so special about the time we all had with James. So many great conversations with his dad while they worked out at the gym together and at home before bed coming into his parents room to talk about life and everything else with his mom. James also had his nightly conversations with his sister Gianna and made sure to mess with Kiley before finally going to bed. The closeness of James and his sisters was nothing short of amazing. There was plenty of teasing but much more bonding. James wasn’t just a brother he was also their best friend. This closeness with others didn’t stop in the house. The connection he had with his cousins was beyond what most experienced in life. They all care for each other as if they are siblings and would do anything in the world for each other. Though most lived in the Carolinas it didn’t matter because they still stayed connected through facetime and many family vacations. As we have come to learn James was also a true friend to many. James wasn’t the type to make anyone feel left out or not good enough to hangout with. No matter how close of a friendship those had with James he showed love equally to everyone. It's evident the light James had shone so bright others could feel it and still do. In his short 14 years James left such a positive impact on his family and others that will last forever.

 We will have the Celebration of life for James Saturday December 6th at 3pm. Location is Northridge Church 780 Salt Road Webster, NY 14580. All are welcome to join us.