BOISE, Idaho — Over the last couple of weeks, the Chaffin family living room has become full of flowers and posters with photos of their youngest son, James — an outpouring of love and support after his tragic death in mid-April.
"James was our Caboose," his dad Phil said. "He's the youngest, adored by his siblings ... also a little bit feisty. "He loved to laugh and smile ... he loved to have other people laughing and smiling, too."
The 6-year-old, who was in kindergarten, was learning the piano. He was gentle, kind, independent and Phil's jogging buddy, he said.
James died on April 19, a couple of days after being struck by a car near E. Gowen Road and Grand Forest Dr.
"There's nothing worse than knowing that your child is dying or going to die," Phil said.
The Ada County Sheriff's Office is investigating the incident. Preliminary information shows a combination of the hill and the glare of the setting sun made it hard for the driver to see.
Tamara, who was on the bike ride with their two youngest boys, said James lost his balance after slowing down. There is no buffer between the curb and the highway.
"I wish I would have just thought, 'Why didn't I just tell them to walk their bikes right there? You know? That would have been a good solution," she said.
The couple said they are very grateful for the care James received at St. Luke's, the hospital where Phil works as a surgeon.
"These people are not only physicians within the community," he said, "they're also my colleagues, but they're also my friends, a lot of them. I was humbled and grateful for how well cared for he was."
Comfort also came during James's honor walk after the couple chose to donate his organs, a difficult decision but the right one for their family.
Hundreds of people showed up, including friends, family members, colleagues and hospital staff. Tamara said it was special for their kids to see.
"Donating his organs, that could create a bright spot for another family," Phil said. "Holding onto that piece of James and allowing that to carry on in someone else will be wonderful."
Organ donors and recipients are matched based on a set of criteria, including size. The closest transplant center to Idaho is Salt Lake City, but Idahoans could be listed in Portland, Seattle, or Spokane, a St. Luke's spokesperson said.
Since James' death, Tamara said the community has rallied behind their family. People showing up to clean their house and her exercise group visiting are some examples of support that made her feel loved.
"If there is a despair bucket, there's .... this little piece that can be helped through comfort," Tamara said, "and we've had so much of that piece."
Instead of asking for money, the Chaffin family is asking people who want to help them to donate to St. Luke's Children's. They may announce a tribute for James at a later date.
"He had so much love and life to give, and that was really cut short," Phil said. "And so, we're just sort of hoping that we can recapture just a little bit of that in a meaningful way for the community."
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