James Peter Obremski, 22, died unexpectedly at his apartment in Evanston, Ill., on Thursday, July 29, 2010.

He was a student in the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences at Northwestern University. James was a gentle soul who was dearly loved by his immediate and extended family members, as well as his large circle of friends. His older brother Michael says of him that "James was always a loving and peaceful person, who radiated compassion whenever you were in his presence."

James was born in Beverly on June 26, 1988, to parents Peter (deceased) and Kimberly (Shailor) Obremski. He attended North Beverly Elementary and Memorial Middle School. During his childhood years 'Jamie' played golf, soccer, and most of all baseball. He shared a love of the game with his dad who was also his coach. He attended St. John's Preparatory School in Danvers (2002 to 2006), where he was a gifted student. Through his participation in the Drama Guild, he developed his interest in sound production, and as a member of the elite Men's Choir, he toured Europe and developed his love for music. He was a soulful musician who composed and played on both the piano and the guitar.

In 2006, James enrolled at Northwestern University, where he studied film, literature, and political science. At the campus radio station (WNUR), he hosted two radio shows (one focusing on rock, the other on "the most experimental music in the world"). At WNUR he worked for a time as the Programming Director. James was also the Film Programmer for Sonic Celluloid an experimental music and film event.

Doug Kaplan, station manager at WNUR, said that "James had one of the best brains that I have ever known. He was a sponge for all music and film and digested media voraciously."

Tomi Mendel, one of James' university friends, remembers him as a very talented musician who was "generous with his talents..."

James is survived by his mother; his brother, Michael; his maternal grandfather, William Shailor; seven sets of aunts and uncles, and many cousins.