James Martin Eberling of Lompoc, passed into Heaven at the young age of 36. He died Saturday morning, November 19th, at home with his parents. He died of natural causes due to a variety of ailments that plagued him most of his life.

James was born July 30, 1980, in Lompoc, California. He is survived by his parents, Martin and Beverly Eberling of Lompoc. James was an only child. As a child, he developed and early interest in flags, trains, and sports. Those interests followed him into adulthood, where he added planes and missiles, being an avid photographer of the many missile launches from Vandenberg AFB.

James attended local schools, graduating from Cabrillo High School and later Allan Hancock College. In recent years, he volunteered as an assistant basketball coach for Lompoc High, which created some interesting rivalries with his alma mater.

Due to his medical issues James remained unemployed, but remained very active in life, rooting endlessly for the L.A. Lakers, and never losing hope that the Rams would ever return to L.A. (His wish did come true). James did volunteer as a Lompoc Police Department Explorer for several years, which brought him great satisfaction.

He loved model trains and building plastic models, of which jets were his hands down favorite, especially the F-14 Fighter Jet. In his later years, he developed a skill for photography and spent endless hours photographing missile launches, at any time of the day or night. Many of his photos were used by VAFB, and many can still be seen on his website, "Tomcat Photography." James had a passion for athletic sneakers, especially Nike. The louder the color the happier he was.

James would have greatly enjoyed a career in the military or law enforcement, but was held back medically. Despite his limitations, James enjoyed life to the fullest, remaining active, volunteering, and right to the end displayed a positive attitude, loyal to friends, kind to animals, and working on his hobbies.

James is survived by his parents, his maternal grandmother, Margaret Powell of Lompoc, uncles Charles Powell and Richard Powell, both of Lompoc, and James Powell of Omaha, Nebraska, an aunt, Margie Walraven of Texarkana, Texas, and several cousins. He also leaves behind his beloved dogs, "Kobie Bryant" and "Buddie."

James was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, James Powell of Lompoc, and his paternal grandparents, Anton Eberling of Lompoc and Edith Eberling of Hidden Valley Lake, California.

The funeral service will be held at Queen of Angels Catholic Church on Saturday, November 26, 2016, at 12:00 noon with a reception following at the Parish Hall. Casual dress is requested. Memorial donations can be made to Lompoc High School Basketball, 515 West College Avenue, Lompoc, CA 93436, Att: Athletics.

James was greatly loved by his family and circle of friends. He will be missed beyond words. May your next path be filled with the same happiness you bestowed upon others left in this life.