Auburn, Alabama, – and the world at large, were deeply saddened by the sudden passing of James Loxley Compton, known to friends and family as Loxley. His untimely departure on Friday, September 22, 2023, has left a void that can never be filled, and his memory will forever be etched in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him.
Loxley’s life was a testament to the notion that one can accomplish a great deal in a short span of time and touch the lives of countless others for the better. Since the news of his passing surfaced, an outpouring of condolences and tributes has flooded in from friends, colleagues, and acquaintances who were profoundly impacted by his presence.
Among those who paid tribute to Loxley was Michael Watkins, who shared, “This morning I lost my dear friend and colleague, Loxley Compton. Larry and Dot lost their son. Maggie lost her brother. Emory lost his father. All too soon. Loxley was brilliant, kind, loving, charming, complex, troubled. He was beautiful. It was my great fortune to have known him.”
Loxley’s academic pursuits reflected his depth and curiosity. He studied Philosophy at Auburn University, delving into the intricate questions of existence and meaning. He furthered his intellectual journey with studies in Philosophy of Religion at the University of Birmingham, Philosophy at Holy Apostles College and Seminary, and Theology at St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological.
Micah Cobb shared his sorrow on the death of James Loxley. He stated that:
Lost a good friend this morning. I’ve been thinking about him all day. James Loxley Compton was the only person I’ve known who could awe you one moment with his erudition and a second later have you doubled over, laughing at a joke. I truly enjoyed every conversation I had with him. And I wish we could have had more. It is fitting that my last conversation with him consisted, in part, of him playing a recording of a reconstruction of a speech of Alexander the Great and talking excitedly about the situation which occasioned the speech.He will be missed. Memory eternal.
Described as brilliant, kind, loving, charming, complex, and, at times, troubled, Loxley Compton was a man of many facets. His beauty, both inside and out, was evident to all who had the privilege of crossing his path.
As we remember James Loxley Compton, our thoughts and prayers go out to his entire family, who must navigate the challenging and sorrowful journey of coping with his loss. May the memories of his life bring solace, and may his spirit continue to inspire and live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
