I feel like such a tragic event deserves more than a simple acknowledgement, so here goes.
For as long as I've been on the Internet, it's been natural to see people come and go, some quietly and some very loudly, but that's just how everything in life goes. Even I myself didn't expect to be a part of this community as long as I have, knowing my own history, but I've been around long enough to see plenty of members come and go.
For all that I've been a part of, I've never had to confront the possibility that someone would so suddenly depart, permanently and with no chance to return. Of course, nobody ever does because of the nature of the Internet, where nothing ever truly dies, but is simply forgotten to most. It feels even more surreal because of how separated the Internet is from real life, leading most of us to believe in them as two completely separate realms.
That brings us to now, where one of our own has had to depart life suddenly and at a relatively young age. I can't claim to have known XYTWO too well beyond the server I once ran and the forums I still run, but from the times I did have with him he was always a great friend to have, committed, active, and fun. He made more than enough of an impact here to make the members of this forum acutely aware when he disappeared during this tragic course of events.
It's no understatement to say that he's made his mark, and his presence will be sorely missed. His passing reminds us that at the end of the day, all we can hope to do is have made enough of a good impact when it is time for us to finally move on.
Thus, we bid farewell to you, James "XYTWO" Lebowitz. Your impact on the people here will never be forgotten and will continue with us to the end of time, and when it is time for us to join you beyond the mortal coil, all that we can hope for is to have measured up to you.
Rest in peace, dear friend.