Sextortion ~ Do It For James Foundation
Tamia and Tim are the parents of James Timothy Woods. James was a 17-year-old high school student. A person who ran year-round just because. He started with outdoor track and field. Wanting to better his times and increase his endurance, he began to run around his neighborhood. Always willing to go the extra mile to achieve his goals. He went on to run cross country as well as indoor track during the winter months. His neighbors always saw James jogging with his headphones on and waving as he passed by.
Unfortunately, this beautiful life was cut short because of the actions of money hungry criminals. They targeted James. James was being cyberbullied. The culprits extorted money from James, mentally tortured him, threatened him, and harassed him all night and into the next day. James was exhausted from lack of sleep. James tried everything he could think of to stop his parents from learning of the embarrassing acts that took place. The last resort was that of the ultimate price; his life.
On November 19, 2022 James took his life. One could only hope that James knew, with the upmost certainty, that he was loved, adored and cherished.
With the help of the Streetsboro Police Department, James’ parents quickly found out that James became a victim of sextortion. Although devastated by their loss, Tamia and Tim, to make sure no other parent felt the same pain, went to Streetsboro High School to speak of James’ and to warn other children about sextortion. The goal was also to help guide them into knowing that their lives are worth living and that no problem is too big.
Tamia and Tim began working with the Streetsboro Police Department, the Streetsboro City Schools Superintendent, Streetsboro High School and many news outlets to tell James’ story and warn parents about this invisible evil. The response of the community was overwhelming. On January 13, 2023, The Woods’ founded a nonprofit organization called the Do It For James Foundation to be the voice and warn others.
The Do It For James Foundation encourages communication between children and adults. As the foundation grows, it will help the underserved, assist with mental health needs and provide scholarships for runners (Cross Country and Track & Field). Like James, the foundation will continue to run year-round giving life, providing love, educating and Doing it all for James.
May James rest in peace knowing that he will be missed by his parents (Tamia and Tim Woods), family, friends, and everyone that he touched.
If you are a victim of sextortion and need to speak to someone, please call the Do It For James Foundation on: 330-554-7482 or email [email protected]
More information can be found on the Do It For James website: https://www.letsdifj.org/
http://alisonjaye.net/ “The more we have these conversations, the more these conversations can be had” ~ Alison Jaye