North Las Vegas, Nevada - James Allen Kobernusz, 48, of North Las Vegas, Nevada, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Wednesday, July 15, 2026.

James was born on August 11, 1977, in Corydon, Iowa, the premature twin son of Lonnie Allen Kobernusz and Cheryl Rae Lesch. Diagnosed with Type 1 juvenile diabetes at just two years of age, James never allowed the disease to define his life. Instead, he embraced every opportunity before him, pursuing Scouting, hockey, higher education, a career in sales, and the hobbies and friendships that brought him so much joy.

During his youth, James lived in Iowa, Arizona, Utah, and Nevada. He developed a love for Scouting and hockey at an early age, participating in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts and attending several Scout camps. He later served for two years as a camp counselor at Camp Hantesa in Boone, Iowa, where he enjoyed mentoring younger boys and girls.

James discovered his passion for hockey at the age of six while living in Phoenix, Arizona, where he began playing with the Arizona Atoms youth hockey program. After moving to Iowa, he continued playing with the Ames Minor Hockey Association at the Ames/ISU Ice Arena while attending high school, where his love of the game continued to grow.

After graduating from Boone High School, James earned bachelor's degrees in Business and Financing from the University of Iowa and the University of Utah. James lived in Phoenix, AZ, and Salt Lake City, UT, before moving to Las Vegas, where he worked sales industry.

A gifted craftsman, James enjoyed woodworking and creating what his family affectionately called "framed block art," arranging individually cut blocks of wood into striking works of art. Many of his creations featured the logos of the Vegas Golden Knights, the Las Vegas Raiders, and other favorite teams, combining his artistic talent with the sports he loved.

James was also a Star Wars fanatic whose collection reflected a lifelong appreciation for a galaxy far, far away. A devoted Vegas Golden Knights fan from the team's inaugural season, James attended three Stanley Cup Final games, as well as several regular season games this year; and treasuring the opportunity to drink from the Stanley Cup following the Golden Knights' championship in 2023. Among his most cherished memories were the many games he attended with his mother.

Those who knew James will remember him as an intelligent, funny, and generous man who was always willing to lend a helping hand. He possessed a quick sense of humor, a creative spirit, and a loyal heart that left a lasting impression on family and friends alike.

James is survived by his mother, Cheryl Rae Lesch, and stepfather, Roger Norman Lesch; his sister, Brenda Kobernusz, and her children, Charlotte and Henry; his sister, Kate Haberl, and her children, Decker Haberl, and Dalton Haberl with his wife Miryka and their children Harrison, Jude, Ruth, and Wes; his twin sister, Julie Kobernusz; his stepsister, Heidi Kumar, her husband, Mayank; and his stepbrother, Eric Lesch, his wife, Ahn, and their children, Sunny and Mina.

He is also survived by his uncle, Darryl Trytten, and his children, Angie Wetter and Trenity Trytten, as well as Angie's children, Reef, Paisley, and Asher; his uncle, Melvin Kobernusz, and his wife, Pat, their daughter, Dana, and her children; his uncle, Dick Kobernusz, and his wife, Christie, their son, Brad, his wife, Julie, and their daughter; his step-uncle, Gary Lesch, and his wife, Karen; his aunt, Kristi Trytten; numerous extended family members; and many dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Lonnie Allen Kobernusz; his maternal grandparents, Ruth and Elmer Trytten; and his paternal grandparents, Melvin and Dorothy Kobernusz.

A memorial service celebrating James's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Christ Lutheran Church, 111 N. Torrey Pines Drive, Las Vegas, Nevada 89107.

Whether cheering on the Golden Knights, creating one of his unique wooden works of art, discussing Star Wars, or lending a helping hand to someone in need, James lived with intelligence, humor, creativity, and generosity. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.