Local

Vigil held for Cherryville soldier killed in Afghanistan

CHERRYVILLE, N.C. — The family of a Gaston County soldier is preparing for the day his body will be flown home.

James Justice died Thursday after he was host in the neck in Afghanistan on Tuesday.

Justice's friend held a vigil for the 21-year-old Thursday night with candles, music and prayers.

They remembered Justice's love for his country and the sacrifice he made.

Justice's brother, Joseph Bolton, told Channel 9 Justice was also his best friend.

"Just the way he cared … the brother that he really was. He was a real brother," Bolton said.

Justice's organs will be donated to other soldiers in a military hospital in Germany.