James Rowe, the co-owner of Earth-star Co-Op, a natural foods store and restaurant in Crestone, Colorado, went missing on July 30, 2004. He had planned to go to a hot spring and never returned. James' Jeep, containing his camping and hiking gear, was found on August 3, 2004, abandoned on a road off Colorado 17, twenty miles north of Crestone, with the keys still inside.

Authorities believe James may have attempted to walk back to Crestone, but he has not been seen or heard from since. On August 2, 2004, James reportedly made a bank transaction in Villa Grove, Colorado, and may have been seen at a Wal-Mart in Alamosa, Colorado, on August 3.

Shortly before his disappearance, James had attended a weekend empowerment seminar hosted by Landmark Education in Denver, Colorado. His loved ones have stated that after the seminar, he changed his appearance, became "scattered and ungrounded," and appeared delusional. It is worth noting that Landmark Education has previously faced accusations of brainwashing and other cult-like activities.

James' family has stated that he has never left without warning before and has always stayed in touch with his mother, who lives in Burlington, Vermont. She has not heard from him since his disappearance. There were reported sightings of him in Alamosa, Salida, and Poncha Springs, Colorado in the fall and winter of 2004. He may also have been seen at a truck stop near Thomasville in southern Georgia in November 2005.

James enjoys music, cooking, and outdoor activities such as skiing and hiking. His sister fears he suffered a nervous breakdown and may have hurt himself. James' case remains unsolved.