GABE HERNANDEZ/CALLER-TIMES David James (right) hugs David Gomez as they meet for the first time Saturday, June 11, 2016, at Whataburger Field. Gomez received a kidney from James' son after he took his own life.

SHARE GABE HERNANDEZ/CALLER-TIMES David James (center) displays a shirt given to him by David Gomez (left) after they met for the first time Saturday, June 11, 2016, at Whataburger Field. Gomez received a kidney from James' son after he took his own life. Contributed Photo David James (right) worked to find the recipient of his son Peyton's organs after the boy took his own life in October 2014.

By Natalia Contreras of the Caller-Times

Peyton James was an animal lover.

He wanted to become a veterinarian, his father, David James, said.

"He was the most loving and caring kid," James, of Conroe, said. "He was always looking for ways to help people."

Peyton was 13 years old when he took his own life in October 2014.

Before his death, Peyton was bullied and struggled with depression.

He was an organ donor and for the past two years, James has tried to reach out to the recipients of his son's organs on social media.

On Saturday, James met David Gonzales, who is the recipient of Peyton's kidney, at Whataburger Field.

Gonzales was diagnosed with IgA nephropathy, or Berger's disease, in 2008 and was on dialysis for about six years.

When he received the call in 2014 about the transplant, doctors were amazed at how perfect the match was, he said.

"The surgeon said it was so perfect we could even be twins," Gonzales, 60, said. "It was so rare for something like that to happen. We drove to San Antonio for the surgery."

Gonzales, of Riviera, and his family met with James and his wife, Peyton's stepmother, and said he hopes to continue to be in touch.

"This was his son, his kidney. I am better because of it," Gonzales said. "I hope they can become new members of the family. Part of Peyton's blood in is me now."

Another organ recipient from South Texas contacted James but was not able to make the meeting Saturday.

Leslie Moya's daughter, 9-year-old Carmel received Peyton's cornea.

Carmel, of Harlingen, was born with a cataract and later developed glaucoma.

Moya said Peyton's cornea was the first out of three transplants her daughter had.

"Even though it did not take, it made a difference in my daughter," Moya said. "My daughter was able to be herself again and it got us to where we are now."

James said the best part about meeting his son's organ recipients is knowing that his son's organs are making a positive difference in their lives.

"I just wanted to meet (Gonzales) to know that he is OK," James said. "For me, knowing that something good is coming out of this, that's what matters to me the most."

Twitter: @CallerNatalia