Dick and I knew each other from before kindergarten. Our fathers both worked for GE at Nela Park, and he lived 4 streets away from me.
Dick was born with hemophilia. Because of this he wasn't allowed to run around outside and do the rough and tumble things boys do when they are growing up. He never learned how to ride a bike. He still managed to get minor injuries though which, for him, were major. These often required blood transfusions. When he was laid up after a transfusion we always had fun playing board games and fooling around with his chemistry set.
He was a good musician and played both piano and the cello. He often accompanied me and other students during Solo and Ensemble contests in Jr. High.
Dick eventually received a Ph.D. in Musicology and was an Associate Professor in the Dept. of Musicology/Composition/Theory at Bowling Green State University where he taught for 10 years. He was also a nationally recognized teacher, researcher and lecturer on 20th century music. In addition, Dick was very active in the National Hemophilia Foundation.
Dick died in 1993 from AIDS which he contracted through a tainted blood transfusion back before blood supplies were screened. The Richard S. James Memorial Scholarship is still offered to BGSU music students. The NHF awards the Dick James Lifetime Achievement Award annually in recognition of efforts to improve the lives of people with bleeding disorders worldwide.
What a nice memorial to Dick written by Bill Kent.
Dick was one of the nicest people I knew growing up. We lived 4 streets away and went to school together from Oxford elementary on up. He was a kind person and a good friend.
I had heard how Dick had died, but never knew all that he had achieved during his shortened life. Thank you Bill for providing that information.
Bill Kent
Dick and I knew each other from before kindergarten. Our fathers both worked for GE at Nela Park, and he lived 4 streets away from me.Dick was born with hemophilia. Because of this he wasn't allowed to run around outside and do the rough and tumble things boys do when they are growing up. He never learned how to ride a bike. He still managed to get minor injuries though which, for him, were major. These often required blood transfusions. When he was laid up after a transfusion we always had fun playing board games and fooling around with his chemistry set.
He was a good musician and played both piano and the cello. He often accompanied me and other students during Solo and Ensemble contests in Jr. High.
Dick eventually received a Ph.D. in Musicology and was an Associate Professor in the Dept. of Musicology/Composition/Theory at Bowling Green State University where he taught for 10 years. He was also a nationally recognized teacher, researcher and lecturer on 20th century music. In addition, Dick was very active in the National Hemophilia Foundation.
Dick died in 1993 from AIDS which he contracted through a tainted blood transfusion back before blood supplies were screened. The Richard S. James Memorial Scholarship is still offered to BGSU music students. The NHF awards the Dick James Lifetime Achievement Award annually in recognition of efforts to improve the lives of people with bleeding disorders worldwide.
Margie Hershberger (Kluska)
What a nice memorial to Dick written by Bill Kent.Dick was one of the nicest people I knew growing up. We lived 4 streets away and went to school together from Oxford elementary on up. He was a kind person and a good friend.
I had heard how Dick had died, but never knew all that he had achieved during his shortened life. Thank you Bill for providing that information.