Sergeant First Class (SFC) Jamie L. Root, 35, formerly of Austin, died Sept. 7, 2005, in Chapel Hill, N.C., after a swimming accident.

Born June 18, 1970, to Maynard and Phyllis Root, of Austin, SFC Root was a 1988 graduate of Austin High School.

SFC Root began his military career in 1988 where he earned the following awards, decorations and badges: Army Commendation Medal; Army Achievement Medal; Army Good Conduct Medal; National Defense Service Medal; South West Asia Service Medal; Kosovo Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia and Kuwait); Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon; Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Ribbon; Expert Infantry Badge; Combat Infantryman Badge; Parachutist Badge; Ranger Tab; and Special Forces Tab.

SFC Root enjoyed hunting fishing and training dogs.

He is survived by his children: Ashley, Jacob and Madison, of Spring Hope, N.C.; parents, Maynard and Phyllis Root, of Austin; fiancee, Lisa Palmer Mahaffey, Aberdeen, N.C.; brothers: Dennis (Judy), of Winona; and Timothy (Linda) Creston; sisters: Dianne (James) Root Rogne, Elkton; Janelle (Steve) Solberg, Austin; eight nephews and three nieces.

SFC Root was preceded in death by his grandparents, Melvin and Helen Root, of Spring Valley; and Earl and Meta Mash, of Wykoff.