11/23/08 Today, I learned of James' death from an old H.S. friend - Pat Tieman. James was my best friend all through Junior High and High School. We first became friends at church camp (Camp Assurance - Danville, Il.) We attended Monticello Christian Academy together and eventually Bement High School. My memories of James are only fond memories. We had so much fun - we dreamed of a perfect world, we laughed hard and best of all we knew each other to the core.....deep secrets and pain unknown by even our own family members.
I left Bement to join the USAF. Our lives went in separate directions. After several years, we managed to visit a few times. Each time, it was as though we never were a part.
James, you were and will forever be my best friend. Your smile, sense of humor, loyalty and compassion will stay with me for the rest of my life. I'm sorry I wasn't there for you...
Roger Varner (1982)
11/23/08 Today, I learned of James' death from an old H.S. friend - Pat Tieman. James was my best friend all through Junior High and High School. We first became friends at church camp (Camp Assurance - Danville, Il.) We attended Monticello Christian Academy together and eventually Bement High School. My memories of James are only fond memories. We had so much fun - we dreamed of a perfect world, we laughed hard and best of all we knew each other to the core.....deep secrets and pain unknown by even our own family members.I left Bement to join the USAF. Our lives went in separate directions. After several years, we managed to visit a few times. Each time, it was as though we never were a part.
James, you were and will forever be my best friend. Your smile, sense of humor, loyalty and compassion will stay with me for the rest of my life. I'm sorry I wasn't there for you...
roger