Crash Victim Remembered
posted 11:40 pm Mon May 05, 2008 - Lynchburg, VA
reporter:
Manuel Quinones
posted by:
Webteam
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It was a tearful day at Liberty Christian Academy in Lynchburg. Students are mourning the death of 16-year-old James Holmes. The Appomattox teenager died Saturday in a car wreck. His older brother was behind the wheel and spoke with classmates during a morning service at Thomas Road Baptist Church.
Family members were back at Thomas Road receiving family and friends Monday evening. The morning's service was to help friends and classmates here begin coping.
Drew Holmes, Older Brother - "I miss my little brother and I know I can't have him back."
Anger, guilt, pain -- James' brother Drew is feeling every emotion you can imagine.
Holmes - "I did not want it to happen but God wanted a different revival and he wanted souls to be wakened up. And souls will be wakened up."
Students say this may have been a wake-up call to appreciate life and perhaps live a little more like Jamie did.
Ralph Hagner, Liberty Christian Academy - "He was a student that loved 7th graders, 8th graders, 9th, graders... so there are a lot of kids who were touched by his life."
Holmes - "Jamie was the one who wanted to be among people all the time."
Spensir Williamson, Senior - "He was everyone's teddy bear and we love him and he was a great guy."
Students here rejoice in their strong faith. But they're also utilizing counselors and prayer rooms- to help the grieving process.
Hagner - "We already know that they are upset. But when you say, how do you feel about it, it's going deeper. Are you angry, lonely, are you guilty?"
Jamie loved acting, music and band. And the band director says they will all be playing together again soon in heavenly harmony.
Sheryl Deike, Band Director - "I lost my boy but it is just good to know that it's not the end. It's just the beginning."
Teachers say this happened despite the brothers' efforts to do the right thing. Police say they were wearing their seat belts and alcohol was not a factor. We're told Drew fell asleep. A service to celebrate Jamie's life is Tuesday at 3:00pm, also at Thomas Road Baptist Church.
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