Spring Break
The Daily OrangeFormer SA president remembered
By Emily Laurence
Posted: 9/18/05, 10:23 PM EST Section: News
A memorial service was held Friday at Hendricks Chapel for former Student Association President Jamal James, a 2001 graduate, who died July 2. He was 26.
James was found dead in his Harlem apartment July 4. The cause of James' death is uncertain, but it is being investigated as a hate crime.
Vice Chancellor and Provost Deborah Freund, who spoke to an audience of about 50 at the service, questioned if anyone else would die because of homophobia. She said that something good could come out of James' death if we confront prejudice and injustice.
Freund said James had a unique gift to motivate others, and remembered him as powerful but respectful.
"We are all safer because of Jamal," she said, referring to the Neighborhood Watch Program James organized as a student.
James organized the Neighborhood Watch program when he served as SA president. James, a theater major, was also involved with Coming Back Together, a reunion program for Latino and black alumni. He was a member of the Alumni Association Board from 2002 to 2004.
The Rev. Thomas Wolfe, who knew James, was the first to speak at the service and acknowledged how shocked everyone was to learn of the death.
"He was so full of life just yesterday, it seems," he said.
Like several others at the service, Wolfe described James as a bright light. Symbolically, there was a single lit candle in the front of the sanctuary.
James' mother, Mary James, also spoke at the service about her son.
"Jamal was a wonderful son and a great brother. ... He always had time to come home, even if it was just for a day," she said.
Mary James said James had always thought of her as a strong person, and the feeling was mutual.
A funeral was held in Bloomfield, Conn., James' hometown. Another memorial service was held at the Lubin House, an SU campus in New York City.
"It's a good feeling to know that he's been loved. It's great to see that Jamal is alive in our hearts," Mary James said.
One of James' three brothers, Kadesh, attended the service and the reception that was held immediately following. Kadesh described his brother as "cool, nice, trustworthy, (and would) do anything for anyone." He said his brother taught him how to be a good person.
The Office of Alumni Relations will place an engraved stone in the Orange Grove in remembrance of Jamal James' life.
James was found dead in his Harlem apartment July 4. The cause of James' death is uncertain, but it is being investigated as a hate crime.
Vice Chancellor and Provost Deborah Freund, who spoke to an audience of about 50 at the service, questioned if anyone else would die because of homophobia. She said that something good could come out of James' death if we confront prejudice and injustice.
Freund said James had a unique gift to motivate others, and remembered him as powerful but respectful.
"We are all safer because of Jamal," she said, referring to the Neighborhood Watch Program James organized as a student.
James organized the Neighborhood Watch program when he served as SA president. James, a theater major, was also involved with Coming Back Together, a reunion program for Latino and black alumni. He was a member of the Alumni Association Board from 2002 to 2004.
The Rev. Thomas Wolfe, who knew James, was the first to speak at the service and acknowledged how shocked everyone was to learn of the death.
"He was so full of life just yesterday, it seems," he said.
Like several others at the service, Wolfe described James as a bright light. Symbolically, there was a single lit candle in the front of the sanctuary.
James' mother, Mary James, also spoke at the service about her son.
"Jamal was a wonderful son and a great brother. ... He always had time to come home, even if it was just for a day," she said.
Mary James said James had always thought of her as a strong person, and the feeling was mutual.
A funeral was held in Bloomfield, Conn., James' hometown. Another memorial service was held at the Lubin House, an SU campus in New York City.
"It's a good feeling to know that he's been loved. It's great to see that Jamal is alive in our hearts," Mary James said.
One of James' three brothers, Kadesh, attended the service and the reception that was held immediately following. Kadesh described his brother as "cool, nice, trustworthy, (and would) do anything for anyone." He said his brother taught him how to be a good person.
The Office of Alumni Relations will place an engraved stone in the Orange Grove in remembrance of Jamal James' life.
