LCA students remember classmate killed in car accident

WSLS 10 On Your Side
Published: May 6, 2008

Students said an emotional goodbye to James Holmes, better known as Jamie.  Monday morning they clung to each other, some students just hearing the news.

Jamie, 16, and his brother Drew, 18, were headed home after a banquet at Liberty Christian Academy.  Drew was driving.  Police say the car hit some dirt and slid off the road early Saturday morning.  Monday, classmates gathered around Drew before he spoke to the student body.

“I thank you guys so much for how you have stretched your arms out to my family and me,” he said.

Friends remember Jamie as a lovable guy who loved, music, theater, and most of all, marching band.  He dreamed of one day working at LCA as a band director.

“He was one of the greatest friends I could have. He was always there for you when you needed him.

“He had this infectious laugh where he just made you want to laugh even if nothing was funny,” added Josh Detwiler.

Monday’s service was a chance for students to pour out their emotions and grieve together.

“We have lost a very good friend and dealing with by talking, where were you when you heard, how do you feel about.  We already know they’re upset, but when you say how do you feel about it, it’s going deeper,” said LCA’s Director of Guidance, Ralph Hagner.

“This service has been amazing. There’s so many people. It just goes to show even more proof of how many people James has touched personally,” Detwiler said.

And together, they began to heal. 

Holmes’ funeral will be at Thomas Road Baptist Church on Tuesday.  It begins at 3 p.m.