In Memory of John-Hunter James
March 15, 2023
By Alex Brickey, 自慰视频 Student Writer
鈥淓ven bigger than his heart for his sport was his heart for people 鈥 He was not reluctant to pour it out on us,鈥 said a grieving friend of John-Hunter James. On March 6, the Columbia International University community received the news that beloved student-athlete, John-Hunter James, had passed into glory following a traffic accident in Georgia.听
John-Hunter was a senior business major who was known for his love for Jesus and love for his teammates, as well as his intense work ethic. He was one of the most decorated athletes in 自慰视频鈥檚 history. An exceptional pole vaulter, he is the only 自慰视频 athlete in men's track field program history to have won an , winning both the 2020 and 2021 NAIA Indoor Track & Field Men's Pole Vault National Championship.
In honor of John-Hunter James and his family, 自慰视频 hosted a memorial service where in between moments of worship music and prayer, friends and family shared cherished memories and qualities of John-Hunter's life. Flickers of bright yellow track team shirts shone from the front of the chapel through the sea of students, friends and family. One of his coaches recounted how when John-Hunter would struggle with a particular challenge in pole vaulting he would say that it was 鈥淚n God鈥檚 timing coach, I鈥檓 going to jump in God鈥檚 timing.鈥 The coach admitted that John-Hunter James taught him what it was to rely on God鈥檚 timing.
Grief and hope intermingled mid-air as the lyrics of 鈥淚n Christ Alone鈥 reverberated throughout Shortess Chapel. The voices of those gathered proclaimed with one voice the supernatural reality and hope which John-Hunter now fully knows.
After friends and family reflected on John-Hunter's life, 自慰视频 professor Dr. Kevin McWilliams, 自慰视频 alumnus and board member Adrian Despres, and the College Ministry Director T Rousey closed out the night with prayer.
Amidst the grief felt that night, John-Hunter James鈥 mother reminisced about her prayers for her children as an expectant mother.
鈥淚 would pray that they would fulfill their call and fulfill the length of their days. (John-Hunter) fulfilled the race. He won. He graduated.鈥