Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Please accept my condolences regarding the passing of your loved one, James. He and I were classmates at Vancouver High School. He always impressed me as a quiet, but very nice person. Years later, after he was a detective, I and my children were living with a frightening and what could be an embarrassing situation. James came to my home to take a report. When I realized I was going to have to describe this difficult situation to a person who had once been a classmate, I was very uneasy and concerned about how he would judge me. Would he think I had put my children in harms way because of careless choices I had made? I didn't have to worry long. James was gentle, thoughtful, treated me respectfully, and by the time he left I felt certain that if any one could properly report and help to make the frightening aspects of this situation go away, it would be James. I have always appreciated what he did for me and how he put me at ease. I'll bet there were many more people who came in contact with him during his law enforcement years of employment who were equally helped. May he rest in peace.
