James, "Jamie" as friends knew him, was fairly new to EMS; he had only been with McDowell County since November 2009. He was an EMT and a fire fighter. According to some of Jamie's friends, "Jamie was always trying to make someone laugh. He had the ability to lift spirits up when you needed it most. He was a great EMT and firefighter"<br />
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The McDowell County Ambulance was involved in a single vehicle accident on September 8, 2010. The ambulance was transporting a patient to Welch Community Hospital. James was driving the ambulance and was fatally injured. Others in the ambulance were not seriously injured.<br />
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James leaves behind two young children, father and mother, one brother, two sisters, nieces and nephews, and extended family and friends. From the EMS Prayer read at his funeral, "This calling to give of myself most do not understand, but I stand ready all the time to help my fellow man. I feel truly blessed that you, O Lord, have chosen me to serve in EMS!"<br />
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Honored 2011 |