Richard James Olivarez II

02/10/87 - 05/13/03
Known to family and close friends as 'James', the oldest of four children, at the young age of 16 years went to be with the Angels in Heaven on May 13, 2003. He had just begun to enjoy the many pleasures of life in his character, charisma, values, respect and love for his fellow man, and knowing the meaning of being 'special'. James lived in Dallas with his Dad and paternal Grandparents. James' dad was his best friend, they were partners, showing up at family functions, visiting friends, and often frequenting the 'Yellow Belly' race strip on Sundays afternoons. Where one went.....the other would arrive shortly thereafter. Their free time was spent in each other's company doing the things they enjoyed. James' best buddy was his cousin, little J.J. Rodriguez. They spent hours together doings the things they both enjoyed as boys.

Some may feel James had everything a young man could desire, they might even say he was 'spoiled', but to family James was 'special'. He would give you the shirt off his back. James, who was an avid athlete, participated in soccer, karate, motocross, BMX racing, baseball, bowling, horseback riding, hockey, and the sport he enjoyed the most, riding the jet ski during the summer. James had expert knowledge when playing any video game. He mastered the Play Station, Game Boy, and XBox to the highest level in most of the games. His favorite movie was 'Friday' and could recite the words to the movie verbatim. James helped his younger cousins become familiar with the video games to get them to a higher level by giving them helpful hints to advance and perfect their skills. He talked to them about school work and sports. He would tell them to always do their best in everything they do. Their personal view of James was "he was Kool". After school, James could be found sitting at home in front of the computer doing his school work or just keeping his grandpa company. James was a computer wizard; he assisted adults in the family in navigating through the programs. James lent a helping hand to all, he didn't mind sharing.

At the time of James' accident, which resulted in his death, he was a freshmen attending Moses E. Molina High School where he was an 'A' honor roll student. He played on the football team the previous fall school term. His special faculty members were his Principal, Ms. Kim, his Assistant Principal, Mr. Dudley, his football coach, and the attendance clerk, Ms. Judy Cleveland. James was a popular student and was highly thought of by many of his piers. James brought joy and sunshine to the family being intelligent, sharp and quick. His top priority was his education.

One of his personal goals was to join the military when he became of age. James saw military personnel as 'heroes' because of their devotion to protect their country, to give us all freedom and peace. The soldiers putting their lives on the line was the factor that appealed to James the most. He too dreamt of being a soldier one day. His dream came true sooner than expected; he was given wings instead of an olive-drab uniform.

He became one of God's soldiers on May 13, 2003. James is a Guardian Angel that will watch over and lead us in the right direction as well as take us out of harm's way.

His family and friends miss James' beautiful smile, so bright and cheery. Without saying a word, his smile will lead us to the right path to travel. James didn't experience on earth the pleasure of taking his favorite girl friend to the prom; he can no longer play on the football team, attend family gatherings or go to the friend's cookouts. He can't walk across the stage with his senior class and receive his graduating diploma, nor attend Texas A&M University. His spirit has experienced much greater pleasures, he became an 'Angel'. James' death left many feeling empty, such an unbelievable accident to happen to James, but the fortunate ones have his precious memories, pictures in their minds, and conservations in their hearts.

Family members and close friends visited James during his hospital stay, but because he was under strict supervision due to his condition, not all were not able to see him...they just wanted to be close to him. Many didn't get the opportunity to tell James how much they loved him, to encourage him to keep fighting and not give up, but James knew he was of 'special quality'. When James was not feeling well, he would make every effort to give you a hug, making you feel special. James crossed many of our paths, those that got to know him are the fortunate individuals, because he brought joy and delight to their hearts.

James is preceded in death by his Great-great-Grandparents, Jose and Felicita Tijerina of Rosebud, TX, Great-Grandparents, Salomon Z. and Emilia T. Mosqueda of Dallas, TX, Isabel and Luisa Olivarez of Caldwell, TX. James is survived by his father, Richard James Olivarez, AKA 'Big Rich', his paternal Grandparents/Godparents, Gene and Virginia Mendoza, of Dallas, Ezequiel Olivarez, of Waxahachie, TX, his brother, Ruben Jeremy Olivarez of Mission, TX, his sisters, Ashley Olivarez, Mission, TX and Brittany Olivarez, of Dallas, TX, Uncle and Aunt, J.J. and Suzanne Rodriguez, of Carrollton, TX, a host of Great Uncles and Great Aunts, uncles, aunts, and many cousins.

James family is large in number and cannot be mentioned individually. Many live near, others live a distance away. We think of James often and he is mentioned in our daily prayers. James lives in our memories. We love and miss you Richard James!

A special 'thanks' goes out to James' friend, Sasha Amador, for her love and support during his hospital stay.

Please help us to keep the wonderful memories of James alive by signing his guest book.

By Eleanor M. Foster