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Matt James Obituary
Students at St. Xavier High School gathered on the football field Friday night to remember senior Matt James following reports of his death in Panama City Beach, Fla., spokesman Mark Motz said Saturday. James, 17, apparently died instantly after he fell from the third-floor balcony of the Days Inn Motel at around 6:30 p.m. Friday, police told WJHG-TV in Panama City.
Police had not confirmed James' identity as of Saturday morning, but Motz said the school was "devastated" by the news. Motz said the impromptu vigil was organized as word of James' death spread through social-networking sites such as Facebook.
"When one of their own is in trouble, they band together," Motz said.
Whit Majors, a forensic investigator with the Florida State Medical Examiner's District 14 office, said the person who died was on spring break but did not release his name. The cause of the fall was being investigated, and officials planned to do toxicology tests, Majors said.
The 6-foot-6, 290-pound offensive lineman was an all-city and all-state football player for St. Xavier and signed a letter of intent Feb. 2 to play for Notre Dame. He also was a member of the high school's varsity basketball team.
James' family received the news at a gathering to celebrate the 50th birthday of an uncle, according to Dan Rudolph, who attended the gathering and whose son Kyle Rudolph is a Notre Dame tight end.
"His mom and dad were here when they got the call," Dan Rudolph told the Chicago Tribune. "The whole James family was here. I can't believe that happened."
James isn't the first spring breaker to die from a balcony fall this year. Brandon Kohler, a 19-year-old from Winder, Ga., died March 24 when he fell from a fifth-floor balcony at the Holiday Terrace Motel in Panama City Beach.
Funeral arrangements were pending. Motz said the school would take its cues from James' family, noting that St. Xavier is on spring break until April 12.
Copyright © 2010 The Associated Press
237 Entries
Nick Gamvas
April 7, 2011
MEMORY ETERNAL!
patricia williams
April 13, 2010
to the family of Matt, you have my greatest sympathy, love to the family.
April 12, 2010
there are no words to ease the pain that cuts your hearts to pieces. may your beautiful matt rest in peace.
How you can show support
KEN & MARY O'DANIEL
April 12, 2010
WE ARE SENDING OUR LOVE,PRAYERS,&CONDOLENCES TO THE JAMES FAMILY& ALL WHO KNEW MATT.
Juanita
April 12, 2010
To the James family,sorry for the loss of dear Matt. Our prayers are with you all. Ecclesiastes 9:11 God says that unforseen occurrence befalls us all.
Ms Bea
April 11, 2010
Dear family, I send my deepest sympathy to you for your lost. I hope God's promises will bring comfort to you. Isaiah 25:7, 8
C.W.
April 11, 2010
Dear James Family and Friends,
I am truly sorry about the passing of your son. There is no bond as great as the one between a parent and a child. Matt was so young, so talented, and had such a bright and promising future but God had something far more important for him to do. God never makes mistakes. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you grieve and prepare to send Matt to his new home.
Ricky
April 11, 2010
A future so bright it seems though darkness could never come upon him. Matt's journey is complete as we continue our journey to reunite with our Creator and Matt. God lights the pathway for Matt's family and friends. Hold the statdium lights high in honor of Matt.
Julie
April 11, 2010
i was so sorry to hear about your son , my prayers are with the family
Linda Smith
April 11, 2010
I've never met Matt but I do understand the heart wrenching pain of losing a loved one. I have two children and the love I have for them is so deep no one understands but you. May God Bless your family during this trying time.
mandy weers
April 10, 2010
WE NEVER MET I LIVED IN WICHITA, KS AND READ ABOUT SON DEATH MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GOES OUT TO JAMES FAMILY, NEVER FORGET HE LIVES IN YOUR HEART, THOUGHTS AND ALL THE MEMORIES THAT EACH AND EVERY ONE OF U GUYS HAS SHARED WITH JAMES , ONE MORE THING BEFORE I END THIS EMAIL DONT BE SHELFISH CANT HOLD IN TO JAMES U HAVE TO LET GO SO HE CAN GO HOME WITH OUR FATHER THAT ONE DAY U WILL SEE JAMES AGAIN WHEN ITS YOUR TIME ,CAUSE GOD ONLY TAKES THE BEST OF US , JAMES WOULD WANT HIS FAMILY TO BE AND NOT GREIF OVER HIM , THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME FROM Mandy sue weers / wichiita, ks 67213
Donna Bianchini
April 10, 2010
My heart goes out to you...This is such a tragic loss. There is no greater love than that of a parent and child...Keep close to your family and friends during this difficult time in your life...
A Mom
April 10, 2010
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.
Shirley Thurman
April 10, 2010
I am so sorry for your loss and you have my deepest sympathy
April 10, 2010
We were so saddened to read of the accident that caused the death of your precious loved one and wanted to express our deepest condolences to the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
There are so many of us who never met you or Matt; however tragic events like this have a way of touching the lives of all.
May your fond memories bring smiles to your faces for many years to come. The God of all comfort also knows your pain, and He promises to be "near to those that are broken at heart and those who are crushed in spirit he saves." It's our prayer that the many promises found in God's word comfort you.
Sincerely,
Laine Johnson
April 10, 2010
I am praying for the family and friends of James.
Robin Brown
April 9, 2010
May the Lord bless you all in this time of loss, may He bring comfort to your souls and peace to your minds.
Angel Allen
April 8, 2010
Dear James Family, You all will be in my prayers. I am very sorry for what happened.
Cameron Leonard
April 8, 2010
Dear James Family, Unfortunatly I've never had the opoptunity to meet you or your son. I feel we have too much in common. My youngest son is a high school senior going to Columbia university to play football & I too have lost a son. My oldest son died way too young at only sixteen. Although the circumstances were nothing close to yours, a loss is still a loss. I pray that you will have the strength of God to help you through this terible time. Yes it will get better as long as you rely on God & have friends to see you through the tough times. My family & I will continue to pray for your healing as you grieve the loss of a loved one.
Ava
April 8, 2010
Dear James Family, I hope you can accept my condolences. I am so sorry for your loss. I realize that I did not know James, but I can only imagine how you feel.I hope that you can stay strong and remember that you will see him very soon, even if it feels like a lifetime until then. Cherish your memories of him; and I know that God will comfort you and bring you peace in this time of suffering. You're in my thoughts and prayers.
S. Ostronisky
April 8, 2010
I am very sorry for want has happened and my heart goes out to the family. I have included a poem that was shared by another family with us when we lost our 17yr old son in May 2009 due to injuries from a car accident.
Please remember you are not alone. No matter how our children have died we know your pain. Please make sure you eventually find a support group for yourselves and the other family members. It will help.
I'll lend you for a little while a child of Mine". He said
"for you to love while he lives and mourn for when he's dead.
It may be for six or seven years, or thirty two or three,
But will you, 'til I call him back, take care of him for me?
He'll bring his charms to gladden you and shall his stay be brief
You'll have his lovely memories as solace for your grief."
"I cannot promise he will stay since all from earth returns,
But there are lessons taught down there I want this child to learn.
I've looked the wide world over in my search for teachers true
And from the throngs that crowd life's lanes, I have selected you.
Now, will you give him all your love, not thinking the labor in vain,
Nor hate Me when I come to call and take him back again?"
"I fancied that I heard you say, 'Dear Lord, Thy will be done";
For all the joy thes child shall bring, the risk of grief we'll run,
We'll shelter him with tenderness; we'll love him while we may
And for the happiness we've known, forever greatful stay;
But shall the angels call him much sooner than we've planned
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes and try to understand."
Bonnie Garcia
April 8, 2010
Dear James Family,
My heart goes out to you. The worst tragedy in life is the loss of a child. There are no words to express the pain. May God's word comfort at this very difficult time. I look forward to the day when the Almighty God will swallow up death forever and wipe the tears from all faces - Isaiah 25:8.
Steve A
April 8, 2010
this is heartbreaking to hear this tragedy. Please hang in there and take comfort of knowing that one day death will be done away with forever. please read Isaiah 25:8,9
Roger Carter
April 8, 2010
I am sorry for his passing and the family's loss. This is truly tragic, he was a great football player and from what I heard a good person as well. My prayers go out to the family.
April 8, 2010
May God be with the family, friends and school.
Being the Mother of four boys,I can only imagine the hurt you are going through.
I know Matt is leading the team in heaven. God Bless and keep you all.
Marilyn, Texas
Karyn
April 8, 2010
Please accept my condolences and deepest sympathy to you all - as the mother of an almost 17 year old son myself, my heart hurts so much for you. May God Bless you, I know He will carry you through this storm. Hold fast to the sweet memories.
Sharon
April 7, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
With deepest sympathy.
Rebecca Gray
April 7, 2010
I'm so sorry for your loss. This has touched me more than you will ever know. My son is 16 and plays football in Prattville Alabama. His name is Matthew Daniel Gray. His Grandfathers first name was James and my Dads Name was Matt. Your sons death touched me in so many ways. My son is also 6.6 and 300 lb OT on the O-Line. My heart and prayers go out to the James family. My heart brakes for you and know I will cherish every moment I have and keep him close.
Rebecca Gray
Therese Barrett
April 7, 2010
May God comfort you at this most difficult time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
--a St. Ignatius football mom
April 7, 2010
I am sorry for the loss of your son.My deepest sympathy to his whole family.My prayers are with you.Debbie a Louisville, Ky mom.
Sandra Voyles
April 7, 2010
The Gipper and Coach Rockne were waiting to welcome him to Heaven with open arms. Our family cannot understand the depth of your loss but send our warmest prayers and offers of condolence and peace. Notre Dame's loss will forever be Heavens gain.
Jeff Kopil family
April 7, 2010
Just remember Matts in a better place he's not alone there's nothing better than family and good friend's to help get through this trying time may Matt R.I.P.
April 7, 2010
Please accept my sincerest sympathies on the death of your son. May God bless you & hold you in his arms until the day you are together again in heaven. As a mother who has buried my only son, I know there is no pain greater than the loss of a child. My prayers are with you & your family.
April 7, 2010
Try to remember all the fun times, will help you get through this. My prayers are with your family.
Christalyn Kampitsis, Glendale, AZ
mary ross cunningham
April 7, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
A Mom
April 7, 2010
No greater love is there between parents and there child. May knowimg that others care, give you a measure of comfort. May God who see your tears and pain of heart give you the needed strenght to go from one day to next. For God is with those who are broken at heart and those who are crushed in spirit He saves.
April 7, 2010
My Heart goes out to the family.
Juanita Owens
April 7, 2010
I know your hearts are loaded down with the pain of losing your loved one. May the comfort from the many people who care be your support, and may the promises of our Lord & Savior be your hope. He says at John 5:28,29 "Do not marvel at this, because the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out"...You have my deepest sympathy.
Teresa Overson
April 7, 2010
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
G H
April 6, 2010
May the wonderful memories of your son bring your family through the tough times. Know that he brought a lot of happiness while he was with us. Thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Freddi Kaye Upton
April 6, 2010
I didn't know Matt,I used to live in P.C.Bch.My 2 children live in Cinn.I was looking up my Brother's guestbook pg.and saw Matt's story.We also just a 22yr.old nefew from a fall,I'am so sorry for your loss.My prayer's will be for God to comfort you all.
Barbara Veneziano
April 6, 2010
We are saddened by the loss of your son. May God bless and keep you.
nydia gutierrez
April 6, 2010
May Matt rest in peace. Your loss is the one parents fear, but with faith, acceptance, and memories you will find a way to go forward.
God Bless the James family.
Terry Clark
April 6, 2010
Matt would have been a good "Irish" player. God Bless his family.
L & D Kettering
April 6, 2010
So very sorry for the loss of your son. Always try to remember his smile.
Tim Freeman, Chicago & Detroit Province Jesuits
April 6, 2010
The Chicago and Detroit Province Jesuits wish to express their deepest condolences to all of Matt's family and friends. He will continue to be remembered daily in their prayers and good works. Matt was a cherished Companion of the Jesuits on the journey of faith and service, “Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam.”
April 6, 2010
May God bless all of you during this difficult time. This really hits home. I have a 17 year old son, who has attended Catholic school since pre-school and will be attending ND football camp this summer. He will be a senior this fall. Both of us are very saddened for your loss. We know that Matt made you proud. Cherish all of his accomplishments and memories. You are in our prayers.
Rene Nunez
April 6, 2010
May Matt rest in peace. God Bless the James family in this hard time.
kim
April 6, 2010
i am so sorry to hear about your loss my thoughts and prayers go out to your family.
April 6, 2010
I am so sorry to read of your boy's death. As parents we grieve with you. Our prayers and sympathy to you and the St. Xavier High family.
Strongsville High School
JAMES MCLEOD
April 6, 2010
I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS OF SUCH A WONDERFUL SON AND ATHLETE I KNOW IN MY HEART HE WOULD HAVE WENT FAR ....MY EMAIL IS [email protected] IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO TALK BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY HE IS THE LUCKY ONE YOU KNOW BECAUSE HE IS HOME WITH GOD NOW.
April 6, 2010
For Matt...
WEEP NOT FOR ME
Do not weep for me when I no longer dwell among the wonders of the earth; for my larger self is free, and my soul rejoices on the other side of pain...on the other side of darkness.
Do not weep for me, for I am a ray of sunshine that touches your skin, a tropical breeze upon your face, the hush of joy within your heart and the innocence of babes in mothers arms.
I am the hope in a darkened night. And, in your hour of need, I will be there to comfort you. I will share your tears, your joys, your fears, your disappointments and your triumphs.
Do not weep for me, for I am cradled
in the arms of God. I walk with the angels, and hear the music beyond the stars.
Do not weep for me, for I am within you;
I am peace, love, I am a soft wind that caresses the flowers. I am the calm that follows a raging storm. I am an autumns leaf that floats among the garden of God, and I am pure white snow that softly falls upon your hand.
Do not weep for me, for I shall never die, as long as you remember me...
with a smile and a sigh.
© Joe Fazio
~
[email protected] /Joe Fazio,
Beverly Hills, California
Anne
April 6, 2010
May you feel the Presence and comfort of God in your family and friends at this sad time.
Audrey Krebs
April 6, 2010
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. May your memories and love of friends and family help you through your difficult time now and always.
Eunice Chart
April 6, 2010
My prayers are with you, may God help you thru this I have a Grandson who is also a great athlete, not as good as Matt but they are such a treasure. Remember all the good times. I just lost my husband and that's what helps me.
teresa hague
April 6, 2010
dear james family yall are in my thoughts and in my prayers i do not know yall but i just lost my soon to be husband march 23 it is hard but it will get better as time goes by beleave that matt is lookin down from heaven right now and smileing
Jane Witherell
April 6, 2010
I lost my daughter at the age of 2 almost 8 years ago. My thoughts and prayers are with you and may God give you strength to carry on.
Shawn Vaughn
April 6, 2010
I've two boys of my own, every day I'm thankful for them. My condolences/deepest sympathies are with all the friends/family/students of this obviously very talented young man, my heart hurts for you all. God Bless.
Shannon
April 6, 2010
I can't imagine losing a child. There can be nothing anymore painful than that. You are in my prayers. He was a beautiful child and now he is a child of God.
barbara
April 6, 2010
This is very sad news! You are in the toughts and prayers of many people!
Shae
April 6, 2010
May God comfort you in your time of grief. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Vicki Montgomery
April 6, 2010
As a Mother who has suffered this loss I say to you "Trust in God, he will see you through"
Tina Nicholson
April 6, 2010
My heart goes out to the family, friends and fans of this young man with a huge future. May GOD bless you all with the peace in knowing he is with the prince of peace, never to feel pain, anguish or hurt . May the memories of the time you had together become a place of solace to go when you need to grieve. I pray you find comfort somehow in spite of the tragedy of losing a child. Respectfully, Tina Nicholson
Carlos Aranda
April 6, 2010
Very sorry!
dawn huhn
April 5, 2010
i am so very sorry for the loss of your son i know what your going through i lost my 11 yr old daughter trysta huhn in 1999 its the hardest most painful feeling you will ever endore but what will bring you comfort is to know hes with god now looking down and would not wnt u to be sad when i lost my daughter everyone said it would get easier well the ander i felt i didnt believe it but now let me tell u it will get easier in time my angel is with you angel and your son was awesome from what i have read so we have something in common god bless u and ur family i am truly sorry for ur loss
Denise Wittig
April 5, 2010
My deepest condolences to you and your family.
dave
April 5, 2010
Nothing more tragic than unfulfilled potential, my prayers go out to your family.
April 5, 2010
I am sorry for your loss.
We recently lost our 23 year old son and it very difficult to understand why someone so young leaves this world before his time. God Bless you and your family.
Beverly, Georgia
Sharon
April 5, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
C. S.
April 5, 2010
My deepest condolences to Matt James' family and friends. Such a tragic loss. He and all of you are in my prayers
FootballAngel
Marion Muir
April 5, 2010
Dear James Family
I am so sorry for your Loss I will keep you in my prayers. I lost my 22 yr old son College Footballplayer l yr ago. I know you have a hard road to travel. God Bless you
Jeff & Becky Dowda
April 5, 2010
In My Pocket
I have memories in my pocket.
They rattle among the change.
My memories of you are treasures I carry wherever I go.
They are stored in bits and pieces, parts of a beautiful whole
They give me comfort when I think I am alone.
Yes, I have memories in my pocket, like so much other stuff I keep there.
But of all the treasures I have, it’s the memories of you that are the most precious.
April 5, 2010
my heart goes out to the family on the loss of this young man. such a tragic accident. my thoughts and prayers are you with all who knew him.
Fernando Cruz
April 5, 2010
R.I.P Matt you will be missed by many. Our prayers are with the James family during these trying days!- Fernando Cruz of Cincinnati
April 5, 2010
Very tragic....R.I.P. Matt.
Gwen Bennett
April 5, 2010
So Sorry to hear about the loss of your son. May God give you the strength to get through this. Our prayers are with you and your family
susan Finelli
April 5, 2010
May God keep you and comfort you forever in his loving care...God Bless!
Deborah Ison
April 5, 2010
Mr. & Mrs. James and Family,
My husband was the soldier mentor for Matt during the Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio. Our hearts go out to you and your family for there are no words that can console your broken hearts during this tragic and sad time. Even though my son never met Matt, he was his biggest fan. Shannon was very honored to be paired with such an intelligent, talented, and respectful young man. I am so sorry for your family’s loss. Your family will remain in our hearts and prayers. May God bless you in this time of sorrow.
Cindy DeBolt
April 5, 2010
May's God's grace sustain you in your fresh grief.
April 5, 2010
so sorry for your loss....may your boy rest in paradise...
Michelle Lucas
April 5, 2010
So sorry to hear of the loss of your son Matt, May God be with your family.
stephanie hernandez
April 5, 2010
I'm so sorry for the loss of such a talented young man.
May the family have peace. God Bless.
Thomas & Ford Family
April 5, 2010
God Bless you Matt and the whole James Family.
un known
April 5, 2010
im so sorry for your lose, i know how it feels to lose a loved one, my thoughts and prayers are with you<3
Charles Green
April 5, 2010
This loss is so heartbreaking. It always hurts me deeply when people of so much promise and hope pass away too soon. May "the God of all comfort" give you the peace that surpasses all human thought as you deal with your loss. (2 Cor. 1,3.4)
Cindy Gray
April 5, 2010
I am so sorry for your family and for the loss of your son. Please know that you are all in my prayers. As the parent of a teenager, I can not imagine what you are going through. God bless you all and keep you, and may God give you peace in this tragedy.
lolita simmons
April 5, 2010
Jerry and family I am so sorry about Matt know that all our prayers are with you
Lolita and your friends at fairfield endo
Ryan
April 5, 2010
I'm so sorry for your loss. May the Bible's promises for the future as found at John 5:28 & 29 bring you comfort.
April 5, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you. May you find comfort in God during this tragic time in your lives.
Terry, Monroe North Carolina
April 5, 2010
I am a parent from Tallahasse, FL of 2 teenagers and we were in Destin when I heard the tragic news. Even though I did not know your son or your family I felt the need to express my sympathy. My prayers went out to you immediately following my hearing of your loss. May God be with you during this time.
Robin Lee
raqueyah rodgers
April 5, 2010
to the family of matt james,
i pray that you recieve comfort in your time of need.
April 5, 2010
To the Family of Matt James. We had the honor of meeting Matt at the US Army game. Our son played in the Jr.High game & we took their picture togther & got autographs. They all had the time of there lives. What wondreful memories you have to cherish of him. God Bless - The Little Family
Antonio
April 5, 2010
Dear family of Matt James I am so sorry for your lost,let me share a scripture with you at James 4:8 were it says draw close to god and he will draw close to you. I will keep the family in my prayer
cherie smith
April 5, 2010
May the LORD give the family and friends of this young man. Strength and comfort at this difficult time. GOD Bless
Helen
April 5, 2010
R.I.P.
Debra Holloway
April 5, 2010
My thoughts are with you in your time of tragic loss. Keep him close in your hearts and he will live forever.
April 5, 2010
To the Family and Friends of Matt James,
So sorry for the sudden death of such a talented young man like Matt. May you find a measure of peace from the thought at Psalms 34:18-"God is near to those broken at heart..."
You can feel that Death can leave a heartache that nothing can heal, just know that Love can leave a memory that no one can steal.
The Grant Family
MARIA ZACARIAS
April 5, 2010
MY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY IN THIS TIME OF SORROW.
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