James N. Erickson

I remember the first day of Theatre Arts class as a Sophomore (10-12 back then). He was talking about the program, how parents chipped in at work parties. I remember rolling my eyes, thinking 'yeah right, I'm going to have my parents help out, that would be so embarrassing.'

First work party, I saw all the parents, and the next weekend my parents were there helping out. It really helped my parents and I bond during the trying teenage years. The drama program gave me a reason and a...

I met Mr. Erickson as a fifth grader when I played an orphan in the spring production of Annie. Later, as a high school student, I took drama classes. He was an amazing teacher, his love for his job was obvious and contagious. He will a,ways hold a special place in my heart as one of my favorite teachers.

As a current student at BHS, I often marvel at the incredible things Mr.Erickson accomplished in the auditorium I call my second home. His incomparable legacy still stands today, and I am humbled to be able to do what I love on the very stage he worked with. Though I may never fully understand the kind person he was, the influence he had on peoples' lives and the wonders he helped countless students create, I do know that he will never be forgotten, and that every student who performs on that...

Remembering with gratitude the lessons, the love, the laughter... Many things I accomplish now are better because James touched my life.

I walked into the studio theater with a blank look on my face the first day of my junior year. He made a point of welcoming me, introducing me, and having one of the returning students show me around for a few minutes while everyone came in for first period.
After a few weeks, he suggested that I get involved in a show, and do some backstage work.
He always managed to find a way to keep me growing beyond what I thought I could do... and I was even on stage in the ensemble in Grease in...

I came to know James when I was a young music teacher at Oak Hills Elementary. I worked with Carol at Aloha doing some choreography, and this brought James into my life.
Although I was an adult, I became a student. The lessons I learned from this creative genius and generous mentor were so varied and have become such an indelible part of my inner self, it's hard to imagine what I would be like without having experienced James. From working together on Pirates to tapping through...

Who could ever pass by this man without getting touched? As a foreign exchange student in 1984 he welcomed me and introduced me to the American dream. Being far away from comfort surroundings, he strengthened my experiences at all times and introduced me to the local network. Extremely good times and great laughters.
One of a kind. I will always treasure the great memories.

Klas Elmroth. Stockholm, Sweden