James Thomas Pickren

Mr. And Mrs. Pickren, and Chip, It's hard to believe it's been 20 years. I know that rings differently for the three of you than for me. I sat at home thinking about him the other day, yesterday, and today, hoping the scholarship in his honor is helping students the way he would have. Having three children of my own now, I have a different perspective than when James and I played at Stanton together. I missed him when Coach Stephens told us the news. I missed him at our final game against...

Dear James,

I am a Senior at Stanton College Prep, and I just applied for a scholarship named for you in your honor. I didn't know who you were, because I was a lot younger, but I feel like I should write you this in grattitude. Thank you for all you did here and the legacy you left, thank you for leading our football team with strength and bravery. As a cheerleader, I see the guys of todays games work hard and always treat other players with kindness, something I'm sure you would be...

Dear Mr.and Mrs. Pickren,

My thoughts and prayers are with you. James was a great person. I never was the closest person with him. But, I got to know who James really was, and he was a great person. Even though it has been a year after his death, this is the first time I"m writing, because I never wanted to really face reality, by writing this. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love always,
Chelsea Brubeck

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Pickren and family
James was a wonderful friend who did everything in his power to uplift and help anyone whether they needed it or not. I will never forget all the times he ran up to me for a hug, making me scream hysterically thinking he was going to tackle me in the hallway. I can't count the number of times was lifted off of the ground by at least 1 1/2 feet just for a hug by James. He always made me smile and continues to do so I as think of him daily. James...

It has been well over a month since we lost James, and as the holidays approach, I fondly remember a previous Christmas season with James in a santa hat shouting HO HO HO to unsuspecting passerbys, spreading joy as he always did. I, like everyone, will miss his incredibly comforting bear hugs and his contagious smile. James was the best friend any of us could ever ask for, and I long for the day that I see him again in heaven. I feel beyond blessed that God shared such a beautiful angel with...

Dear Pickren Family:
I wanted to share a verse with you that reminded me of James.
"God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble." James 4:6
You are in my heart and prayers.
Love
Brittany

From our family to yours,

He will never be far from your heart or your soul! I did not meet your wonderful guy but, I can not help but think that when I see one of my own students, or my own sons, I will remember what a wonderful son The Lord has given to your family. James could not have given if he did not have the strong family I am sure that you gave him. You gave him roots and his love and his gift of giving. The Lord gave him his wings.
My heart breaks for your pain, but...

To the Pickren Family:
while playing on the Stanton Football team, I got a chance to play with a really great guy in James. He was an excellent offensive lineman on the field but more importantly a Great guy with a awesome personlality off the field. Words truly cannot explain how much he will be missed. My prayers are with you.

As I read the news article, I was amazed at how this young man touched so many lives, and my heart immediatley went out to his family.
As I looked at his picture and looked at his name, I began to realize that I knew him too. I worked at Sterling House, and he and his family visited there quite often. I remember when I first met him he was my height, but the next time I saw him he was huge! He was so nice to his grandmother, she could talk to me about him for hours. The whole Pickren...