James R. Messenger

I worked with Jim for a short time at ACS/Xerox. He was a warm and friendly presence when I needed it most. He was about the most interesting man I've ever met, so many varied interests and projects. He was such a lovely man. Ours is a lesser place without him in it.

Jim never knew a stranger, always willing to more than asked was an insperation to many in WRHS. Praying for Peace and the Love of Christ to shower his family .He changed the lives of many for the best!

I am so sorry to hear of Jim's death. Even from our school days I've admired Jim for his optimistic outlook and his courage in following his dreams, his true insight and genuine kindness. We will all miss him very much. WRHS 66

Music lover, Playwright, Screenwriter, Emmy winner, Academy Award Nominee, Mentor, Father of the Information Age, World Traveler, My Friend. Rest in Peace. WRHS '66

May all your wonderful memories of Jim carry you through this time of sorrow. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. It was a pleasure knowing Jim in high school as he was always a kind and caring friend.
Suzanne Jones Derrick WRHS 1966

I came to WRHS in my junior year not knowing anyone. Jim quickly became a friend and introduced me to others. Jesus spoke of Nathanael as a man "without guile." I've always view Jim in that way - a most genuine and kind man who abounded with character, intellect and winsomeness. He will be greatly missed. Michael (Mickey) Phillips WRHS 66.

Some of my fondest memories of high school were the times spent with Jim working on "The Fantasticks". He was a very talented friend and a joy to be around. May his family and friends be comforted by the wonderful memories.
WRHS 1966

I was so saddened to learn of Jim's diagnosis and subsequent death.... Jim was such a bright and talented gentleman, kind and loving with a sweet, gentle and soft spoken voice. What little I knew of Jim's accomplishments were amazing; however it was evident that this brilliant member of our class would be a great contribution to society. I hate so much that I lost touch with Jim after graduation but vividly remember our last meeting with Jim's book publication displayed for our viewing. Pancreatic cancer is so vicious...... I pray that Jim did not suffer in his last days. Heaven has certainly gained a bright and shining star who will be greatly missed.

An accomplished visionary and gentleman is gone too soon, leaving extended family,friends, and colleagues to honor his memory.

Carol (Moleski) O'Brien WRHS Class of 1966

We will all miss Jim, a gentle and very intelligent man. He was able to think, speak, and write 'outside the box'. Rest in peace, my friend.
WRHS 66

Jim always had a smile and a kind word for everyone. He will be missed. I pray the love, grace and comfort of God will bring Jim's family peace during this difficult time.

Kay Hortman Sargent, WRHS Class of 1966

I'm sorry for the loss of Jim. His life and times brought him to many places and to interesting experiences. Memory takes me back to the '1960's and the yearbook staff where Jim and I labored and the school musical production of "The Fantasticks". I also recall the page in the WRHS annual dedicated to Jim's own Barbra Streisand Fan Club (a hoot to see in a middle Georgia high school yearbook). Sure enough he was a college freshman in New York City the next year. So sad for one full of life taken away too early by pancreatic cancer.
Mark Aldridge, WRHS Class of 1966

Celebrating a life that was so talented; whenever I think of Jim, I think of that infectious smile he always wore. May God bless his dear family and give them comfort, strength, and peace during this time of loss. Rest in Peace, Jim, "WRHS Class of 1966"

Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever. Rest in peace, my friend. Cathy Cross McDonald, WRHS Class of 1966

I feel very fortunate to have known JimWe became good friends while working on the WRHS annual staff our senior year. In my opinion, Jim took being named Most Likely to Succeed to heart, earning many accolades in film making and writing. I remember Jim calling me one day in 1966, and said that I needed to see an old painting at a friend's home in Warner Robins. It was from the 1800's of an English barmaidI took a Polaroid of it, and made a reproduction of it after moving to Puerto Rico. The painting hangs in my home as a reminder of our friendship. There are so many great memories of just being kids, swimming at the Kaolin pits in the summer, riding our little Honda scooters all over the back roads, painting pep rally signs, and putting together a fantastic yearbook for our Class of 1966.
My next trip to Warner Robins for a class reunion will be filled with a feeling of emptiness. I wish is that I had stayed in closer contact, rather than catching up every five yearsRegretfully, I did not get to tell Jim goodbye.
To Jim's family, your loss is felt by manyHe was good, kind, and so very talented.

Ed (Eddie) Owens WRHS Class of 1966

Our world has lost a very special, kind, and decent man. May God give the family peace and comfort at this time of loss. Lois McEachern Harper, WRHS Class of 1966

A gentleman and a friend. A mentor to me. A brilliant mind. The world just got a little bit dimmer. May God bless my friend and his family at this sad time. I will miss him immeasurably.

In loving memory of Jim...A life well lived...he was Brave and Strong and True

May God bless his family during this time.