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James Wiggins Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for James Wiggins
Cornelia Hatten - Nicholson
June 29, 2007
Dear Shirlise and family,
I am very thankful, and honored to have been able to reconnect with you and James,on that Saturday when I came to visit the Premiere Dance Theatre. I was very excited to see the fruits of all your hard work, and proud to see the great success of your accomplishments and dreams. I take comfort in knowing that although James has physically crossed over, his beautiful spirit, charasmatic personality, contagiuos sense of humor, and strength as a man will not be forgotten. For all of these qualities will continue to resonate through the love that he shared with you and your family. These are also the same qualities that made James "Juney", a much loved, and integral part of our "School of the Performing Arts" family. Our days of dancing, and performing provide some of my favorite, and most memorable experiences at Montclair High. Shirlise, Please know that you will continue to be in my prayers and thoughts. May the creator up above continue to gently caress you and yours during this time, and may our hearts be brought to a sense of peace as we celebrate the many wonderful memories of James and the lives that he so deeply touched.
Nyya Burgwyn
June 11, 2007
I want to wish the wiggins family good luck. I love u all from Mr. James to Vannesa you all have an effect on my life. Ms. shirlise and Mr. James you have showed me a gift i never thought I had. I hope he didn't die of horrible cause. the tears run down my face as i reminise on the fun i had attending that school. i hope life gets better from this piont on. God Bless You. i love you sooooooooooo much. < kisses and hugs> I am here for you if you ever need. My door is always open. need me.
Vincent Palumbo
June 8, 2007
I am 44 Years Old and had the pleasure of knowing James since his HS years. My heart is truly missing him. He is and will always remain one of the brightest talents I ever have come to know. It is no coincidence to me that I had a lenghty conversation about him with a mutual friend and the fond memories we shared prior to this tragedy.
Rhea Tompkins
June 7, 2007
James and Shirlese introduced my daughter Tayla, better known by James as "Tweety", to dance. They taught her from the age of 3 to 11. I don't believe she would have excelled as much as she has without them. James always brought laughter to everyone and made the children feel good about themselves. James your spirit and talent will live on forever. I know in my heart that you will be smiling down on all your "children".
Alexandra Shuss
June 7, 2007
There are no words to express my sadness. My years at School of Performing Arts are filled with memories of James, my loyal friend. Every room was lit up with his smile and filled with his laughter. I will deeply cherish those memories and hold him close to my heart, always.
Jerry Smyre
June 6, 2007
I am devistated. James was one of my students I will never forget. He has been, and will always be in my memory. We have all lost a wonderful person.
Gentry Lovett
June 6, 2007
I had the pleasure of knowing young James Wiggins when I taught at SPA.
I will always remember that smile - and that laugh. He was such a joy to know and to work with. My condolences to his family & friends
Jeannine Penn
June 6, 2007
I will never forget the fun times we had at SPA. His friendship and talent will be missed. His memory will always hold a special place in my heart. Wishing you strength and comfort during this difficult time.
Lisa Boggs
June 4, 2007
That smile, that laugh, that talent, on stage and off, James Wiggins is one of the brightest spirits to ever grace my life and everyone else's at the School of Performing Arts in Montclair...... my love to his family and to all fortunate enough to know and be inspired by him. His memory will live on in our hearts always.
Much love,
Lisa
Stefanee C. Anderson
June 4, 2007
Well what can I say, I've known James majority of my life and he was just like family to me. As a matter of fact I probably spent more time with him and Shirlise at Premiere than I did with my own family. I will truely miss James and visiting him at the studio. Fortunately for him his spirt will live on with his kids and ALL his "children" from PDT! I just want to thank him and his family for being in my life. I will never forget him and Im sure he wouldn't have it any other way!
STEPHANEE SMITH
June 3, 2007
TO THE WIGGINS FAMILY, NO WORDS CAN EXPRESS THE SADNESS THAT I FEEL FOR MY DANCE TEACHER...MR. WIGGINS HAS BEEN IN MY LIFE FOR MORE THEN 10 YEARS...HE WAS NOT ONLY MY DANCE TEACHER, BUT HE WAS A GREAT MENTOR, ALWAYS ENCOURAGING ME TO GIVE IT MY ALL..I WILL TRULY MISS HIM...I ASK GOD TO WATCH OVER AND BLESS MRS. SHERLISE,JAMESS,JORDAN,ALLYISSA, VANESSA, AND ALL HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS..LUV ALWAYS,"TOOTIE"
Latifah, Amani, and Amira Jannah
June 3, 2007
We are saddened at the loss of this fine spirit and wonderful man. We remember with smiles our time with you in classes and performances at Gallman's Newark Dance Company; your work with the children in Montclair at Premier was a continuation of your love of dance and community. Our prayers go to the Wiggins Family.
Rest In Peace.
Aeva Gaymon-Doomes
June 3, 2007
Wishing the Wiggins family strength and sympathy during this time of loss. God Bless.
Maxine Rodney
June 3, 2007
James, beautiful friend and brother, it was like yesterday that I watched you, Rhonda Holland and many others float across the dance floor at Montclair High SPA in Doris (Dottie) Walker's class. Then it was like I was just at Premiere today taking a class or preparing for the June concert with you and Shirlese and my fellow dancers, smiling at James, III while he watches from his baby bouncer. You have always been a great teacher, friend and an inspiration. I will truly miss you. I know you are dancing peacefully with God and your father watching over Shirlese, the children, and your families. There are so many that knew and loved you.
Shirlese, Children and Family, the loss may be great, but know that he is in the arms of the Lord and has left you with his wonderful spirit and legacy to carry on. May God bless you and give you strength and peace.
Love always,
Maxine (N.B.N) Rodney
Lisa Feacher
June 3, 2007
Premiere Dance has been a part of our lives for the past 8 yrs. Ms.Shirlise & Mr. Wiggins have and is still giving my daughter an incredible gift. She loves both of you and so do we as a family. Our hearts are with you. Our love is with you. May God continue to shower you and the family with peace and many blessings. Mr. Wiggins' name shall shine forever. He genuinely LOVED the children and you could feel his passion for his dream with Premiere in his presence. He will be greatly missed. Love, The Feacher Family(Richard, Lisa, Audreya, Zay, and Joshua)
Yolanda Kelly
June 2, 2007
Ms. Shirlese and Family,
We, the teachers of 177 Central Avenue Classroom 6, are deeply saddened. We have known you and Mr. Wiggins for a short time and have grown fond of the both of you. We are honored to have known Mr. Wiggins. He had a kind heart and a love for children. He was "down to earth" with a great sense of humor. We will indeed miss him.
Mrs. Kelly & Mrs. Ahmad (NPC 177 Central Avenue Classroom 6)
Ty (Tyrone) Taylor
June 2, 2007
James, my big brother, my friend, my mentor, there are no words to describe and not enough pages to hold the overflowing joy I have for you in my heart when I think you and you impact on all of us. I Thank you for taking me under your wing and showing me that flying is not choice but a mission. Please allow us to hear your voice in wind's whistle,see your dance in the waves of the water, feel your pain in drops of rain and hear your laughter in rays of sunshine. I miss you already. And will carry you always.
Stacey Johnson
June 2, 2007
To The Wiggins Family, James was an exceptional person with a personallity that touched everyones heart. I know he will be deeply missed by you, all of the children at the dance company and everyone who knew him. May the peace that passes all understanding guide your heart and minds through Christ Jesus.
Ruby Long
June 1, 2007
Juney, Your spirit is beautiful and will live always. I pray strength upon your family left behind. I remember the song before the dance...you have so very many talents. You will be greatly missed but now you can sing and dance amongst the angels and before God's throne...so dance Jimmy dance, sing Juney sing until earth and heaven rings and know that you will never be forgotten!
Love Ruby Long, Theresa Walker, and Lisa Ellington
Nancy(Cookie) Glover-Warren
June 1, 2007
I will forever remember James Wiggins for the duet that we shared in high school "Showcase" His love of music and dance, his charm and charisma. To his wife and children know that we also feel your pain and that friends and family will be there to lift you up while you mourn and to not let you forget the great man, husband, dancer and friend that he was.
Felicia Williams
June 1, 2007
I have known Mr. Wiggins for 3 years from Premier Dance and in those 3 years, he had become a sort of placement in my life and in my daughter's life. He was a devoted father and surrogate father to all of his children and his dance children. He will be terribly missed.
SHERISE MAJETTE
June 1, 2007
MR WIGGINS, YOU'LL ALWAYS HAVE A "STEP" IN MY SPIRIT...TO THE WIGGINS FAMILY, MAY GOD CONTINUE TO GUIDE, STRENGTHEN AND BRING PEACE UPON YOU NOW AND ALWAYS. MR. WIGGINS.....TEACH THEM ANGLES HOW TO DANCE! DANCE! DANCE!
Joan Shuss
June 1, 2007
James, your humor and talent can never be forgotten,not only by the other students but also the parents of those who attended the Performing Arts High School with you. From a grateful fan. (Alexandra's Mom)
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