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Lynne McCoy posted a condolence
Today is no anniversary, no special day... Maybe it's the start of football season. James loved Haynesville Tornado football. I think about James everyday and today I just can't stop crying. I still can't go through his stuff in his bedroom. With the exception of hanging up his uniform while he was still in Iraq and going through looking for stuff for Jody right after James died, it is just the same as he left it in January. I don't know why I am compelled to write on this memorial page today, maybe if there was a nearby catholic church I would light a candle there, but since there isn't...here it will be. I miss you James.
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Cina Lee Kraft posted a condolence
Jamie was a sweet, loving boy with many talents, a very sensitive soul. He was a gifted musician, and had a subtle sense of humor. I remember spending the night in Cedar Rapids when he was 4 years old, and the next morning as I was telling my usual stories, with embellishments and exaggerations, he was quick (with a sparkle in his eye) to keep me honest and precise. It's a loss to us all that he had not yet found a firm footing in this world. Jody Lee, my heart is with you and your beautiful son.
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Wendy Benischek posted a condolence
Jody - my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. When a child is loss it is always to soon. Wendy
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Tom & Mary Ingram-Chittick posted a condolence
Jody,
There are no words that to convey our sadness for you and your parents during this very sad time. Our hearts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
Mary and Tom
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Andrea Kriegermeier posted a condolence
Jody, our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family in this time of great loss. ~ The Kriegermeier Family
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Betsy Van Wyhe posted a condolence
Jody, You are in Scott and my thoughts and prayers. I know Tyler will always have a place in his heart for James. I can still see the 2 of them heading off to skate board! I hope you can find peace in your heart knowing that James is in a special place. Thinking of you and lighting a candle for James. Betsy, Scott, Tyler, Kyle, Dylan & Trevor Van Wyhe
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Christine OConnor posted a condolence
Jody my deepest sympathies, lean on your friends for strength, and hold on to memories for comfort.
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Brian and Kris White posted a condolence
Jody,
Words cannot express the sadness and hurt we feel for you and your family at this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you grieve. We send our love.
Brian and Kris
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Paul W Mann posted a condolence
Jody, My thoughts and prayers are with you in this most difficult time. I pray that time will bring you peace and understanding.
Paul Mann
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Ed Fitch posted a condolence
Jody - We send our heartfelt condolences to the McCoy family. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Ed, Angela, & Philip Fitch
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Bill Book posted a condolence
Jody, I am so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sorrow.
Bill & Mary Book
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Bryan McCoy posted a condolence
James loved listening to music, playing his guitar, playing frisbee golf, and rock climbing. He was quite accomplished at all these things. James had many more successes during life than challenges. The dark dark demon of addiction wooed James for his last few years, but even so during these times his love for Jody and me, his stepmother lynne who deeply loved, cared for, and guided James through all his high school success and challenges, and his two brothers and sister Alsyon were always present. James was searching in life and very close to finding his true direction. James was a very successful student at Haynesville High School. He was on the honor roll, won awards participating in regional and state level Future Business Leaders of America competitions. James also won ribbons at regional Literary ralley in Louisian and did well at state competition. James onece recieved a firt place ribbon and a fifty dollar cash award for a painging of his little sister presented at the Claiborne Parish fair. James has an empathetic and loving sole frequently reaching and out and giving to those in need, especially children. God has a plan which is hard for all of us to understand when we loose loved ones so young. Let James untimely death enspire each and every one of us to redouble our efforts to reach out to all young people to inspire and lead them and to never give up the stuggle to help loved ones and strangers alike to deal with the dark demons of the world including that most incideous thief in the night - drugs and addiction. I love my son James more than life itself and would gladly give up the rest of my days for james to have even one more hour to let his light shine again in all of us. James touched the haert of many adult mentors thoughout our church, local and University communities and is remembered fondly. I am asked daily how is James. I have always been proud to be able to report of new and exciting endeavours. James attended Sourthern Arkansas University Tech and Southerna Arkansas Univeristy. James quickly became a campus leader at SAU. He had many friends and was a bright and successful student. It was on campus where James was recruited into the military. James excelled throgh basic training. He of course was apprehensive about serving overseas, but did so with dignity and pride. I am as proud as any father could be of an outstanding son and will miss James every day for the rest of my life, but I take great solice in knowing that james new the lord as a christian. He worshiped with us every sunday during his years spent in Arizona, Arkansas and Louisiana. James was always hard to get moving in the mornings except on Sunday morings when he was always up and ready to go. We took communion and prayed at the alter together many times. I have no doubts that James is with the lord today.
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Teresa Walton-Helm posted a condolence
The last time I saw James, he was preparing to leave for the recruiting station. I knew he was searching for his special purpose in the world and yet he showed no fear. He was a young man you would want to nurture and mentor and yet he was fiercely independent in his openness to experience all sides of life. His smile was shy and beautiful and it communicated his caring for others when words could not. He was a sweet, highly intelligent, and creative young man who had so much promise in so many respects. This is what makes his passing so difficult to endure. There is just emptiness in my heart and I can only imagine the pain of his loving family as they have been called upon to say goodbye to their young and beautiful son and brother. I hope and pray they can find peace in this terrible time of reckoning with a profound loss. Knowing his father and step-mother, I believe they will find a strong and beautiful way to remember James. I will never forget this brave and handsome young man and what he taught me about fearlessly taking the next step to actualizing self. I have faith that young James has been greeted by angels and is aware of the outpouring of love and prayer that rises up from this earth for him.
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Barb & Rex Appleget posted a condolence
Jody - Our love and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. I can't imagine losing a child!May God give you strength and courage in the days ahead.
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Brenda Giddens posted a condolence
My memories of James consist of the times I would see him here at Haynesville High School... He was his Dad made over... The way he walked..the way he talked & everything reminded me of his Dad.. He was a sweet young man... My prayers are with the McCoys....
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Tim Crittendon posted a condolence
When I heard the news about James, my heart went out to the McCoy family - expecially Dr. McCoy. James looked just like his dad. I just recently lost my wife and know the pain and grief the family is feeling. I remember James as a bright and respectful young man that had the ability to do good things. I was glad when I heard he was going in to the military for the fact that he would benefit from the discipline. I will always remember James as a bright light that was turned off too soon.
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Lynne McCoy posted a condolence
James loved an adventure! Cactus and tiger trees were no obstacle. Nor were the skateboard parks, the mountains he climbed, the music - especially the "vinyl" he loved, or learning. It is amazing the books he would read - much too deep for me. I love James - Not Past Tense - even though our relationship was complicated and strained at times as "steps" often are.
James heart was big and he cared deeply for other people. He loved his mom and dad more than he was capable of expressing to them.
James was sooo smart! He was on the honor roll; qualified for district and state literary rally in environment science; qualified for state FBLA conference in Word Processing; and considered one of the brightest and most respectful students at our school.
James was also thoughtfully spiritual. I remember a few years ago when a friend was killed in a car accident the two of use kneeling at the altar after church and crying and praying for his friend. I am not yet to a point that I can say "It is Well with my soul" but even though the time was too short, I can say "Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord" of our James.
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Martha Harson posted a condolence
I'm glad that I had the opportunity to teach James when he was in Haynesville. He was a pleasure to have in class because he had intellectual curiosity and a brilliant mind. He must have been bored sometimes because his level of knowledge far exceeded that of most of his classmates, but he never acted bored and never made others feel inferior. Sometime he would just give a slight smile when he'd just correctly answered a question and other students said to him, "How did you know that!"
James was a seeker, not satisfied with the status quo. I always felt that if James ever found what he was seeking in life he would truly soar.
My deepest sympathies go out to his family for there is no greater sorrow than losing a child. I pray that your good memories of James will give you comfort during this difficult time.
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Leah L. Haynes posted a condolence
I had the opportunity to teach James several high school classes at Haynesville. I really enjoyed his company. He was witty and fun to talk to. He liked to debate and he usually had the answer if no one else could speak up. I have often asked his step mom and dad about him because I truly enjoyed him. I am very saddened by his passing.
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Theresa Murray posted a condolence
My heart goes out to all the love ones of James. James and I attended a couple of classes together during his time at Haynesville High. James was a very outspoken young man. He would always make me laugh. We use to call him "King James". We also went to FBLA Rally together with his step mom, Mrs. McCoy. When we went to eat at Burger King while we were at rally, he decided to show us that he really was "King James", and he put on his paper crown from Burger King and "proclaimed his kingdom" as he said.For the little time that i attended classes with James and was around him, I saw that he was a wonderful young man to be around. Mrs. & Mr. McCoy you will continue to be in my prayers along with the rest of James' loved one left behind. May God be with you in this difficult time.
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Laura Forero posted a condolence
My Dear Jody,
You are in my heart. I wish I could be there with you but I'm there through my thoughts and prayers. I can't imagine what you must be going through; my wish is that you find comfort in all the great memories of James. With love, Laura
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Jill Otto posted a condolence
Jodi, Warren, & Macy,
I am grieved deeply by this sudden, unexpected death. I read all the candle-lit messages about him, and he sounds like he inherited many of the traits that I admired so much in your family - intellegence, creativity, kindness, love of music, and a zest for life.
It is so unfair - your fine family has suffered too much from this type of loss.
Addiction is a powerful and evil demon. It has had an impact on my family as well, and I know how it can change a person and cause them to behave in ways they would never visit if sober.
Jodi, I am living in Eagan now, and if there is anything that I can do for you, please let me know.
Jill Otto
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Grampa McCoy posted a condolence
Bryan, Lynne and Jody We have lost our dear child of God and we weep with you. James spent a good deal of time with us in traveling back to Iowa and of course, biking on RAGBRI. What wonderful memories of the times together. The little travel trailer that housed us during those trips held some memories too. Our only trip to the Grand Canyon was with James. Cut short, as the height made him a little woosey. We have been so honored to have been a part of his life. God bless all of you. Love Grampa and Grammy.
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minda gralnek posted a condolence
Dear Jody, Warren and Macy,
I am so sorry about James' death. I was shocked and saddened to hear this news. I remember James coming to stay at our house as a pre-schooler, when you came to Minneapolis on a business trip. My daughter, Audrey, has always refered to James as her friend, from that one visit. I am sorry I can't be with you at the visitation and service. I always drive through Baxter on my way home to Newton--it is beautiful and peaceful. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
love, minda gralnek
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John & Claire Struthers posted a condolence
Jodie,
We are so sad to learn of this news. Please know that you will be in our thoughts and prayers this weekend. We love you!
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Anne Couch posted a condolence
Dear Bryan and all of James' family, I am so very sorry to hear of James' death. Wish I could be there to be of some comfort, I can only offer my prayers and share your grief hoping that this will some how ease the hurt you and your family are experiencing. My heart is with all of you. Much Love Anne Couch
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Denise Moseley posted a condolence
Bryan, my heart is just breaking for you. I should have contacted you sooner, but to be honest, I just couldn't do it. It seems surreal. But I know that you and Lynne loved your boy and that you did everything you knew to help him find his place in this world. Maybe his place was just not THIS world but the better one. And praise His name, we will see him again. This is what the Word tells us: "We don't yet see things clearly. We're squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won't be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We'll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us!" We have to believe that. I will continue to pray for you and your family.
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Shelby Carl Brannon posted a condolence
Always the gentleman, it seems like just yesterday that James and I took the loooong drive from Magnolia, Arkansas to Portsmouth, VA together. I was headed home for the summer and at 15 James volunteered to ride with me so I would not have to make the 18 hour drive on my own. It doesn't seem possible that so much time has passed and that James is gone, I will truely miss him.
He was an amazingly patient young man who put up with the random and often bossy college student who frequently crashed family dinners to get some edible food into her system, and would then beg him to help her with whatever building project she had going on at the time.
I will never forget family dinners, doing yardwork for Kim and Dan, and the adventures of Shelby, Alyson and James--icecream, Chin Chin, jumping on the trampoline, Sonic in the park, and many many more.
I was truly blessed to have known James.
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Alyson McCoy posted a condolence
My brother was a very very special person. I remember when I was little he used to come stay with us in Flag Staff. We would have soo much funn! When we moved to Magnolia, him n my daddy would go frisbee golfing. I never got to go. But when they got back, I would steal the frisbee n go play with my puppy lol James was my best friend for the longest time. He was a really good person n someone that I could just hang out with and have fun with. Sometimes bad things just happen to good people. I know he's in a better place now and he will be missed. But when our day comes we will meet again. I love you sooo muchh!
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Nathan Stone posted a condolence
I remember the first time i met james. He was very special person. We both listen to the same kind of music and enjoyed the same video games. my mom used to always give him rides back home after i was done at football practice. thanks to her i got to know him even better. I will always remember him, and cherish that memory. He was always kind and understanding. My only regret is that i did not get to know him better in the time i was alloted. I only hope that i can get to know him better in heaven.
James I'll miss you buddy.
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Steven Pokorny posted a condolence
The forsythia blooms now, Jamey.
The tiny, golden trumpets think to join the yellow
throated daffodils in a song
to wake the spring.
They do now know they sing
a dirge for us, instead.
Lost on them the irony
that turns their joy
into our sorrow.
How we envy them their
happy oblivion, Jamey.
But, soon enough, their
voices shall fall,
like yours,
like ours,
into that great,
good silence
where all our human sorrows
and joys, like yours,
are finally laid to rest.
Rest, now, Jamey;
for we join you
soon enough.
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Claire & Mark Thurbush posted a condolence
Jody – We were so saddened to hear of your loss. I’m sorry we cannot be with you in Iowa for the visitation and service. Our thoughts are with you and your family. What beautiful pictures of James on the tribute video. May you find some comfort in your memories of him. With love, Claire & Mark
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Chris & Liz posted a condolence
Jody,
We are so brokenhearted to hear the sad news of your son's passing. May you draw strength and comfort from your family, and friends here in Minneapolis. Know that you are in our prayers. God Bless.
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Barb and Ernie Larew posted a condolence
We just want you to know that we cherish the good times we had with you and James in Cedar Rapids and that we are thinking of you during this difficult time.
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Pat Hahn posted a condolence
Jody, I am so saddened to hear of your loss. Please know you have many friends at work onto whom you can lean. With sincere sympathy, Pat
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stevie white posted a condolence
Jody, I am so sorry to hear about your son. my thoughts and prayers are with you. I know we havent known eachother very long, but if there is anything i can do please let me know...
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Chris Gable posted a condolence
I've got a great memory of Jody and Jerry (James' uncle) pushing James on a swing (he was maybe a year old) in a park in lower Manhattan, NY. Something simple but it made all of them so happy. It was hard to tell which of the three of them was getting the biggest kick out of it!
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Vicki Ayres-Benson posted a condolence
My heart goes out to James' mother Jody, his father Bryan, his step-mother Lynne and his extended and step-family, of which I am blessed to be a part of. I always enjoyed seeing James and joking around with him during family events. I am saddened at his passing, and while I know he is were we all hope to be some day, with Jesus, I also know he will be deeply missed. God bless James Baxter McCoy.
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Julia Derloshon posted a condolence
Jody, We feel for you in this difficult time. You are in our thoughts.
Julia, Eric, James, Elise
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Jennifer posted a condolence
We are all thinking of you today - glad we could be with you yeserday - sorry we can't be with you today. We will pray for you and your family to find a way to get through this most difficult time. We are always here for you.
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Sneha Shah posted a condolence
Jody, I am very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Please reach out to me for anything you need.
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Ali posted a condolence
Jody, I was shocked and saddened to hear of your loss. I can't imagine the grief you are feeling right now. Just know that you have a large pool of people who care for you and are there to aid you in your time of need. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
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Kim Stern posted a condolence
Jody, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. With Love, Kim
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Roger and Debbie Guevara & family posted a condolence
God Bless you and the entire family in this time of great loss. May you take comfort in Jesus Christ who gives eternal life.
Roger
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Peeyush Maheshwari posted a condolence
Jody,
I am very saddened since the time I learnt the news. I hope you get all the strenght to bear this time of your life. You have many friends, please let us know anything we can do.
Peeyush
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Jeff Hagerman posted a condolence
Connie's call was truly a shock. I felt certain that James had made the turn when he signed up. I was as pleased for you (as well as your mom, dad, and the rest of the family) as I am saddened now.
We were taught while growing up that if we work hard, stay in school, respect others, etc., that we could or would make it (to) "there". On our way "there" we try to create a comfortable and happy "here". James lived both "there" in Minnesota or "there" at Dad's. He was extremely fortunate to have two of the finest "theres" that a person could imagine and all concerned should be very proud of all that you offered and provided. James (I feel) was missing the "here" that he saw most enjoying and may have created his own private "here" that made him feel comfortable and happy. You are not at fault. Brian wrote that we all need to help those with addiction issues. So, I prefer to think of James' passing as a very positive lesson to all of us to help those who are in need of help. Know too, that he worked very hard to reach "there" and now has a "here" that is unequalled. He is "here" and here.
I owe you a hug. If you need ANY help at the house PLEASE don't hesitate to call.
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Susan Heddleson posted a condolence
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time in your life. We greatly appreciate James' service to his country. Take comfort in all of the friends and their thoughts that surround you.
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KIerissa and John Church posted a condolence
Jody, We are so sorry about your loss. We are thinking of you often.
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Deb & Ken Rice posted a condolence
He stood for us do it was our honor to stand for him. Members of Patriot Guard, Davenport, Iowa. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Deb & Ken Rice
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CPT Scott Akerley posted a condolence
Dear Sir / Ma'am,
We did our best to honor James during a memorial service at 2pm this afternoon. The ceremony was attended by over 400 Soldiers and Airmen from across Iraq, to include General Officers, Command Sergeant Majors, and both Army and Air Force commanders at all levels. James was widely recognized as an excellent Soldier, but more importantly as a good person.
The Army loves to simplify things in terms of Task and Purpose, with Purpose always being the most important. The purpose of life will be forever debated, but my thoughts mirror those of a certain 19th century poet when he spoke of success. He said “To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.� James made every Soldier in my company a better person. I can only hope to be so lucky as to live such a fulfilled life.
On behalf of Desperado Company please accept my sincere condolence for your loss. We only had the privilege of knowing James for a short time, but he quickly became part of a very tight knit family. We are deeply grieved at his loss and cannot begin to comprehend how you must feel. At the very least I hope you are able to take some comfort in the knowledge that James will live on in the memories of his fellow Soldiers. We will never forget him or the sacrifices he made for this company.
Respectfully,
Scott J. Akerley
CPT, AR
D/1-8 CAV Commander
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Becky Lowe posted a condolence
I had the privelege of teaching James art when he was at Haynesville High School. James was the "life" of the class and EVERYONE LOVED JAMES. He was funny, witty, but most importantly, James was ALWAYS so respectful and a great student in my class. I still use a piece of his artwork as part of a demonstration for a lesson and recently found a few pictures of James in class....of course he was being funny for the camera! James always had a smile on his face, but most importantly he always helped put a smile on other faces. I will continue to keep you and your family in my prayers.
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Cam Tran posted a condolence
Jody, My deepest condolences. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
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Gordon Ayres Family posted a condolence
Dear Bryan and family
We wish to contribute to the James B. McCoy Memorial Fund
We are sad in your time of sorrow for the loss of your son James. Having known him, we offer our sympathy and condolences. He was helping to protect our great Country, and was far too young to leave us.
He is now safe in the arms of God.
We pray that you and your family will be able to accept his fate as God’s will, and a new road to eternity for James.
In loving memory, Grandma and Grandpa Ayres, Uncle Duane, Aunt Vicki and Uncle James and their family.
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Stu Bernard posted a condolence
Jody, My deepest sympathy. You are in my thoughts and prayers. As you cherish the fond memories may you get strength from your friends, family and faith.
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Doug and Jane Finch posted a condolence
I am so sorry we didn't get to spend time with James as an adult. I remember spending time with him when he was little. He was such a smart little rascal. And so cute. You can be very proud that he served his country and did it well. Keep him in your heart and cherish the wonderful memories Jody. We love you.
Uncle Doug and Aunt Jane
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Brenda Oare posted a condolence
Jody,
My prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. While we have not been close, I feel I know you like a best friend, thanks to Renae.
I cannot imaging the pain you and your family are experiencing. If there is anything I can do, please let me know. Even if you just need a friendly face to take you out for coffee and talk about nothing but the weather!
Again, my prayers are with you all.
All my love, Brenda
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Charlon Mayhall posted a condolence
The first time I met James was at basic training in Fort Knox. Mt husband was there and they had become close friends. We were very excited when they both got orders to be in Fort Hood and then to the same Company as well. Every week Brandon would go to Warrior and made sure to see him. James was very full of life and from the time I spent with him was always ready to help a buddy out. I am very sorry for your lose. My husband sends his prayers. We didn't find out until today. James was a wonderful man and will never be forgotten but always in our hearts. PFC Brandon Mayhall sends his regaurds and is praying for your family.
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CPL Christopher Reid posted a condolence
PFC James McCoy was my driver, my soldier, but most importantly my friend which he was to a lot of people. I loved having him as a part of my crew. He always did what he was told no questions asked. And always asked me questions everyday to further his knowledge as a soldier. He was a good role model for soldiers every where. Bryan and Jody I was one of the soldiers that spoke at the memorial we had for him. I loved him like a brother. Im so sorry for your loss. God Bless
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Dad posted a condolence
Today is the first anniversary of James' death. I miss him every day - but at least I no longer cry every day. It has been a very hard year. James I love you and miss you.
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In Loving Memory
PFC James McCoy
1987 - 2009
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