On September 27, 2015, a memorial service was held in the Analy gymnasium for Ricky James: custodian for Analy High School, father, husband, and a friend to all. The bleacher rows, tissue packs dispersed along them, were soon filled with those who care for the James family. Many spoke about their joyful experiences with Ricky, including Mr. Heller, the James family pastor, director of maintenance Jennie Bruneman, and members of the James family. The Analy honor choir performed “For Good” from Wicked, and a commemorative slideshow was played in Ricky’s honor. Many fond memories were shared, and we will continue to remember Ricky for the wonderful man he will always be.

The Analy community has indeed suffered many losses in recent years. It is difficult to cope, especially within a community as close as ours. The bonds we form here can stay with us for a lifetime. This holiday season, we should all remember to give thanks for this community, where those in need are always helped and those who are gone are never forgotten. This community allows us to find parts of ourselves we never knew existed and relationships we never thought we’d have. In the face of hardship, solace can always be found in those we care for and those who care for us, and this is Analy’s greatest strength of all. On behalf of the Tiger Times, I wish the James family all the best. Stay strong, tigers.