Our neighbor, James Justice, died in Afghanistan last weekend. Please keep his wife, Mandy, and their daughter, Caydence, in your prayers. Be proud of those serving overseas, they are making the ultimate sacrifice.
James was a good guy. He worked hard and was a good neighbor. You could find him mowing his lawn at 10:30 at night and two winters when we got piles and piles of snow, we would periodically find our driveway already shoveled by James. We would have neighborly chats over the fence about our lives. When James left to serve earlier this spring he told me that he had mixed feelings about leaving. A part of him longed to be in the action, serving alongside his military family. The other part of him was torn as this would be the first time since Caydence was born that he would be away from her. But like any soldier who loved his country, James eventually found himself back at the front. James died just one day prior to the death of Bin Laden. The timing seems ironic to me, but who am I to argue with God's timing?
It was James' wish to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery. The military will only pay once for the body to be shipped back home; therefore the family is having to raise funds to have James buried in Washington DC. If you feel led to help the family - donations can be made to Veridian Credit Union: James Justice Benefit Account, 5910 University Avenue in West Des Moines, 50266.
"God, you have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in you" -St. Augustine
Be at rest James.
2 comments:
Wow, I didn't realize that about shipping the body and the cost. I've been watching the news coverage on him- he seems like a great guy. I'm glad your lives were touched by his. :o)
So sad--sorry for their loss!
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