We will miss you Jimma

Yesterday morning I learned of the passing of Dr. James Young, or as he was better known to his students, Jimma. Jimma was my theatre professor at Wheaton College. He was certainly the most influential teacher I ever had. More than anyone in my life he taught me to accept my self for myself, and try to be who anyone else thought I should be. He taught me to embrace life, embrace God, and embrace the laughter and tears that life brings.

I was first introduced to the Theatre program at Wheaton by a fluke of housing placement. My freshman year at Wheaton I was assigned to Fischer 2 East. This was the 1983-84 school year, otherwise known as the last year the Arena Theatre was housed in Fischer 1 East. As a courtesy to our floor being directly above the theatre (and possibly to bribe us not to be noisy during their performances, they gave our whole floor free tickets to the final dress rehearsals of the shows. I remember Mad Woman of Chailot and All My Sons...can't quite recall the third play of the season, but I loved them all. The following year when the Arena Theatre was relocated to Jenks Hall, I knew I had to have season tickets. I loved the Theatre, and as a Sophomore struggling to make grades as a Chemistry major I kicked myself for not having auditioned for Workout my freshman year.

At the end of my sophomore year I knew that in order to avoid flunking out I had to change majors. I switched to communications. This allowed me to take Intro to Theatre and finally become involved with the inner workings of Arena Theatre. I got involved in the production end, working on sets and lighting. I helped mix the soundtrack recording we put together for the 1986 (I think) production of Godspell (I still have it saved now as mp3 files if any cast or crew would like a copy) and when it came time for Merchant of Venice I had the honor of being Jimma's assistant director.

I don't remember all my college classes, all my college friends, or even all my professors; but every memory of my time in Arena Theatre I hold dear. Many of my best friends on Facebook came from the workout group, and I still have many Christmas cards from Jimma (I could never bring myself to throw them away). Sadly I had let life's small details and absurd busy-ness keep me from maintaining contact with Jimma. I always told myself "you need to contact Jimma" and sadly I never listened to myself. Now it is too late for me to contact him. But I make the promise now to not let the important people in my life slip away. I hold and treasure you all my friends. I will always remember Jimma, and miss his vitality and love of life.

Walk forever in God's light my friend.