James Michael Alan Curry-Long

Obituary
Page Last Updated: 17 January 2005
    James Michael Alan Curry-Long, 15, of Spring Valley, California was struck and killed by a hit and run driver on September 22, 2003 while walking to attend a 6:00 a.m. seminary class at his church before going on to school.

    James was a sophomore student at Mt. Miguel High School.  He also was a Jr. ROTC Army member, and a First Class Scout of Boy Scouts Troop 21. He attended The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Lemon Grove, California, where the church played a vital role in his life.

    Just on Sunday prior to his death, James wrote in his journal the following words: "Dear God, Thank you for this day, thank you for the gift of Life and the Church and the scriptures. Please guide me through the day and help me keep the Sabbath HOLY. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen."

    Of all those that knew James and had come into contact with him - the common description of James' character was that James had a boyish humor, he was kind, he had a great devotion to God, and had established goals in his life - hoping one day to join the United States Air Force. Someone noted that it was interesting that his name James means "Following after the Lord".

    James is survived by the following:

        Mother: Lorretta A. Curry
        Father: Patrick Alan Long
        Grandmother:  Patricia Jane Moss
        Grandfather:  James MacArthur Long
        Step-Father: Stephen Francis Weeces
        Brothers: Frank William Weeces, Robert John Cox, Josiah Thomas Draper, Peter Jahn Curry
        Sisters, Clasina Cox, Erica Marie Weeces, and Rebecca Anneliesa Curry.

And various Aunts, Uncles, and many Cousins.

    Services were scheduled as follows:

    Visitation was conducted from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 30, 2003, at Greenwood Memorial Park & Mortuary-Garden Chapel, 4300 Imperial Ave. San Diego, California 92113.

    Funeral Services were held on at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 1, 2003 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 8472 Blossom Lane, Lemon Grove, California. Visitation was also held at the church, 1 hour prior to the services.

    James is interred at Greenwood Memorial Park and Mortuary.

    James' farewell was held at the ward building in which he attended church (it also happens to be the stake center).  His mother's family was surrounded by many in support.  The chapel was filled to capacity, and maybe a little more.  His high school was right across the road from the ward building, and the school allowed his classmates to attend - and if any of his classmates were missing, I feel it was because they were absent from school on the first place.

    Navy Regional Decedent Affairs Officer, Ms. Barbara Callahan, had brought to the viewing an American flag, which was draped over the casket at the viewing, but for the final services it was properly folded and sitting on the casket. My son was buried with honors.

    The burial was a special time too.  After his mortal resting spot was dedicated, there was a dove release - one released by his mother to represent James' spirit flying back to Heaven, then a dozen more to represent angels escorting him there.

    One of the two motorists that had come across James afterwards, and positioned his car in protection until the authorities arrived, showed at the burial.  I was able to express my appreciation to him for what he tried to do for my son.

    I watched as my son's body was lowered to his final resting spot.  He rests in a beautiful cemetery.
    At the viewing, a letter was found in the casket, I think addressed to Lorretta.  I wish to share it in appreciation for the one who left it.  It may make one cry, but....      

"Dear Mom, 

     I know you're going to miss me, but do not think that I will ever forget you or stop loving you, just 'cause I'm not around to say I LOVE YOU.  I will always love you.  Mom, even more with each day, someday we will see each other again.  Do not be sad thinking about me.  This is a neat place.  The angels met me as soon as I got here and showed me around some, but it will take a long time to see everything.  The angels are so cool.  I love to watch them fly. 

    And you know what?  Jesus does not look like any of his pictures.  Yet, when I saw him, I knew it was him.  Jesus himself took me to see GOD!  And guess what mom? I got to sit on God's knee and talk to him.  That's when I told him that I want to write you a letter to tell you good bye and everything. But I already knew that wasn't allowed.  Well, y'know what Mom? God handed me some paper and his own personal pen to write you this letter.  I think Gabriel is the name of the angel who is going to drop this letter off to you.  God said for me to give you the answer to one of the questions you asked him - Where was He when I needed him?  God said He was in the same place with me, as when His son Jesus was on the cross.  He was right there, as He always is with all his children. 

     Oh, by the way Mom, no one else can see what I've written except you.  To every one else this is just a blank piece of paper.  Is that not cool?  I have to give God his pen back now.  He needs it to write some more names in the Book of life.  Tonight I get to sit at the table with Jesus for supper.  I am sure the food will be great.  Oh, I almost forgot to tell you, I don't hurt anymore, and God could not stand to see me to hurt so much either.  That's when HE sent the Angel of Mercy to come get me. The Angel said I was special delivery.  How about that?

    Signed with Love from,
    God, Jesus and Me"

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