James A "Jim" White

Eleanor - Dan Daniels - Jim - Kathy

Have you checked in on your childhood friends lately? I have closer friends than DANNY DANIELS, but we were friends none-the-less and I am still glad I looked him up, stopped by to see him, and phoned him recently before he died. I did not know until my call two or three weeks ago that he had Lou Gehrig's Desease (ALS) and could not speak. BOBBY ALLISON wrote and stated Danny came and saw him when they lived in Deadwood, South Dakota. Now that sounds like an interesting story Bobby never told me. If Kathy and I go to New Orleans and onto Mississippi this March or April, we will stop by and have Bobby enlighten us.

Today's birthdays include twins, BECKY GWARTNEY SMITH, ELIZABETH GWARTNEY LOWNEY and PATTI LOTZ. I tried to reach Patti today but no answer. I have no idea if she is even still alive or if I had the correct phone number. Patti was an Edgewood Elementary School girl along with MARDI GONYEA NICKLIN, DOROTHY "TINY" DUNLAP MORAN and CHARLOTTE RUFFIN McKAY. Patty's parents and my parents were good friends, like my parents were with BILL SLOAN'S parents. Billy and I were born the same day, Patti was born 12 days later. Hmmmm, what a fertile church the First Christian Church was back then. JIMMY GILL'S birthday has to be there somewhere. His family attended that church also.

Yes, and for those nameless classmates that have additional surgery scheduled for Friday, or the other with a Friday appointment, assuming you got your CT-SCAN done, to determine possibly last or next-to-last course of treatment, I love you and your class loves you!

Richard Marcum

I would like to address Patsi Hughs comment about violence on TV. I appreciate your bringing up all the violence in our lives.  I have a Facebook friend who teaches at St. Mary's University in Brazil.  We have never physically met, but we both gave international commodity trading a go, and have been communicating for around 6 years or so.  Well, recently Konrad commented to me that he thinks the reason the U.S. is having so many riots, is because we grew up in a somewhat violent society.  He mentioned that when he was teaching a special ag class at U.T. in Austin, Tx about 10 years ago and he noticed so many kids played with toy guns...and many young children played with toy guns.

I thought about this a while and thought about my Mom's family in England.  My Mom was a WW2 bride.  So when I was 7, my grandfather paid for Mom and Me and my little brother to go over there for a 6 week visit.  I can't remember any play guns...No Brits vs French...nor Spain...or for that matter no Brits vs Yanks.  Actually, while there I so no toy guns anywhere. 

When Johnene and I lived 16 months in Ecuador...no toy guns.  In Argentina...no toy guns...in Spain...no toy guns.  Nor does any other country but Canada have a sport where they teach their children how to run into each other...knock each other down...tackle someone.  Yeah they do have rugby, but it is still not as violent as football.  I have told all my daughters that I don't want to see my grandkids playing football.  I say this as football paid for my college, but it also left me with 5 concussions, three crushed neck vertibrae..and many other physical issues.  And I can't imagine how much damage profootball players have endured.  So I think Konrad might have something there with his comment.  We are a violent society.  And I would guess the most violent society in the world.

Solutions?? I have none to suggest.  But I do think it is time for our country to examine these scenarios.  Oh, by the way, I have not watched a football game in 35 years.  I think it is time for our country to ...'take a look at the man in the mirror'. 

I, like Patsi, am very sad with all the violence on TV...fictious...and real street violence.  Just sayin'.

Oh, here's a picture of me at 5.  Stick 'em up partner!

Richard Marcum

Here's a pic of my British family...no guns.  But I did enjoy going to the PUB with my Nandad.  Matter of fact, I still like going to PUBS! 

These two posting are just something that maybe we should be thinking about.

James A "Jim" White

JILL WEBSTER REED -  We received a note today from Jill's devoted husband, Harold. I say this because he has been so caring over the years working through her dementia diagnosis. Jill had a rare form of dementia in she not only does not remember something, but she is lucid enough and understands she does not remember something that she feels she should know. Can you imagine the frustration? Below is Harold's email:

"I want to let you all know that yesterday our adult children and I place Jill into a memory care facility. She was diagnosed with Vascular Dementia in 2015 and it has been progressing very rapidly since. She no longer remembered where we live and at times didn't know me. I watched the site and let her know about some of the items because she could no longer use email or even remember what she read more than a few minutes. I'll miss the reunions as my high school group was never as active as you all. God Bless RHS-GHS 1966."

My wife, Kathy, remembers Jill well because when Jill and Harold met with our mini-HS reunion in Dallas, Jill was sitting next to my wife and told Kathy, "My dad would NEVER let me date Jimmy." Luckily Kathy did not know my Roswell background so she married me and we will celebrate our 50-year anniversary in November. Come to think of it, maybe quite a few parents felt the same way, including Kathy's dad, because I could not get a date back then.

But this epistle is about Jill, a real sweetheart and kind person. Her dad was a veterinarian and later murdered by a person who use to fight dogs. Dr. Webster was a witness at his trial. They know how mean, vile and dangerous this criminal was so before he got out of prison, they moved to evade him. He still found them in Albuquerque and murdered him as he pulled into his garage. Jill and Harold's children lived in Asia for awhile and they got to go there to visit them.

Can I make a suggestion? If you knew Jill, would you send her a physical card or letter at she and Harold's home. Harold can take it to her and read it. If possible, enclose a picture (probably your high school picture on this website). She might remember back in the day. Thank you. You are loving classmates.

HAROLD and JILL REED

225 Brookview Drive

Hurst, TX 76054

James A "Jim" White

CHARLIE "CHIP" KING -- It is with much sadness that I let you know CHIP KING, a friend to many of us, will be entering final stage cancer with no further treatment except pain management. Chip was one of the classmates I wrote about this week and he has given permission to let his classmate friends know of his illness. We stress again, he and we are NOT seeking a pity party. I just want to give you a chance to drop Charlie a note or card of friendship while he is lucid enough to understand your card. Not only does Charlie appreciate them but his wonderful wife, Bonnie, does too. If you would like to write Chip or send a card, do so this week and send to:

Charlie and Bonnie King

1945 Holt Drive

Merritt Island, FL 32952

Bonnie and Charlie at home. Did you know that until his retirement from NASA, Charlie worked on nearly every space shot, shuttle or otherwise?

Charlie always had an incredible personality but he met his match when he met Bonnie.

Kathy and I got to visit with Charlie and Bonnie on the Space Coast. It was a wonderful week spent with a close high school friend I had not seen in decades. 

Charlie and Bonnie on their deck on a canal leading to the Atlantic Ocean. Terrific deck, boat launch, and large hot tub shaded by screen in which to enjoy Florida weather (when it is nice).

The Charlie and Bonnie love story. As you may remember, Chip became a radio DJ in Roswell. He got picked up by a Florida station and went there as a radio host. However, he had strong competition from a 5'9" model like DJ at another radio station. These two radio hosts with personalities to the ceiling ended up dating and marrying, and had two children (they lost one son, Chad, in 2013). Charlie ended up being a computer guru with a NASA contractor for decades, and Bonnie worked also worked for decades with the Brevard County Tourism Board and the Florida Movie Board. Both can tell amazing stories, about space shots and emergencies, or famous celebrities, astronauts and more. I, for one among many, are thrilled they hooked up and son, Chase, came home from NYC to help at this time.

James A "Jim" White

RANDUM TIDBITS ABOUT CLASSMATES

I finally reached PATTI LOTZ HILL and she is doing well. Patti's mother is 92 years young and still in Las Cruces. Patti drives there twice a week to help her mom. CAROL ZORN, Patti would like to talk with you and catch up.

TOM ALEXANDER has moved from Texas to Las Cruces .... and he is married! Tom, it is time you bring us up to date with your situation ... and please update your detail page on this website so we know what is going on. And everyone else, make certain your contact information is up-to-date on the website.

KAREN HARRINGTON REAM, Kathy and I will most definitely be there (No. Houston area) the first two weeks of November if you and possibly MICHAELE AUSTIN KELLY can figure out a safe venue situation where we can organize a mini-reunion with the No. Houston gang. 

TERRY BOONE and I will possibly meet October 23rd or 24th. Hopefully all will work out for us to meet.

BOYCE McFARLAND will be coming out of quarantine in North Carolina and traveling to New Mexico to clean out and hopefully sell his home near Capitan. If timing gets perfect, we will see Boyce and Annie.

Have you written MARIANNE COONS McCULLOUGH and offered to help her with the 55-year reunion? <GO TO> Classmate Profiles <CLICK ON> her name <CLICK ON> Send Private Message under Marianne's picture. 

LOUISE YBARRA CHRISTENSEN has been spared from the CA fires. Hopefully the DIETZ twins have been too. WARREN MONROE has had a fire all around his Veterans location in Northern California but was been okay the last we heard. Warren, care the check in? Your smoke must be as bad as it has been here in Seattle. We assume MARLA GIBSON FREY is not rowing (competitively) due to both virus and smoke.

Yes, KEITH BURKE is still taking time to hike and camp.

Classmates, please share your situation, good or bad, and correct any misinformation I might post.

Carol Ann Zorn

Hey, Jim! I would love to catch up with Patti Lotz Hill. Her birthday came up and I thought of her. She was my best friend! I live in Brentwood, TN, now and seem to have pushed my roots further into the ground. So often I think about Roswell and even look on Google Earth to take a mini-vacay. At some point I will go to Roswell and ultimately Lincoln to spread my mother's ashes on the family graves. When I look at pictures of Roswell, I become homesick. I guess you can take the girl out of NM but you can't take NM out of the girl. 

Karen Sue Harrington (Ream)

Carol, so good to hear from you! You are right, you can’t take the N.M. Out of the girl! We spent every Christmas and a week ever summer in Roswell until 1993!! My oldest son once made the comment “it was not Christmas until we got to Roswell!!!” We no longer have family there, but will go to the reunion. Roswell holds good memories for Bob and I as we both grew up there. Carol, I hope you will come to the reunion and walk down memory lane with us!!! 

Carol Ann Zorn

Hi Karen!  It’s my plan to make it to the next reunion. I don’t have family in Roswell anymore either but need to see the mountains at least one more time  

Karen Sue Harrington (Ream)

Carol, I am so glad you are coming.... I am sure you will find many changes.... and of course the mountains are always beautiful!!! I must say, I still get a bit giddy as we drive into town!!! Last time we drove into town, we stopped at Walgreens and ran into Mrs. Eachus.... I was so glad to see her as she was a family friend and went to church with my parents.....  that was a fun way to be welcomed back!!! All this to say I think you will enjoy your trip back.

James A "Jim" White

It is LINDA HENRY CROWDER'S birthday. Wow ... some people are really blessed to age well. It must have been her mild junior high and high school days that allow her to look 20 years younger than she is. Yeah, right, "Mild", ha ha Oh those Saturdays at the Sartin Twins home when their parents were working. Opps, better not get into the North Jr. High days. Happy Birthday, Linda.

Do you make your classmates feel like the below?

Call them. We will try to help you find your school friends if we can.

Have you written JILL WEBSTER REED or CHARLIE "CHIP" KING? Their addresses or further down on this thread if you need their address. 

Let us know what is going on in your life? Send pictures of grandchildren. Do you know a classmate that might need a prayer? Do you have any HS stories ... bonfires ... Pecos River keg parties ... anything else?

James A "Jim" White

LONG MESSAGE: Gayle Moore Diorio - Rick Marcum - others (Jim White's usual positive message ... yeah, right):

Like many of our classmates, Gayle Moore Diorio is feeling mortality. This feeling is not limited to those with serious diagnosis, but some just not feeling well. Judi Adams Morris and I had a discussion one time about life maps. Our children see their life maps being at the furthest edge of our continent, maybe more, while we see our life line at the county line, maybe the city line, and some just down the street. Before I post Gayle's Facebook posting, allow me to tell a story about my grandparents.

My grandfather had been in fairly poor health but at the time was at home sitting on the couch watching TV with his wife of 66 years. He turned to her and said, "Juanita, I am dying." She replied, "Oh no you're not" but he just closed his eyes and was gone. Most people are wrong but some know.

Below is a copy of Gayle's Facebook post. I tried to reach her by phone but could not so am reposting without formal, specific permission. However, a number of our loving classmates have reached out to Gayle. Thank you Peggy Ware Koger, Mardi Gonyea Nicklin, Donnia Gouge Brooks, Karen Harrington Ream, Mary Sue Gaines DePass, Debbie McCarty Brigadier, Lynn Harris, Robin Lostetter and Janet Lee Barton (names that I recognized) for showing the love our class has for high school friends.  Gayle's early story: As a young lady with a hot bod, Gayle was once tanning on the beach on So. Padre Island when a pickup driving on the beach ran over her. Being a friend of Gayle's I can vouch she has had enough illness and injuries during her lifetime it is amazing she is still with us and, hopefully, will be for some time.

Blessings to everyone.

Karen Moore (Wilson)

Both the Fair and the Balloon Fiesta has been cancelled this year..

James A "Jim" White

Happy Birthday TERRY BOONE, who has been in Newport, Rhode Island this week sailing on the American Yacht. What an experience to be sharing with his brother, sister and son. Also I phoned MACKIE CARGILL for her birthday today but could not reach her.

Terry sailing on America's yacht.

Terry with his son, his sister and his brother. Great to see loving families like this.

James A "Jim" White

VISITS with classmates: This week, we have been fortunate in our travels to meet with Boyce McFarland, Jim Brown, Dickie Davis, Marianne Coons McCullough and Craig Sutherland.

L/R Jim White - Boyce McFarland - Jim Brown, still good friends after more than 55 years. Do you remember Jim White's Studebaker Datona with 4:56 Positrac and a 4-speed, or Boyce's stunning '34 Ford with metallic paint, or Jim Brown's '57 Chevy with engine built by race car mechanic, Dickie Harrell. Cars were the talk of the town back in the 1960's.

Jim and Dickie Davis, first met in the 5th Grade. Ask Jim what it is like going backwards down a hill when Dickie's Jeep failed to climb that hill at the gravel pits. Three people grabbed for (1) change of gears, (2) the parking brake, and (3) 4-wheel drive and none of the reaches were successful.

Marianne Coons McCullough, Craig Sutherland, Jim and Kathy White enjoying the Josh Grider Band at The Liberty in Roswell.

Our travels continue to Texas on Tuesday. Are you taking time to visit with childhood friends? We all have near lifetime-long adult friends, but childhood friends are a delight also. Help us find missing classmates. Marianne is involved in planning the 55-year reunion and news will be forthcoming. Please help.

James A "Jim" White

TWO EXAMPLES OF LOVE in difficult times in our class are BOBBY and ERNIE ALLISON and LAURIE SHUEY ANDERSON and ANDY ANDERSEN. We are so fortunate to grow up with the classmates we had.

BOBBY ALLISON and ERNIE enjoying their 36th Anniversary meal this past week on the Mississippi gulf coast. By the way, BOBBY (songwriter, singer) years ago wrote and sang a song about America that I think we all should listen to. We hate this divided country. When I figure how to get it linked to this site, be certain to listen to this masterful performer.

Do NOT let the picture fool you. ANDY ANDERSEN is back in the nursing home and his loyal wife, LAURIE SHUEY ANDERSEN is not allowed to visit with him. This picture was before Covid-19. ANDY is now a full quadraplegic and losing lung and voice power (i.e. Agent Orange).. LAURIE has been battling the V.A. for a voice synthesizer and appears to be winning. Because LAURIE cannot aid her husband of 50-years, she has to hire a nurse at over $100,000 per year to sit with him and hit the call button which he cannot do so himself. Thank you, LAURIE, for the example you set. Anyone agree with me that spouses should be able to sit by the side of their spouse in nursing homes?

James A "Jim" White

55-YEAR REUNION has been tentatively set for OCTOBER 15-16, 2021. If those dates do not work for you, please let Marianne Coons McCullough know right away. Also, if you can help find people, create mailing labels, sit a 2-hour shift at registration table, be a gopher for Marianne or anything else, please let her know. She received very little response the last time we asked, but we thank the four or so that did offer to assist her. In order to write Marianne an offer to help, or maybe a specific job you want to do, please:

<go to> "Classmate Profiles" on the Top of This Page

<scroll down> to "Marianne Coons McCullough"

<click> under her picture where it says, "Send Private Message" and offer your assistance.

At our ages and many in failing health, we need help. Thank you.

Mardi Gonyea (Nicklin)

Hi Everyone...

I hope you are in a place where you can enjoy this amazing Fall weather. Here in my "camelot" in central Texas, the beautiful Hill Country, is "gushing" with beautiful Fall weather. This being my very favorite Season, I am enjoying my front porch. I also love some of the new line-ups for Fall TV Shows. The new season of "The Voice" starts tonight. The new "Emergency" show is very intersting. My husband, Bob Nickilin (who passed 8 yrs ago this month) was a 911 Communication's Officer for several years. He was the perfect person to get a response from. Not only did he have an amazing baritone voice...ha, he was a Medic in the US Army. He could walk you through about anything. He was also EMT trained. I tell you, I couldn't have asked for a better partner. He got me through breast cancer, recovery, breast cancer reconstruction, dying 2 times and a host of 8 abdominal procedures that followed!! When Jim writes about classmates who are going through so many medical issues, my heart just feels for them and their families, because we had no clue, at this age, these issues would be something we are truely challenged. To add to the health issues, many are exposed to the huge fires. I want you to know, I lift your lives up in my daily prayers.

At this time I would like to comment regarding Bill Leggett being taken off the site as Administrater. True, Bill, you are able to take comments from other's when disapreement's occur. Maybe the other site's are okay with some of your postings but this site is not set up to receive the type of postings Jim and I have found to be questionable to some of the members. It is for that reason we offer our sincere thanks for your hard work and great intentions but we will continue without you serving in the Administrative capacity. We do continue to encourage classmates to post but we do reserve the right to delete controversial postings that are not in good taste. Sure, we appreciate it if you send us an email letting us know how you feel about this subject, we are not closed minded. However, the site is mostly targeting classmate subject matter. I have been guilty of posting items, in my humorous comidiac attempts, so I will try to "shape up and fly right!" Any of you that know me, know that 'aint happen'.......but, I will try to target those posts for my Facebook page!!

With the 55th class reunion coming up, hopefully in October 2021, we also would like to have plenty of space available for working toward that goal. I miss getting to go home to Roswell to not only see my little sister and her husband but to see friends that still live there. So, I am hoping that I will be able to go. My family is large, and they have had a pretty rough year,health-wise, so keep us in your prayers. I want to thank Marianne Coons McCullough for graciously volunteering the Chairpersonship for the reunion. I know she appreciates, in advance anyone who can help her out.

Jim, I not only enjoy you and Kathy on you're amazing Facebook postings, I love that you post great pictures for us to enjoy on here when you get to see classmates. I am so thrilled that you and Kathy are truly haveing the best adventures of your life. You are not only enjoying both of your families, you are getting to have an entire host of mini-reunions.

I am signing off for now. Jim and I are always looking for someone who is computer-savy who can help us with the site, as Jim does not always have Wi-Fi available during his travels, and I, well I, it has to be a day when I am feeling like it....ha, I say that in a good way.

Luv to all of you,

Mardi Gonyea Nicklin

James A "Jim" White

It is with deep sadness that we report LAURIE SHUEY ANDERSEN lost her husband of 50-years at 9:03 a.m. today. ANDY ANDERSEN was a retired USAF Pilot from Vietnam forward. Andy was given a Military Veteran send-off by Harris Southwestern Hospital before being immediately taken to UNC Medical Center where his body will be used for research, including Agent Orange, which was at least partially responsible for his paralysis and incasing his body these last few years. I met Andy and like everyone that knew him, found Andy to be intelligent, funny and loving.

If you wish to send Laurie Shuey Andersen your condolences, her address is:

6817 Glen Meadow Drive, Ft. Worth, TX 76132

Deborah Pike

Mardi,

I have been slammed with things and then got a 3 week sore throat.  No fever, just a cough but didn't dare show my face. I thought they might have thrown me in the Leper Colony on MOLOKAI.

What is going on with Bill? I spoke to him on the phone about 4 weeks and He didn't soung real rational. I only spoke to him for a few minutes and decided that he wasn't in the mood to be sociable so I told him I'd call on another day but I haven't called him.  I was worried about him. Please give me a hint about  him. I am worried about him.

Also, I don't know if I can make the reunion. I have an aunt in OK City who is 88 and I didn't get to go see her this summer so have  made reservations  for the first week in June.But on the other hand, I may be moving back to N.M. by fall and I will be living in Ruidoso.by that time.I am trying to buy a house in Ruidoso. I have never bought a house by myself.  It's scary.

If you get a chance , givr me a call . 808-298-3886.  5 hour time difference but I would be happy to hear from you any time.

Debbie

Patricia "Patsi" Hughes

 So sorry about Laurie's husband. Life can get really sad at times.

Hope everyone is fine. In Vegas just waiting for a cool down. Still in the 90's here, but this Monday supposed to get in the 60's. After a long HOT summer that has just gone on forever, we will be very cold.

Hope everyone is healthy and safe.

Patsi

Margaret W. "Peggy" Ware (Koger)

So sad to hear about Lauries husband. Poor Laurie. Thanks for her address....blessings to all. 

Thank you, Peggy, for showing the love this class has.  {Jim}

Laura Anne Knight (Atkins)

I am so sad to hear about Andy. I first got to know him when he and Laurie were traveling through Buenos Aires and they stayed with us for a few days. We had a total blast. I have never known any two people with such a great an attitude and a zest for life as Laurie and Andy. I've never heard either of them complain, though Lord knows they both have had more than their share of difficulties. Jesse and I were privedged to attend a birthday party for them in 2013 and their anniveesary party last year. They met their delightful family and amazing friends from all over the world who were full of praise for the wonderful and positive influence they both had on everyone they worked with, taught, or befriended. Andy will be missed by Jesse and me and all the people he inspired over his life. More than anything I wish we didn't have this pandemic so I spend some time with Laurie.

James A "Jim" White

About 55 hours after the loss of her husband this Monday, I was able to visit with LAURIE SHUEY ANDERSEN and her son, David, on behalf of the class and our friendship. Andy must have known he would die soon as a week before he died, he called their son, David, and asked that he come out from Washington, D.C. David came immediately and was able to spend time with his dad and, of course, be here (in Texas) to help his mom. I enjoyed meeting this bright former Marine pilot today and seeing Laurie.

TERRY BOONE is as full of it as always. That is why we like this guy so much. Kathy and I had a wonderful visit with Terry and his wife, Judy.

Do NOT think we are not taking Covid-19 seriously just because we pose a minute without masks, etc. Precautions were taken.

Elizabeth Gwartney (Lowney)

My heartfelt condolences to Laurie. I cannot even imagine the pain of losing a spouse. Prayers for Laurie and her son comfort during this most difficult time.  
I'm so glad you also got to visit Terry. You both look great and I am sure the earth shook with you two reminiscing!
You and Kathy continue to stay safe on your travels!!!