James A "Jim" White

"When nights get lonely, we can look back at pictures of the memories we created."   ~JW

KAREN McCARTY MESSINA has been open about her life, dancing, being a care taker, being a widow. Why don't we all be open? Classmates do care and Karen is a wonderful classmate who Kathy and I were fortunate to spend time with in Florida.

Speaking about caring, we should send our well wishes and prayers to DENNIS HUNTER. Dennis had about six inches of his esophogus and a small section of his stomach removed. It has been two years and he is still weak, although I am not certain if it is from the physical ailments or having sold his classic car that he had unlimited hours and $90,000 invested.

Dennis has also been helpful with helping run this website.

Patricia Jo "Pat" Bush (Hodges)

I am sorry to report that my friend, Sharon Curtis Perry (class '66 Goddard) passed away last wek following a lengthy illness.  She was descended from a pioneer family in Glenrose.  Her service was October 25.

Karen McCarty (Messina)

Thank you Jim for the memories. Life is too short to not enjoy and help others.  My daughter and grand are visiting me now from Alabama. We are now in Disney Springs at Raglan Road pub (the Irish pub). Just had a toast to Paul (husband of 50 years) and John (husband of three years). Both are gone but not forgotten.  I am so sorry for all those who have passed on before us. After many sleepless nights of crying we decided to celebrate the time we did have with both of them.   My daughter Rowena on the left.  Me in the middle  

James A "Jim" White

A special "thank you" to PATRICIA "PAT" HODGES for informing us of her dear friend, SHARON CURTIS PERRY passing away. Please, folks, follow Pat's example and let us know if a classmate has passed away. Along that line, BILL SLOAN informed us that TIM LIVINGSTON passed away and I was able to confirm he passed away in 2022. Also, COL. BILL SLOAN (Ret.) is doing his USMC duty and checking to see if WARREN MONROE, another marine from our class, has passed away.

We are not going to Palm Springs to see BARARA BUZBEE this year but probably will next year. Anyone else goes to this lovely place and would like a fantastic host to show you around?

James A "Jim" White

MARY HUSEMOLLER and I enjoyed a glass of wine outside her incredible, stunning, beautiful show home outside Durango, CO. She now lives in her other stunning home near the seashore in southern California. Mary, you are so much fun!

MARDI GONYEA NICKLIN is one of our very few classmates that will admit to wearing a wig. She asks, "How do you like me now?" Mardi was the person responsible for starting this class website and helping administrate it for years. If you ever pass near Kerrville, Texas (off I-10), she would love to see you. Once Kathy and I were stranded out by Medina Lake as our truck was being worked on. Mardi loaned us her car for nearly a week, which left her without transportation. Is she a caring classmate or what?

Mardi Gonyea (Nicklin)

Karen McCarty (Messina)

Hi Mardi!  Love the picture of you and your "hair"!  Beautiful as always.  I am slowly getting things packed. Listing of my house goes live on November 15 so I'm trying to get it presentable for pictures.  As everyone knows, selling, moving packing, finding the next home, unpacking, etc etc is not for the weak of heart!!  All I can say is, I am taking it one day at a time!  I will keep you posted on my progress

Tommy Morton

Hi Guys and Gals. I dont get over this was very often, but here I am. I am starting to post photos of the RHS 1965 reunion so here is the link of what I have posted so far.. 

RHS 65 60th Reunion.

Let me know if this does not work.

---------------------------------------------------------

ALSO 

 I copied this from another RHS65 website (https://www.rams65.com/) and lightly edited it to match our RHS65 bunch. Hope you enjoy.

"The Last Supper"

We are in the Final Lap of Life's Race It's Time to Make Amends
,-------------------

Coyotes 10 Commandments for RHS 65 as we navigate our 70s
 

Face and accept the reality of getting old, it's not just you - it's all of us. Acknowledge and accept the consequences of age. Act and behave your age. You can't look like you did when you were 18 and we still had "many miles to go before we sleep ...".

Focus on enjoying life and people, especially your loved ones, friends and classmates. The days of indulging in or accumulating material things should be ending. You can't take it with you ... and you shouldn't try.

Don't hesitate to spend whatever you have worked so hard to save on yourself and for the positive benefit of others. You worked hard to earn it ... you deserve to enjoy it or bless others with it in the years you have left. Travel if you can afford it. You are not obligated to leave anything for your children or loved ones to potentially quarrel over.

Live in the moment ... live for today ... live for the here and now. Don't pine over the yesterdays and worry about tomorrows. Today is what you have. Yesterday is already gone. Tomorrow may not even happen ...

Enjoy your grandchildren (if you are so blessed) but you don't have an obligation to care for them if they are in a safe and loving family environment. Your primary parental obligation was to your children. After you raised your children into responsible adults, your duties of child-rearing and babysitting should be finished. Let your children raise their own offspring ... and back them up where necessary ... it's what Coyotes do.

Stay as healthy as you can. Accept God's Plan and the unavoidable physical weakness, sickness, and other physical pains as they come. It is part of the normal aging process. Enjoy whatever your health allows.

Appreciate who and what you are. Be grateful for what you have. Be proud of being a 1965 Coyote. Stop working so hard for things you do not have. Life's races are done. If you do not have those things, it's probably too late.

Enjoy life with your spouse, children, grandchildren, fellow Coyotes and other friends.., people, who appreciate and love you for yourself.

Forgive others and accept forgiveness from others. Most of all, forgive yourself. Make amends if you can find it within you. Reconcile with those from whom you are estranged if possible. Seek peace of mind and peace of soul. Seek the Peace of the Almighty.

Come to terms with death. Coyote Heaven is coming for all of us, and it is a natural part of the life cycle. Don't be afraid. Death is the beginning of a new and better adventure.

Arrive there with Coyote Pride ... 


Never Forget Your Classmates


A young man was talking to his father about growing up, marriage, and responsibilities.  The Father said, "Never forget your friends," he advised, "they will become more important as you get older. regardless of how much you love your family and your children.  Stay in touch with them somehow.  "What strange advice!" thought the young man.  "I just got married, I am becoming an adult and surely my wife and children will be everything I need to make sense of my life.“  Over the years, he began to understand what his father was talking about.  Although time and nature carry out their designs, friends and classmates are life’s bulwarks.



After over 78 years of life, and approaching 60 years after graduation here is what we learned:

•  Time passes.

•  Life goes on.

•  Distance separates us.

•  Children grow up and are eventually are separated from their parents.

•  Jobs come and jobs go.

•  Our illusions, desires, attractions, sex ... weakens.

•  People do not do what they should.

•  Our hearts break.

•  Our parents die.

•  Our colleagues forget the favors.

•  Life’s races end.


... but a school friend is a treasure who stays in your heart forever ... no matter how many years or miles you are apart.



When we started this adventure called life in 1965, we did not know of the joys or sorrows that lay ahead.  We did not know how much we would need from each other.  We loved our parents, we took care of our children, but most of all we have kept a group of good friends.

Over 60 years may have separated me from some of my classmates … but they are still … each and every one … my friend. 

 

James A "Jim" White

A special Thank You to TOMMY MORTON for the great comments he posted, and for all his help over the years with my inept administration of this class website. 

Yes, we are coming up on 55-years the end of this month. Kathy and I saw Englebert Humperdinck the first year of our marriage, and for our 54th anniversary last November. How about you? Whether 50+ years or one year, tell us how you are enjoying life.

James A "Jim" White

This was four years ago but what a wonderful time seeing classmates and also a gazillion elk roaming around the area. The classmates here are ELIZABETH GWARTNEY LOWNEY, JUDY ADAMS MORRIS and, of course, me.

Tommy Morton

Thanks Jim. Have you tried the link to the photo RHS 65 photo gallery and does it work? 

FYI: I was in a bad head on collision September 06, 2025. I am in a Skilled nursing rehab center at the moment and hope to go home in the next ten days as soon as I can learn to walk again. I broke my shin bone badly and had surgery reconstructing the lower leg back together.

I now have my laptop so am able to help Magaret get the 65 reunion history documented.

James A "Jim" White

Thank you, TOMMY MORTON, and we are so sorry to learn of your horrific auto crash. Best wishes for you walking again soon and as full of recovery as you can possibly get.

Classmates, are you contacting your classmates friends and checking on them? Last night I called and talked with one of my friends for over 50-years. He was explaining to me that recently he was walking along an east Texas highway and a fellow pulled over and asked if he needed a ride. He replied, "No" and as the driver was about to pull away, my friend (also a Jim) came out of his delirium and recognized the danger he was in. He had no idea where and when he started walking along a busy highway. Turns out that Jim has been diagnosed with Alzheimers. I know of others in our class that have that diagnosis, which we are all prone to have. Call your classmate friends and although it has been against our rules in the past, I will give you a phone number if you do not know one and I have it. No stalkers allowed! Would it be okay if your friend phoned you after 60 years? It works vice virsa. If you have a request, send it on a private note/request to me, not on our front page.

Finally, let me say I am embarrassed that almost every comment on our class website is written by me. This is NOT a Jim White Facebook page, so please chime in or offer information on your activities. Classmates do really care.

Jim (CT last week, NJ this week, CO and NM next week)

Patricia "Patsi" Hughes

That's awful Tommy! Prayers you recover fast.  Love the pictures you posted, good to see people after all these years. 
 Sorry about your friend Jim. Age is kind of sad sometimes. 
 

patsi

James (Jim) H. Sanders

Sorry to have gone silent for so long.

Thanks to Jim White for contacting Tommy Morton and thanks to Tommy for publishing the RHS '65 60th reunion photos and words of wisdom.

Janet & I were supposed to be on the road with the trailer right now on a 2-3 month (National Parks) tour of the US visiting parks that we have not yet seen....... but plans have changed.  She was just wrapping up our planned itinerary when, on August 28, she lost her balance while getting out of the trailer. She grabbed the 'crash bar' on the screen door to try to break her fall, but the bar broke free from the door and she fell 4 or 5 feet to the ground (it's a very large trailer that's parked beside our house on a slightly elevated pad).  She suffered a compression fracture of one of her lumbar vertebrae, so that ended our trip then & there. She has just finished rehabbing the injury (and adjusting our 'tour' schedule for an August 2026 departure) and is once again 'good to go'. 

Our tentative departure date is 10 August:  (and all dates are, as Jim White well knows, are flexible)
Drive to South Dakota from Portland, OR, arriving 14 August  (Wiind Cave & Badlands NP & Mt. Rushmore!)
21 August:  to North Dakota (Theodore Roosevelt NP)
24 August: to International Falls, MN (Voyageurs NP)
28 August: to Grand Portage, MN (Isle Royale NP)
30-31 August: to (Indiana Dunes NP)
02 September: to St. Louis (Gateway Arch NP)
04 September: to Mamoth Cave NP
07 September: to Cuyahoga NP
TBD: to upstate NY (Niagra Falls)
Maine (Acadia NP) -->
Boston (maybe) -->
Philadelphia, PA (visit family) -->
~29 Sept-10 Oct: to Shenandoah NP, Mammoth Cave NP, Great Smoky Mountains NP, (Skyline Drive.. somehow), Congaree NP
~11-20 Oct: to Hot Springs NP, then down to Big Bend NP, maybe Carlsbad Caverns NP & on to Las Cruces to visit family
~27 Oct: head back to PDX, schedule & routing TBD by weather and our need to get off the road and back home.

2024 was a tough year for me (loss of Jill Webster Reed, Laurie Shuey Anderson & Jimmy Gill) and 2025 started off very badly for us with the sudden and unexpected death of Janet's younger sister Karen Mavvaji in Las Cruces on January 2nd.  Karen was their mother's live-in caregiver. She and their mom Lucille had relocated to Las Cruces from Ft. Worth in early 2024, and had just moved into a very nice 55+ community on the west side of town.

More later, but I'm all typed out now. We're planning a late April / early May trailer trip down to Las Vegas for my bowling camp and to visit some CA & Colorado parks. 60 years of so of league bowling and I'm still working on my game; 2 300's to my credit now, but I'm still searching for that 800 3 game series.

If I had it all to do over again, I might have opted out of that 2nd year of mechanical drawing at RHS and taken the typing class.........I never did learn how to 'touch type'..........

Jim

Tommy Morton

Take a look. This is what I have posted so far! Click on the picture above to go to the main gallery page on the RHS 65 web page. To return to your pages, just click on the left arrow at the  top left of the page.

James A "Jim" White

Come to Albuquerque on Friday (after Thankgiving), 28 November to meet classmates and listen to Mungo Jerry (JERRY ROBBINS) perform 6:00 to 8:30 pm at the recently restored El Vado Motel on old Hwy. 66. Kathy and I will be there to celebrate our 55th anniversary and, yes, you can bring her sympathy cards. MARIANNE COONS, can you and CRAIG SUTHERLAND come and pick up DOREEN WILLIAMS and attend? JIM NAPIER,  are you still in town or have you RV'd down to Arizona already? LINDA ROCKWELL, we have not seen you in many decades; interested in coming?   KAREN, "TINY" DUNLAP, others, are you still in Albuquerque? JIM SANDERS, I need to go look at your travel schedule again. Right now, it is just Kathy and me to see Jerry. Please private message me if you can attend. Sorry, I do not have the list of Albuquerque classmates at hand. Thanks. Looking foward to seeing you.  

Jim and Kathy White

James A "Jim" White

Happy Birthday to JERRY WAGNER who, I believe, still lives in Roswell. We wish you a year of good health and new adventures, Jerry.

You might know it. If the flood this summer killing over 130 people, mostly little girls, was not enough, Kerrville, Texas is having more heavy rain. MARDI GONYEA NICKLIN says they are having substantial rain again.

JERRY ROBBINS (who played at our 50-year reunion) will be performing on Friday, 28 November (day after Thanksgiving) at the El Vado Motel (not certain if in Club or Event Center) from 6:00 to 8:30. Would that be a nice Friday night way to start your weekend? Kathy and I will be there. Anyone else plan to come? We would love to see you.

A reminder, we do NOT have a chairperson for our 60th reunion next year. How about you?

James A "Jim" White

This week I have spoken with CECIL THROWER, PAT SOLEMAN, MARDI GONYEA NICKLIN, LOUISE YBARRA CHRISTENSEN and LABAN STEWART. All are doing okay .... considering. ha Sadly, as many of us are learning, Louise and Rick just sold their daily driver, a 1965 Ford Galaxie, and will be selling their stunning beautiful (1927, I think) Stearns-Knight vehicle. Kathy and I gave our 55-year old Plymouth Arrow to her sister at the winery. Pick up your phone and try to call a classmate friend. You will find your conversation starts off like you just spoke with them last week. Try it - you will like it!

James A "Jim" White

Just to advise:

DOROTHY "TINY" DUNLAP's husband, Sam, passed away this week.

BILL STARRETT, our Artesia classmate, died May 3rd in El Paso, Texas.

JOE CALLOWAY, also of Artesia, passed away November 16.

Also, there is a possibility we lost BILL DAMRON in Glendale, AZ but it cannot be confirmed. Any researchers near there?

James A "Jim" White

Have you checked in on your classmate friends? I have and here is what I came up with today:

• One was in the hospital waiting for a heart catherization (but happy to speak)
• One just got out of the hospital. She has been in 3 times this week (and she was also happy to speak as she may be alone for her birthday)

We all seem to love Dorothy "Tiny" Dunlap Moran, she is so special and this will be her first Thanksgiving without Sammy in well over 50-years, I think. Anyway, so much for all my positive news I post. I just want your friends to know you care. 

I spoke with Peggy Ware Koger and she just got back from a trip to Ruidoso, then Dallas, then to Ohio and back to Dallas ... but now she and Fred are safely home in Arizona.

Kathy and I will be celebrating our 55th anniversary this Friday in Albuquerque, listening to Jerry Robbins perform. Last year, we were at Engelbert Humperdinck's "The Last Waltz - Final Tour".  Jerry, you have a lot to live up to but we know you will. If anyone else would like to hear Jerry perform from 6:00 - 8:30 pm, please come to the El Vado Motel - 2500 Central SW (Old Town) this Friday after Thanksgiving.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.

                            The Girl I Married

The girl I married I often think of,
I knew, given the chance, she’d be my sure love;
now I walk the trails and look at the sea,
glad she’s right there walking with me;
for this is a Love surely blessed from God above.

I continue my life with this wonderful dream,
hoping she knows what she means to me;
I think of the way I use to wish life was,
but surely without her I would have failed at Love;
and I dare feel life would appear suddenly mean.

I think of her smile and I picture her laugh,
and I think of her beauty that makes me gasp;
she's a lovely creature which all can see
but it’s been her gentleness that always impressed me;
and I pray thanks "to God for the love I have.”

                                         The Seattle Sage   7/7/8

James A "Jim" White

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving, but I know who is going to be the happiest this Christmas. I spoke with MARY HUSEMOLLER today and her fabulous, stunning, custom designed by she and Bill, Durango, Colorado home just sold and closed escrow. Now we may go to her equally fabulous So-Cal home and say, "Mary, the wine is on you and Bill."

Kathy's and my 55th anniversary was enhanced by JERRY ROBBINS performing. Albuquerque treated us well. Soon, we will be moving on to see if an A-Class (bus type) RV is a suitable replacement for the luxury 5th-wheel that BOYCE McFARLAND gave us and has been our home for 8 years before being totaled. Kathy and I joked about being homeless but being homeless AND trailerless is a totally different task. Our plans are to race to Roswell (381 miles in our Dually truck) Tuesday, December 9th; then 458 miles to MARDI GONYEA NICKLIN Kerrville territory on Wednesday; then onto New Braunsfels, TX (hooray, only 86 miles) to check out the A-Class RV we may pickup and own. You see, we do not want to stop our cross country adventures just yet, although health conditions could stop it in the not too distant future. Yes, BARBARA BUZBEE, we plan to see you in Palm Springs next year. Oh, and Happy Birthday, Barbara, since today is your birthday. But for this winter, we already have reservations at Jamaica Beach on Galveston Island for January thru April. We plan to see LOUIS BAGWELL, HERKY VEACH, BOB and KAREN REAM. Can anyone else stop by and see us? Oh, and our world traveler, TERRY BOONE, who has been to both Antartica and Egypt this year has a trip to Norway coming up soon.

Sending hugs, 

Terry Michael Boone

Tragic news-

My good friend-our good friend-Jim White died yesterday.  I got a call from his wife, Kathy, this morning informing me that he died of a heart attack or a stroke-she didn't know yet.  They were in Blanco, New Mexico at the San Juan Winery that they loved to visit and that they often stay at, as it is owned by one of Kathy's relatives.  Jim was finishing up work and got in the pickup with another guy when he suddenly said he was having trouble breathing and looked stressed.  As the other guy helped him out of the pickup, he just started collapsing and was gone.  Kathy understandably is pretty much in shock, but said she'd let me know about the funeral when they figure things out.

In such a stressful situation, I'm at least glad that things are made somewhat easier for Kathy in that she is in familiar surroundings among friends and relatives rather someplace out on the open road.

I will pass along more information as I receive it.

In the meantime, please say a little prayer for Jim-and Kathy 

Dennis R. Hunter

Kathy you are in my thoughts and prayers with the passing of Jim. We had talked about a month ago and were discussing iof all things this website and working on the different things to keep it active. Know he will be truly missed by family and friends around the globe. Please reach out to anyone of us to lean on and support you!  Take care and know Jim was loved by many!  

Judi Adams (Morris)

My heart is so heavy and hurting after hearing that Jim White, passed away yesterday. I am in just such shock. They were just here a couple months ago and stayed with us and we had so much fun, laughing and being silly. He has done so much for this class. I can't even imagine him sticking with it all these years and keeping us all together. He was truly loved by so many people. My heart is now so concerned for Kathy and how she will manage. I know they were looking forward to spending time in Galveston again this winter She is going to be at such a loss. I hope she knows how much we have all loved Jim and her and are ready to do anything at all to help her through this. I love you so much Kathy and I know the prayers of so many people that love you will carry you through this.💔💔💔

Judi Adams (Morris)

I just talked to Kathy a few minutes ago and she is in shock of course but hanging in there. He was on the property of a neighbor helping him do something when this happened but Kathy was able to get over there in time to be with Jim before he passed, which was such a blessing. As we know...Jim & Kathy have been financially strapped for years and she's gonna have some hard things to get through financially.  I would love to start a GoFundMe for Kathy and I asked her if I could and she said it would be a blessing . Does anyone know how to do this and post it on the this site or where should I post it so it gets seen the most. Thanks for any help.