James Lee Coone

Dr. James Lee Coone Aug. 23, 1963-Nov. 28, 2008 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.-- James 1: 17 Five years ago, on the day after Thanksgiving, the Lord suddenly called you home. It seems like yesterday, we miss you so much, the person you were. Funny. Loyal. Zestful for life, always hopeful. And curious, most of all about God's word. When you passed away, you were learning Greek so that you could better understand the Bible. Most of all, in your love and compassion your witness was Christ-like. You adopted your nephew and made sure that your employees had health insurance, although that was not financially easy. Even the many dogs you rescued from parking lots and the lonely roads could count on your kindness, as you lifted them, flea-bitten and starving, into the back of your Toyota Forerunner. At the same time, though, you were always humble, praying for God's guidance even as you made the inevitable mistakes we all make in life. In these five years we have struggled to understand why you were taken at such a young age. Like Christ who left this earth when he was only 33, young believers are sometimes called home as a testimony to the power of their witness. You were also a very sensitive person, so perhaps the Lord was saving you from the evil to come, as is said in Second Chronicles 34: 28. Whatever the reasons, we know that God's work is good, and that you were his perfect gift from above. Today we thank the Lord for the preciousness of your life and eat the pumpkin pie you loved so much. I, your sister, am still "pinching"-or, as some might say, hogging--the pie crust. I'm sure you will be smiling from heaven at this little quirk of mine that you've complained about ever since we were little children. As Mother and I give thanks for all we have, we are most gladdened to know that you are celebrating in Heaven, in a light far brighter than anything we can imagine on earth. What a glorious day for you! We eternally love you, Your mother Janice and sister Cathy