From tragedy springs hope. Those words describe the ongoing legacy of James Eunice. James went missing the morning of January 15, 2011, while duck hunting in Lake Park, GA. He was recovered the morning of January 31 by pararescue jumpers (PJs) from the 38th Rescue Squadron from Moody Air Force Base. The story of the search for and ultimate recovery of James is remarkable, but the real story is how he lived and how his life and legacy continue to make a difference in the lives of others. Shortly after he went missing, someone posted this quote from the movie Troy because they said it reminded them of how James lived, “Men are haunted by the vastness of eternity. And so we ask ourselves: will our actions echo across the centuries? Will strangers hear our names long after we are gone, and wonder who we were, how bravely we fought, how fiercely we loved?” James' parents, John and Tammy, once said they thought James’ story was over after he was recovered after those 17 days. But God. Those two little words found in Ephesians 2 showed God had much more in store for James’ life and legacy. Coach Mark Richt, then head coach at the University of Georgia, sent a University of Georgia jersey with James’ name and number on it to James’ funeral service, along with a hand written note saying, “I’m sure this is the jersey James would have earned.” James’ story continues to inspire. Through the generosity and support of an amazing community, the James Eunice Charity Fund has given back almost $800,000 to the community, including local charities as well as 866 scholarships to graduating seniors from 30+ schools across south Georgia and north Florida since 2011.
James Eunice posted the following words on Facebook to describe himself:
“ Eunice, Eundawg, Uni, Unicycle, Urana, Utube, Youuuuu, Merecat. Many of my names, but my favorite is Follower of Christ. I’ve messed up a lot in my life, but God is teaching me lessons from every valley He walks me through. I love jesus, and that’s who I am living for :) ”
An unbelievable story played out during the 17 day search for James that cold January of 2011. Over 30 teams from three states participated in the search, as local families opened their homes to house the search teams. Numerous volunteers served 5000 meals to search teams and volunteers over those 17 days. James’ parents heard story after story from James’ friends, teachers, coaches and numerous others of how James had impacted their life. James’ baseball coach shared on day two of the search, “James didn’t have a group. Everybody was James’ group.” The stories from so many showed what God can do in the life of an ordinary 17 year high school senior sold out to Christ. James lived intentionally for Christ, shared his faith freely and loved everyone unconditionally. When asked by his friends what he wanted to do after graduation, James would reply, "All I want to do is make a difference in the lives of other people." Through the generosity and support of an amazing community, The James Eunice Charity Fund strives to do just that. The fund seeks to continue James' story and legacy of making a difference. James' parents continue to share James' story with churches, schools, FCA huddles, and civic organizations. They are available to share an incredible story about an ordinary young man whose life continues to impact others, and ask for nothing more than the opportunity to share James' story and legacy.
story
story
On day three of the search for James, someone brought a copy of The Clock is Ticking to Ocean Pond. It was the only note he posted on Facebook. There is a story behind his words. A high school classmate died in a car accident in Douglas, GA on April 16, 2010. James wrote the words to The Clock is Ticking two days later, on April 18. He wrote the words from a broken heart because he felt like he hadn’t invested enough in the life of his friend. James wrote these words at 2:21 PM on a Sunday afternoon. We don’t think he missed another opportunity to invest in the life of another person before God called him home almost nine months later. James’ words have become the mission statement for the James Eunice Charity Fund.
"The Clock Is Ticking"
by: James David Eunice
Take time to love someone. Today, Tomorrow, For the rest of your life. Becasue when that unexpected day comes that they pass on, you'll be left wondering what you could've done better. How you could have made them feel more welcome, and show that you do care for them. Don't wait until it's too late like I did. Show the love that Jesus has for you to everyone you see. Let your heart break for what breaks His. Christ is enough. Let Him show you life. You never know who He may touch through you. It is so sad that it takes a tragedy like this to comprehend how our days are numbered. Only He knows. Keep your faith in Him. He will bless you beyond belief. Our job is right now. This very second. So often, God gives me a little nudge towards someone.. and I put it off until the next day.. and then the next and then the next. Stop stalling. God put us on this earth for HIS glory. Not ours.. and so many times, the things I do always point back to me and my stupid self righteousness. So do something with me. Everyone. If this just touches one person, I will have done my job. Don't stall. Judgement is a heart beat away.
james-program
A Life Well Lived
james-program
A Life Well Lived
The following was included in the program for James' celebration service.
James David Eunice was born June 16, 1993 in Athens, Georgia to John and Tammy Eunice. He blessed the lives of his brother, John Eunice, and his sister, Lindsey Eunice. We say that James was our son and brother, but he was more than that. He was a son of the living God, and a brother to everyone he met.
During his seventeen years, James lived in Georgia, Massachusetts, Ohio, Guam, Illinois, and South Carolina, and visited Australia, Hawaii, and numerous other states and locations. I say this only to say that James really lived. He loved God, loved people, loved life. James met no strangers, and greeted everyone with a hug and "I love you."
He proudly proclaimed on his Facebook page that he was employed by Jesus Christ. When it came to religion, he professed to have no religion, but a personal relationship with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. James began most conversations with new friends asking if they attended church, and inviting them to join him at Crosspointe Church. He loved God and wanted to share that relationship with everyone he met.
On the morning of January 15th, 2011, James went duck hunting at Ocean Pond with his friend, Drew Pipkin. After parting ways with Drew for what should have been a short time, James went missing. A large-scale search was launched while family and friends gathered at Ocean Pond. The search continued for seventeen agonizing days until James' earthly body was recovered from the pond.
The entire community was impacted in ways never thought possible through what happened to James that day, but even more so by what James had done prior to that day. He left a legacy of laughter, faith, and friendship that will never be forgotten by those who knew James and have heard his story.
Everyone has a favorite "James story," whether it was hiding under the desk to scare his teacher, Mrs. Eldridge, losing his boomerang on the roof of the school, pulling his friends out of the mud, refereeing at Parks and Rec, being a Doopster, or calling his mom a helicopter parent. He made us laugh. He made us feel special, as if we were the only person in the world at the time. He encouraged us. He witnessed to us.
James would be the first to admit that he was not perfect, but he was a walking testimony to the grace of God, and how we should treat others. He was a proud son, proud brother, proud grandchild, loyal friend, athlete, student, musician, but the title he was most proud of was faithful follower of Christ. I am certain his grandfather met him at the gates of heaven, and heard Jesus tell James, "Well done, good and faithful servant." There is no doubt he is watching us today. He would say, "This is fye!" and tell everyone, "I love you."
Continuing the Legacy
Still Making a Difference
Continuing the Legacy
Still Making a Difference
2024 James Eunice Legacy Scholarship Recipients from Valdosta High School
Scholarships
Through the outpouring of love and support for James and his legacy, the James Eunice Charity Fund has presented 866 scholarships to graduating seniors from over 30 schools across south Georgia and north Florida since 2011.
James Eunice Charity Fund presenting to Options Now 2025
2024 IIAG Young Agents Golf Tournament
Charities
The James Eunice Charity Fund has donated over $340,000 to charities across the region. In addition to the 2024 donation to charities in January, the foundation donated $3500 in October 2024 to assist with area relief efforts from Hurricane Helene. The foundation continued it’s January “Giving Month” tradition in 2025 by donating over $18,000 to charities, including FCA, Boys and Girls Club, Living Bridges, Second Harvest, Childrens Advocacy Center, Options Now and Share the Magic Foundation.
iiag young chapter golf tournament
Steven Hall, a good friend of James’ older brother, John, reached out to us in 2023 to tell us that he was the president of the Independent Insurance Agents of Georgia Young Chapter and would be able to designate which charity would receive the money raised from their golf tournament tournament. He wanted to designate the James Eunice Charity Fund as the recipient and asked if we would be willing to share the story with the organization prior to the event. We shared with the board in August 2023 and spoke with the entire membership in February 2024. Our good friend and James’ teammate, Malcolm Mitchell, was the keynote speaker. The tournament was held in April at the University of Georgia golf course. It was a record event, as they collected almost $70,000 for the James Eunice Charity Fund. Thanks to Steven and his team for their amazing work. The proceeds will be used to fund scholarships and support other charities.
2025 James Eunice Charity Blood Drive
Winners of the 2023 James Eunice Legacy 5K
Swimmers in the One Mile TCT7 Swim
John, Tammy, and James’ brother, John, with Coach Mark Richt
2017 James Eunice Day Volunteers
2017 Volunteers for Grilling for James
james eunice legacy Blood Drive
James donated blood for the first and only time on December 23, 2010. We went as a family to donate at our church sponsored blood drive. We attended Christmas Eve services the next night along with John, Lindsey and Tammy’s parents at Northside Baptist Church. James left from there to join his good friend, Emmaline Wilder, and her family at Waffle House for dinner and then followed them to their house to watch a movie. While there, James shared about donating blood, and told Emmaline’s mom, Sara, that “someone was going to get some awesome blood.”
He went missing 23 days later on January 15, 2011 while duck hunting. The Red Cross approached us about co-sponsoring a blood drive with our church on December 22, 2011. The drive collected 236 units of awesome blood that first year, the second largest total ever collected on that date in Georgia. The blood drive has become an annual event and is now held each January. James’ blood drive has collected over 760 pints of blood since 2011 to give to those who need it.
james eunice legacy 5k
The James Eunice Charity Fund partnered with the local Kappa Alpha (KA) fraternity at Valdosta State University (VSU) to host the annual James Eunice Legacy 5K. The inaugural event was held on June 25, 2011, and organized by a friend. KA picked it up in 2012 and moved the event to April and tied it to a Chili Cook Off. The Chili Cook Off did not make it past 2012, but the 5K was held each April thru 2023, including virtual events in 2020 and 2021 during COVID. Runners participated from all over the United States, as well as Uganda and Afghanistan. Ryan Kelly was top overall and top male finisher in the 2023 event, while Tamara Martin was the top female finisher.
tct7 swim
The TCT7 Swim began with an encounter in the parking lot at Sam’s Club. The event was named TCT to reflect James’ words from the Clock is Ticking and the number 7 was added because it is the perfect number in The Bible. The TCT7 was a true community event and made possible only through the amazing community support and sponsorships. Lowndes County and the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Department played major roles. Volunteers from the local community, including Valdosta State sororities, were vital to the event. Sponsorships from across Valdosta and Lowndes, along with neigboring communities, helped make this the largest fundraiser for the foundation. 2013 witnessed the inaugural event, with 1 mile, 3.5 mile and 7 mile open water events at Long Pond in Lake Park, GA. The event included a Saturday night dinner and featured guest speakers along James’ parents sharing James’ story. A silent auction was also a part of the weekend. We renamed the 3.5 Mile event the Captain Mark Weber 3.5 Mile Legacy Swim to honor Captain Mark Weber, the winner of the 2014 3.5 mile swim. Mark was killed in action in Iraq in March 2018 and left an amazing legacy of faith. Mark’s parents spoke at the 2019 event. We’re certain James and Mark would have been fast friends. The final event was held in 2022 with Coleman Yates winning the one mile event and Lewis Potter winning the Captain Mark Weber event.
Mark richt dinner
University of Georgia head coach Mark Richt spoke at a benefit dinner honoring James in February 2012. James met Coach Richt in December 2010. James’ high school coach, Rance Gillespie, had told Coach Richt James intended to try and walk on the Georgia football team and arranged the meeting. Coach Richt shared his testimony and spoke about James that night saying, ““(James) was special,” Richt said. “He is worthy of this kind of event. He was all about people coming to know Jesus Christ. That is his legacy. His legacy is not what a great kid he was, which he was, it’s not how friendly he was to so and so. The legacy is, he was making a difference in someone’s life.” The foundation presented proceeds from the dinner to Second Harvest of South Georgia food bank, Hungry at Home backpack ministry, and Options Now, Valdosta’s crisis pregnancy center.
james eunice day
Amy Rubin and her amazing team at Sam’s Club started James Eunice Day in 2013 as a way to honor James’ life and legacy and raise additional funds for the foundation to support scholarships and local charities. The local Sam’s Club donated all of the food and activities for the day. James Eunice Day was held in June each year from 2013 thru 2017. The event offered food and fun for all. The highlights each year included the volunteers from Sam’s Club, James’ friends and the number of scholarship recipients each year who volunteered for the event.
Grilling for james
Grilling for James originated with the Diving for James campaign. Philip Jones approached Amy Rubin, the manager of the local Sam’s Club, about supporting the effort. She agreed to let us sell hamburgers and hot dogs towards the purchase of the dive equipment. The first year netted over $13,000, and began an annual event that lasted thru 2018. Amy and her team supported the effort each year, and the foundation was blessed with amazing volunteer help from across the community. The funds raised supported various charities thoughout the community, including the Adel Tornado Relief Fund in 2017, and numerous scholarships across the south Georgia area.
Diving for James Check Presentation to Lowndes County Sheriff's Department
Diving for james
James' life and legacy impacted a community. Numerous volunteers energized the Diving for James campaign in the 90 days following James' recovery to raise money to outfit the Lowndes County Sheriff's Department Dive Team. The community raised $149,000 to furnish dry suits, a dive boat, SONAR, metal detectors, computers and various other equipment for the team. The community held the event at the Lowndes County courthouse and we were blessed to present the check to the Lowndes County Sheriff's Department on June 16, 2011, James' 18th birthday.
