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:

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.