Please note: The following story was not written by me. The credit goes to Jan Pudlow, of the Tallahassee Democrat newspaper. Although I have not changed any names, or altered the story in any way, I have taken some liberty in its formatting, so that it may properly fit on this page. I thought that possibly you may be interested in reading about a remarkable woman, whose life was filled with love and devotion
Larry Delmar



Barbara James turned on the public-address system in her office for the last time for one last announcement to her students.

"When school starts next year, you will not see me. I will be retiring," said the veteran educator of 35 years, who spent a decade as the caring, motherly head of Bond Elementary School.

" No matter where you may go, my love will be with you....Remember to do good in academics. Have a good attitude. And above all, be caring to others."

Her voice cracking, the woman in the big principals office with the big heart struggled to finish: "Have a good summer. I love each and everyone of you."

As James motored her electronic wheel chair into the hallway, she was deluged with hugs from a tearful throng of children who had just found out that she was leaving and rushed up to say goodbye.

"She's been like a mommy, not just to kids but to the teachers too." said Gloria Gallons. who teaches second and third grades." When we come to Bond, we know we are being loved - because Mrs. James said so."

A 11 year old fifth-grader, whose cheeks were streaked with tears, said: "She takes care of us."

Indeed, 57 year old James calls her students "my babies."

Because her babies needed her, James kept leading Bond, even after both her legs were amputated-one in 1994 and the other in 1996-because of blood circulation problems.

After 16 months of staying home after her last operation, she went back to active duty, a self described workaholic who toiled 5:30am to 5:30pm six days a week.

" I had to prove something to myself. I had to finish what I started," James said. "Just because you lose a leg, you don't sit home and mope."

But then, James admitted, "When you lose a body part, You're not able to manipulate yourself as quickly. It was slowing down the work pace. It was time for someone else to come in and help. It is time for me to go.

She leaves behind a school that has learned to show love. When James came to Bond in 1989, she said, she would lean down to hug a child, and that child would "draw up."

"The bonding with these students was not there. Most live with a grandmother or an uncle. They need to feel love. And that's not just with at-risk children. All children need to be loved, listened to and appreciated."

It was obvious Thursday that James practices what she preaches. Amid the flood of tears, she delivered her trademark hugs and customized parting to a boy: "Keep running track. To a girl: "I saw your report card. And I am so proud of you."

"I'm going to come back and see you. When you have a play or a softball game, I'll be there," she promised. "I wont forget you."

At Bond, Barbara James will not be forgotten, either.

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