In Memory of John-Hunter James

“Even bigger than his heart for his sport was his heart for people … He was not reluctant to pour it out on us,” said a grieving friend of John-Hunter James. On March 6, the Columbia International University community received the news that beloved student-athlete, John-Hunter James, had passed into glory following a traffic accident in Georgia. 

John-Hunter was a senior business major who was known for his love for Jesus and love for his teammates, as well as his intense work ethic. He was one of the most decorated athletes in CIU’s history. An exceptional pole vaulter, he is the only CIU athlete in men's track field program history to have won an NAIA National Championship, winning both the 2020 and 2021 NAIA Indoor Track & Field Men's Pole Vault National Championship.

In honor of John-Hunter James and his family, CIU hosted a memorial service where in between moments of worship music and prayer, friends and family shared cherished memories and qualities of John-Hunter's life. Flickers of bright yellow track team shirts shone from the front of the chapel through the sea of students, friends and family. One of his coaches recounted how when John-Hunter would struggle with a particular challenge in pole vaulting he would say that it was “In God’s timing coach, I’m going to jump in God’s timing.” The coach admitted that John-Hunter James taught him what it was to rely on God’s timing.

Grief and hope intermingled mid-air as the lyrics of “In Christ Alone” reverberated throughout Shortess Chapel. The voices of those gathered proclaimed with one voice the supernatural reality and hope which John-Hunter now fully knows.

After friends and family reflected on John-Hunter's life, CIU professor Dr. Kevin McWilliams, CIU alumnus and board member Adrian Despres, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes College Ministry Director T Rousey closed out the night with prayer.

Amidst the grief felt that night, John-Hunter James’ mother reminisced about her prayers for her children as an expectant mother.

“I would pray that they would fulfill their call and fulfill the length of their days. (John-Hunter) fulfilled the race. He won. He graduated.”