FES students honoring Jaden James

Tears flowed from the eyes of sixth graders at Flomaton Elementary School as they remembered their classmate Jaden James during a dedication of a hand-made bench that now sits in the courtyard between the old and new wings of the school.

James was killed in an automobile accident on Oct. 3, 2020, but his smile, attitude and laughter is still imbedded in the minds of his classmates.

FES Principal George Brown said an anonymous donor built and donated the bench to the school in James' honor, which Brown said will forever be known as the 'friendship bench'.

"He tried to be a friend to everybody and was a friend of everybody," Brown said. "One of his best traits was seeking out kids who were having problems. Jaden could always bring a smile their face.

Brown said in the future when he has to talk to students about being mean or bullying, instead of taking them to his office he'll take them to the bench and talk about Jaden.

Brown said during the elementary school's class day one student from each grade was selected to receive the Jaden James Friendship Award.

Jaden's father Jermaine James and his sister Jermiah James were on hand for Tuesday's dedication and shared hugs and tears with Jaden's classmates. Brown also noted that Jermiah just finished the second grade at FES with all A's and B's.

As students came forward to speak to Mr. James and Jermiah, the statements all had the same theme.

"He was the most caring person I ever knew; He was my best friend; there was only one Jaden; everybody loved Jaden; he loved Jesus and always said that; he was always happy," students said.