An Ohio University senior who died as a result of a motorcycle accident this summer was remembered during a memorial service yesterday.
The service for James G. Long, 23, at Christ the King University Parish, was attended by family and friends, as well as by members of the Phi Kappa Theta fraternity, of which Long was a member.
I didn't know Jim before his death
but I've learned a lot about him since OU Dean of Students Terry Hogan said. Hogan offered condolences to Long's family on behalf of the university.
Long was injured around 4 a.m. July 16 in a motorcycle accident near OU Parking Lot 134, which is on the corner of South Green Drive and Oxbow Trail, according to OU Police Department reports.
The Franklin County Coroner's Office reported Long died at Grant Medical Center in Columbus from a blunt trauma to the head, OU spokesman Jack Jeffery said at the time of the accident.
Long, of McConnelsville, Ohio, was an aviation engineering major and hoped to one day become a pilot.
He loved flying and he was passionate about his training
said Juan Merkt, chair of the department of aviation.
During the service, several of those in attendance shared memories of Long, including fellow Phi Kappa Theta members.
He was a quiet and honorable man
said Scott Rickaby, chapter president. I'll always remember Jim as a friend and a brother.
OU junior and Phi Kappa Theta member Tim Anderson also spoke about Long.
Jim was a quiet guy
but when he did say something
it was something meaningful
he said. If you needed him for anything
he was there for you.
Readings and comments also were made by Rev. Linda S. Pinson of the United Methodist Church of Somerset, Ohio, where Long lived before relocating to McConnelsville, and Phi Kappa Theta alumni chapter advisor R.J. Abraham.
If only we had more Jims
what a wonderful world we would have
Abraham said.
Long is survived by his parents, Vincent and Karen Long, and sister, Elisa, of McConnelsville.
