Dispatches from Home – The Passing of James Henry LeBatard.

Goodbye, Dear James Henry.

I knew the laugh before I knew the man. It was a bellowing hoop-of-a-laugh, and I first heard it over 25 years ago at an audition for “Scrooge, The Musical,” directed by Kinard Fite at the Saenger Theater. I did or said something silly during the audition and then heard “the laugh.”

That laugh was also one of the last things I remember about James Henry. After a lovely supper at Marguerites Restaurants in Pascagoula, Mississippi, we said goodbye and hugged, and again, I did or said something silly, and he laughed. That laugh, a powerful force of joy, conjured happiness if directed at you, caused you to pause and control yourself if James Henry was in the audience and you were on stage, or just gave you a warm, fuzzy feeling whenever you heard it.

I last contacted James Henry via Facebook on July 12th. We sent each other messages back and forth, trying to arrange a time to meet for lunch. He told me I’d have to pick him up because he could no longer drive. On July 13th, he said: “I’ve got an infection getting started in my check and neck again, so let me see the doctor tomorrow. When I feel better, we’ll get together. I will keep you posted. Please keep in touch, my friend. I’m just not feeling my best right now. Please keep me in your prayers.”

Our planned luncheon was not to be. James Henry was called Home, away from the suffering of cancer. But when my time comes, and I step through the Pearly Gates, one of the first things I hope to hear is his laughter, welcoming me Home. Until then, my dear friend, know that you are loved and will be deeply missed.

Big hug, Andy

(Originally published August 2014)