RIP Jamie Bishop

[puppetmaker]

When I was but a young fan, one of my friends introduced me to Michael Bishop at one of my first science fiction conventions. Over the years I ran into Michael and his family at various conventions. Most of my copies of his books are signed. I met his son and daughter a number of times over the years. I haven't seen Michael or Jeri or the kids in a long time however. Last time I saw Jamie, he was at that awkward stage between being a boy and being a man. I do remember commenting on how tall he had gotten to Michael. I think the last time I saw Michael, I told him that I was dating Peter. I can't remember if I was engaged at that point for not.

Yesterday I found out that the German professor who was killed at Virginia Tech was Jamie. His given name was Christopher James Bishop. So when I saw Christopher Bishop in the paper, it really didn't register until a friend informed me that this was Jamie, the kid who loved comic books and graphic novels. His photography site is still up at Memory39 and he did just beautiful work. He had a passion for the things he did and was described by many as a gentle giant. He leaves behind a wife Dr. Stefanie Hofer, his parents Michael and Jeri and his sister Stephanie along with the rest of his family and friends.

My sympathies and prayers are with the Bishop family.

I am grateful that I did meet Jamie.

Comments

[mythandwonder.livejournal.com]

Wow, that sucks. I remember being struck by his photo on the news, and thinking he seemed like such a gentle soul.

[puppetmaker40.livejournal.com]

Yep. I think I'm still stunned.

I mean last time I saw him, he was a teenager.

He looks a lot like his dad.

[wonderbink.livejournal.com]

My condolences to his family.

To all the families, really.

Wow, this sucks.

[puppetmaker40.livejournal.com]

Yep. No doubt about it.

[caitriona27.livejournal.com]

I'm so sorry. It seems I'm saying that too much this year. My heartfelt sorrow to his family (and all the other families).

Is the year over yet?

[puppetmaker40.livejournal.com]

I know. This year has been da suck hasn't it?

[caitriona27.livejournal.com]

Yes, it has..

[vysion-of-books.livejournal.com]

Ok, I know people want to be as close to "fame" as possible in a six degrees of separation way, but NOT like this.

Sorry this senseless event happened at all, and more so because he was someone you knew.

[puppetmaker40.livejournal.com]

I was just stunned when I found out.

Never in a million years did I think I directly knew anyone involved until I found out about Jamie.

[wandereringray.livejournal.com]

*hugs you* I'm so sorry, Kath. :(