Posted by Leslie Deak on April 5, 1999:

Jamie and I were close throughout our high school years. Always friends, sometimes more, we could be often be found comparing the successes (and failures) of the swim and soccer teams, not to mention our classes. Jamie was one of the first people I knew who didn't poke fun at my family's heavy involvement in German folk dancing. I knew he felt the same dedication to the pipe and drum corps. Our senior year in high school, we spent a lot of time worrying about going to college--we both eventually went to our dream schools, though we compared notes on our applications every day. Once we went on to college, we exchanged e-amils on everything from mundane activities to the Meaning of Life. Once, Jamie had a layover in the Raleigh-Durham airport. I begged, borrowed, and practically stole a friend's car to drive the 20 minutes to the airport to see Jamie for 10. Every time we came home, one of our first phone calls was to each other to go out for dinner or coffee. The last time I saw him was no exception. We went out for coffee with my fiance, who liked Jamie immediately--not surprising for a guy who had such a great impression on so many people. I can't wait until my next "Jamie Day."

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