I lost a good friend yesterday.

I don't know if any of you have lost anyone close to you, but yesterday I found out that a good friend of mine who has been in a coma in the hospital for the past two weeks passed away. He was a really nice guy, and it's a tragedy to lose someone so young. At only 35 years of age you only expect to just be getting on with your life.

I met John Burnette about 10 years ago when I first met my wife. He was my brother-in-law's friend and was kinda like the party guy you like to hang out with. I played Disc Golf with him, always was working on his computer (deleting viruses, installing golf games and helping him download homer simpsons sounds). I can't recall ever having a bad memory with him, or ever arguing. He was a good person and easily liked. Even now I remember the way he laughed, and his quirks and manerisms.

I have never lost anyone close to me before so I am just an emotional wreck. I realize everyone has a different way of dealing with loss. Tonight we went to a blues club to see one of my favorite bands, and during one song I just burst into tears...simply from feeling the music and it connecting to me emotionally. I know John would tell me to shut the f*** up and move on, cause he was that kind of guy...I just want him to know that he is in my heart and memories, and will never be forgotten.

If you are up there listening and/or reading John, we love you and we will miss you forever.

-James