Jett Higham Rest In Peace (Gone Too Soon) We Miss You

Our wonderful and much loved Head of Costume Design, Toni Leslie James, lost her youngest child, Jett Higham, last week to a senseless act of violence, here in Richmond.

We are all still reeling from the tragedy of this terrible loss.

Today a beautiful video of Jett was posted on her FB page.
It shows a vibrant, life-loving boy whose life was just beginning to unfold.

This film was made by one of Jett’s friends. 


From Toni Leslie James on Facebook last week
“We are eternally grateful to Graham Moomaw of the Richmond Times-Dispatch for coming to our home to interview us about who our son really was in this world. Our anguish at this senseless act was compounded by reading reports of “Man Found Dead in Downtown Richmond Alley”. I wrote an email to put a face on our child, who was not yet a man but a vibrant, sometime knuckle headed, a boy of 18, 6’3 and one of the most gorgeous young black men on the planet, not just another nameless, faceless young black male gunned down by other young black males. I am glad that we were able to let everyone know that he was loved and a son, brother, nephew, cousin and friend. Every child lost, whatever the circumstances and who they are, has the same. The short thrift the media gives the countless, seemly endless, deaths of young black males and woman is abominable. That we have been able have our son’s story told is of some comfort to us. I thank every who has so kindly and loving supported us in our grief and letting us vent on FB. We will survive for the only way we can honor our son is to keep living. Your support and outpourings of love is a tremendous help. Love your families and I’d appreciate it if your keep us in your prayers. We have a long road ahead.

Jett’s Obituary
Jett Gerald Higham was born March 15, 1995 at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York, New York. He attended Poly Prep Country Day Lower & Middle Schools in Brooklyn, New York and was a senior at the Lower Manhattan Arts Academy in Manhattan. He also attended high school art classes at the The Fashion Institute of Techonology. He was a photographer, lacrosse player and just beginning to find and celebrate life, when it was taken from him on July 2, 2013. Jett was deeply loved by all of his family and friends, who mourn him from the bottom of their hearts. Jett Gerald Higham is survived by his parents, David Higham and Toni-Leslie James; one sister, Cosima Higham and extended family in Perth, Western Australia, Florida and Clairton, Pennsylvania.

Toni - bless you and your family. Our thoughts and hearts will be with you all tomorrow at Jett's New York Memorial Service.