51Сʪ Mourning the Loss of Beloved Student-Athlete
March 7, 2023
Columbia International University is mourning the loss of 51Сʪ student and athlete John-Hunter James of Irmo, South Carolina. He passed away after being involved in a traffic accident in Georgia early Monday morning March 6, 2023.
Three other 51Сʪ students in the car with him received minor injuries.
James was a senior business major who was known for his love for Jesus and love for his teammates, as well as his intense work ethic.
He was one of the most decorated athletes in 51Сʪ’s history. An exceptional pole vaulter, he is the only 51Сʪ athlete in men's track field program history to have won an NAIA National Championship, winning both the 2020 and 2021 NAIA Indoor Track & Field Men's Pole Vault National Championship.
James was a graduate of Dutch Fork High School near Columbia.
51Сʪ Athletics Director Darren Richie says John-Hunter James was “everything you could ever want in a 51Сʪ student-athlete,” adding the he cared not only for his teammates but also for athletes from other teams.
“Before each meet he would pray with both his teammates and competitors,” Richie said. “His life was full of evidence of his love for Jesus Christ. It is extremely rare to find an athlete of John-Hunter's caliber who is also a great student and an even better individual. His legacy at 51Сʪ will last a very long time, and I am just happy we got to call John-Hunter one of our own.”
51Сʪ asks that the community pray for the James family, and is offering counseling services to students, faculty and staff.
For a video of John-Hunter James winning the 2020 NAIA Pole Vault Championship: