Early on in high school I thought Justin was one of the untouchables. Popular, good-looking, athletic. But in the few times I actually talked to him I quickly saw that he had a huge heart. One that, as others have said, was free of judgement. Something I could learn from since I probably couldn't have said the same for myself back then. Last fall he and a couple other guys from Foothill popped back into my life when we all had some classes together in the credential program at Simpson. I know it isn't coinicidence that people show up in your life twice so I decided to take advantage of the opportunity and try to get to know him. And again I was surprised at his sweet, easy-going nature. He would listen as I told him about my new-born baby and put up with me showing him new pictures of my son every week. He was quiet in class but constantly had that smile on his face. I remember thinking he was going to make a great teacher. He shared with our classes about his passion for high school kids and I could see that he wanted to make high school as good an experience for other kids as it was for him. To hear about his death has hurt my heart. I am sad to see him taken from this earth and to know there were many young lives that he could have touched through his teaching and coaching. But I praise God for the time that he was here and the lives he did touch. I am seeing that they were many. I am praying for comfort for you, his family and friends.
Posted by matthewpwilliams54 on July 14, 2008 at 12:19 p.m.
This post is only intended for the friends and family of Justin. I would like to tell a story that speaks to the character of Justin Wigham. I am a 2002 graduate of Foothill High School. As some of you know, Justin was the starting quarterback and middle linebacker for our football team his senior year. What most of you do not know is that going into my sophomore year, the coaches at Foothill asked me to play on the varsity team and compete for the starting middle linebacker position. Their reasoning was that they did not want Justin playing both offense and defense because they did not want their starting quarterback to get hurt.
Going into my first practice with the varsity team, I was scared and intimidated. I did not know how the juniors and seniors would receive me. I was especially intimidated by Justin, the "big man on campus" because I was trying to take his spot at linebacker.
Now to the point of my story... No one on that team was nicer to me than Justin Wigham. Not only did he befriend me, he helped me more than anyone in learning the linebacker position. He was a true class act and a real team player. I did not make the varsity team that year because Justin was definitely better than me at linebacker, but he always looked out for me in the years following. I will never forget him for the kindness he showed me that summer. Please know that I have been praying for Justin's family and friends, I hope that somehow some kind of good can come from this tragedy.
-MW #54