I didn't really know James all that much. Bur I did know his music. I lived in Palmer freshman year. James had a room near the rear exit of Palmer. He had by far the best stereo in Swarthmore. Really sweet JBL Monitor speakers.. As I would leave for dinner I would go down the back stair past his room. Always a treat to hear what music he was listening to on his music system.
James and I were co-coordinators of Upward Bound one summer. He was smart, kind, and supportive of the Upward Bound students, traveling to a study center in Chester weekly throughout the semester in addition to living on campus as a counselor for two summers. He was also a gifted musician and was the organist at several churches around Chester spending his Sundays traveling among them. His passing was a huge loss to his family, friends and the community of Chester.
I went up to James one day and asked if he was the James Batton who had the best sound system on campus. He chuckled and asked where did I hear that from. My reply was that everyone when comparing sound systems always said that he had the best system and if he didn't mind I would like to listen to it. He invited me to his room and after listening to a few tunes, he asked what I thought. I said the rumors about your stereo system were not exaggerated, when can I come back? Anytime after 5 pm he said. I like to listen to music between 5 and 6 pm every day so just come over. Great guy.
Larry Clark
I didn't really know James all that much. Bur I did know his music. I lived in Palmer freshman year. James had a room near the rear exit of Palmer. He had by far the best stereo in Swarthmore. Really sweet JBL Monitor speakers.. As I would leave for dinner I would go down the back stair past his room. Always a treat to hear what music he was listening to on his music system.
He left us way too soon.
Larry Clark
Judith Fletcher
I just remember him as being a wonderful, warm, friendly guy.
Daniel Abbott
James and I were co-coordinators of Upward Bound one summer. He was smart, kind, and supportive of the Upward Bound students, traveling to a study center in Chester weekly throughout the semester in addition to living on campus as a counselor for two summers. He was also a gifted musician and was the organist at several churches around Chester spending his Sundays traveling among them. His passing was a huge loss to his family, friends and the community of Chester.
Jose Ortiz
I went up to James one day and asked if he was the James Batton who had the best sound system on campus. He chuckled and asked where did I hear that from. My reply was that everyone when comparing sound systems always said that he had the best system and if he didn't mind I would like to listen to it. He invited me to his room and after listening to a few tunes, he asked what I thought. I said the rumors about your stereo system were not exaggerated, when can I come back? Anytime after 5 pm he said. I like to listen to music between 5 and 6 pm every day so just come over. Great guy.