JAMES11 January 2021
Many questionnaires I have responded to over 2020 ask if you know anybody who
has acquired COVID-19, or who has died from it.
We have known a few people who had the disease and recovered but
fortunately we have not known anyone who has died from this disease.
Until now.
James Glica-Hernandez is a musical director for the Woodland
Opera House, one of the sweetest people you'd ever want to meet.
On December 6, if you have Facebook, you can see
the first video he made letting people know his condition. He and his
husband David both came down with COVID-19, though they had been very cautious.
David was able to recuperate at home, but James was more sick and was in the
hospital. He posted several updates over the next several weeks. The
last word I had on him was that he was in a medical induced coma and then came
the message from David:
Dear friends,
Tonight I am at a loss for words. And yet, I know how much you all love
James and have been anxious to hear from me. Unfortunately, it is the most
difficult news I’ve had to share.
Today was our consult with the doctors about how to
proceed. No person ever wants to have to choose between two devastating
options for their loved one. No one is ever ready for this.
This Sunday, January 10th, around 11 am I will be able to be there with
James when they take him off the ventilator. James will remain sedated. The
doctors call this “comfort care,” as they try and keep him as comfortable as
possible until he passes. They tell me that it could be minutes, it could be
hours, but I will be there with him until the end.
David, James
Married 8/1/2005
I am heartbroken. James and I
were never close friends, but we have interacted many times over the years and I
have watched his work on stage and in the orchestra pit. He's a wonderful
hugger and he is so good to everyone.
-
James C. Glica-Hernandez reached
out to me when I was at my lowest after the passing of my son Sam almost 10
years ago. I will always appreciate and remember his kindness.
-
Thank you for all the memories,
for pushing me to my truest potential. You showed me that my voice made a
difference in this world and it deserves to be heard. You have had such an
impact on my life and I know I’m not the only one.
-
We are comforted knowing how we have been blessed with your
steadfast compassion and love, being the most caring and hopeful person in
our lives, teaching us to be resilient, keeping it real, and lighting the
way for many to nurture and care for one another.
.
-
Anyone who has ever seen or been in or around a show at the
Woodland Opera House has been touched by James’ musical talents and acting
prowess. He is a genuine, kind, compassionate person with a wicked sense of
humor.
-
Thank you for giving us so much unconditional love and
kindness over the years. I know my life was made better with you in it, and
we are all so lucky to have known you for however much time we have shared
together.
-
The beautiful part about James is that each person, each
Friend here on FB has had the benefit of being personally and positively
impacted by James. Knowing him and benefiting from his friendship is truly
an honor and a gift. Something to be cherished forever and always.
-
James is and was so magical with his students and a good
friend to those of us fortunate enough to work alongside him. His kindness
and support toward me and my daughter, Kaylee will never be forgotten.
-
James is a wonderful music teacher, friend, and kind soul. I
am keeping you all in my prayers. James’ legacy will certainly live on.
-
Although we love and want you here James, there must be a
choir up there that needs some fine tuning. May God hold you in the palm of
His hand. You are so loved
James died at 3:45 p.m.
