Viet Nam Memorial Name Inscription in Washington D.C.
Viet Nam Memorial Momument
Parke County Courthouse
James Harley Overpeck
Private First Class
M CO, 3RD BN, 5TH MARINES, 1ST MARDIV, III MAF
United States Marine Corps Rockville, Indiana
March 06, 1947 to June 04, 1967
JAMES H OVERPECK is on the Wall at Panel 21E Line 056
See the full profile for James Overpeck
Twice I have been to the wall, and twice I have touched Jimmy's name and said a prayer for him. The wall is one of the saddest places I have ever been, and between us, Larry and I had three names there which touched us personally. Some of you may remember Darrell Cottrell who was in the class of '65 but moved to Clinton his senior year. His name is there, too, and he is buried near my dad at Memorial Gardens. I hope we will never forget these boys and the ultimate sacrifice they gave.
My memories of James are few. It has been said of him that he was gentle and giving and I believe those descriptions to be true. I also think he was very shy. Probably more so around girls. I can only wish to have known him better since his Maker took him home much too soon. I do know he fought the good fight and gave us something we should all cherish forever...his life. May we all live our lives worthy of your sacrifice, Jimmy.
Jimmy was older than me and I didn't know him very well, but I always knew who he was. I did find his name on the wall in Washington DC and thanked him for his courage.
I thank all of those men who's names are on that wall - there are so many. It's a humbling, sad experience to see all those names. But please go if you ever have the chance. Our country didn't honor them as we should have back then - I'm glad that has changed.
I also thank all veterans who died in any US war and all those who lived through them.
I knew Jimmy as my older brother's (Bill Martin - Class of '66)classmate and friend.
I, too, visited the Vietnam Wall in Washington, DC several years ago and was assisted by an aide in finding Jimmy's name. The aide provided paper and pencil for me to trace his name onto the paper. It wasn't for myself, but for my brother.
It wasn't until last year at Christmas time that I remembered the paper; I presented it to Bill, who looked at the paper somberly and thanked me.
God bless all who have served to protect our country and all it stands for. God bless Jimmy and those who gave their lives defending their country.
Jimmy was a year behind me in school, but we talked a few times. I was in Viet Nam when I found out in a letter from my mom that Jim had been killed. It was a very sad day for me as I remembered him so well. I have visited the Wall in DC three times and the moving Wall twice, I always stop and touch his name and talked to him. Having served in Nam the sight of the Wall always gets to me,. The first time I had to sit down as my eyes teared up and my legs felt shakey.
I would like to share with you the words of a poem I wrote after one of my visits.
Jimmy was in my class in high school. I had the chance to work with him on a special project away from school, and came to realize what a gentle and cooperative person he was. I have thought about him often over the years, and recently discovered his grave with the military gravestone at Memory Garden Cemetery in Rockville. I stood there reflecting on the opportunity I've had to live such a long life - sadly an opportunity he didn't have. I've always wanted to visit the wall and find his name. I hope I can still do that someday. He is always here in my memory - forever young.
I visited the wall shortly after it was unveiled, explicitly to find Jimmy's name. It was such a private moment of respect and admiration for what Jimmy had been through and the reality of his sacrifice. I will always hold that moment in my heart. A young man and classmate gone too soon.
Here it is some 54 years since Rockville lost these two men (yes, I said men). I was fortunate to know both of these gentle souls. It is so sad that these two gentlemen were cheated out of a long future as the rest of us were so blessed to experience. Oh, what could have been for these two human beings. Jim overpeck 66 and Darrell Cottrell 65 will forever be young in our memories. I know I speak for all when I say "may you Rest In Peace my brave friends until we all meet again." I salute you both! Respectfully, Bill Hill 66
I didn't end up graduating from Rockville, but I remember Jimmy in junior high. I still have fond memories of my classmates from Rockville. May he always and forever rest in piece, forever young.
I remember visiting at the funeral home, trying in some way to comfort his mother. It was the hardest visit at a funeral home that I have ever made, and still is vivid in my memory and question my soul how in the world do I comfort this dear woman. Over the years the answer came. Just suffer the loss along with them.
"
"
"
Linda Frost (Hart) (1965)
Twice I have been to the wall, and twice I have touched Jimmy's name and said a prayer for him.The wall is one of the saddest places I have ever been, and between us, Larry and I had three names there which touched us personally.
Some of you may remember Darrell Cottrell who was in the class of '65 but moved to Clinton his senior year. His name is there, too, and he is buried near my dad at Memorial Gardens.
I hope we will never forget these boys and the ultimate sacrifice they gave.
Jeanne Chezem (McCall) (1968)
My memories of James are few. It has been said of him that he was gentle and giving and I believe those descriptions to be true. I also think he was very shy. Probably more so around girls. I can only wish to have known him better since his Maker took him home much too soon. I do know he fought the good fight and gave us something we should all cherish forever...his life. May we all live our lives worthy of your sacrifice, Jimmy.Jeanne Chezem McCall 1968
Jane Heifner (Presslor) (1969)
Jimmy was older than me and I didn't know him very well, but I always knew who he was. I did find his name on the wall in Washington DC and thanked him for his courage.I thank all of those men who's names are on that wall - there are so many. It's a humbling, sad experience to see all those names. But please go if you ever have the chance. Our country didn't honor them as we should have back then - I'm glad that has changed.
I also thank all veterans who died in any US war and all those who lived through them.
Judy Martin (Hamke) (1970)
I knew Jimmy as my older brother's (Bill Martin - Class of '66)classmate and friend.I, too, visited the Vietnam Wall in Washington, DC several years ago and was assisted by an aide in finding Jimmy's name. The aide provided paper and pencil for me to trace his name onto the paper. It wasn't for myself, but for my brother.
It wasn't until last year at Christmas time that I remembered the paper; I presented it to Bill, who looked at the paper somberly and thanked me.
God bless all who have served to protect our country and all it stands for. God bless Jimmy and those who gave their lives defending their country.
Bill Mahan (1965)
Jimmy was a year behind me in school, but we talked a few times. I was in Viet Nam when I found out in a letter from my mom that Jim had been killed. It was a very sad day for me as I remembered him so well. I have visited the Wall in DC three times and the moving Wall twice, I always stop and touch his name and talked to him. Having served in Nam the sight of the Wall always gets to me,. The first time I had to sit down as my eyes teared up and my legs felt shakey.
I would like to share with you the words of a poem I wrote after one of my visits.
A Visit To The Wall
Here I stand looking at this wall.
Wondering why they had to fall.
These were my brothers, at their side I fought.
I brought my daughter and grand kids today.
So they could feel what I had to say.
I stop again at panel twenty one.
And talked to Jimmy one to one.
Hi there Jimmy, how are you my friend?
I wanted to stop by, and visit again.
Remember our days in Rockville High?
I think of you and wonder why.
We weren’t real close, being a year apart.
But when I’m here, you’re near to heart.
Although it twas a long time ago.
I remember you Jim I want you to know.
Well so long dear friend, I’ll be on my way.
But I’ll will visit again one day.
I’ll walk this path, deep in thought.
And talk to my brothers, beside whom I fought.
Bill Mahan
10/1/04
Gayla Bradfield (1966)
Jimmy was in my class in high school. I had the chance to work with him on a special project away from school, and came to realize what a gentle and cooperative person he was. I have thought about him often over the years, and recently discovered his grave with the military gravestone at Memory Garden Cemetery in Rockville. I stood there reflecting on the opportunity I've had to live such a long life - sadly an opportunity he didn't have. I've always wanted to visit the wall and find his name. I hope I can still do that someday. He is always here in my memory - forever young.
Gail McFaddin (1966)
I visited the wall shortly after it was unveiled, explicitly to find Jimmy's name. It was such a private moment of respect and admiration for what Jimmy had been through and the reality of his sacrifice. I will always hold that moment in my heart. A young man and classmate gone too soon.
Billy Gene Hill 66 (1966)
Here it is some 54 years since Rockville lost these two men (yes, I said men). I was fortunate to know both of these gentle souls. It is so sad that these two gentlemen were cheated out of a long future as the rest of us were so blessed to experience. Oh, what could have been for these two human beings. Jim overpeck 66 and Darrell Cottrell 65 will forever be young in our memories. I know I speak for all when I say "may you Rest In Peace my brave friends until we all meet again." I salute you both! Respectfully, Bill Hill 66
Sherry Branham (Hicks) (1966)
I didn't end up graduating from Rockville, but I remember Jimmy in junior high. I still have fond memories of my classmates from Rockville. May he always and forever rest in piece, forever young.
Sincerely
Sherry Branham (Hicks)
Jim Payton (1966)
I remember visiting at the funeral home, trying in some way to comfort his mother. It was the hardest visit at a funeral home that I have ever made, and still is vivid in my memory and question my soul how in the world do I comfort this dear woman. Over the years the answer came. Just suffer the loss along with them.