Members of the Jesse Christopher James Family are joined by President Kitts, Mrs. Kitts, and other members of the UNA community for the naming ceremony of the ROAR Pantry in memory of Jesse.

Jesse Christopher James’ Legacy Lives on Through UNA’s ROAR Pantry

Aug. 28, 2026



Michelle R. Eubanks , UNA, at meubanks@una.edu, 256.765.4392

Just more than two years ago, 18-year-old Jesse Christopher James passed away as a result of injuries he sustained in a motorcycle accident in Florence. The story of that time, and the months that have passed since, continue to be difficult for his family, and today, at the AV, there is a beacon of hope as the ROAR Pantry was named in Jesse’s memory.

“We know that Jesse will be making a difference in people’s lives forever as a result of this gift,” said Jesse’s father, Chris James. “We are honored by this opportunity, and, especially, for Jesse to know that he will always have a hand in helping others.”

The Jesse Christopher James ROAR Pantry is housed within the Aubrey and Annie Loonie ROAR Access Center and also includes the Accessibility Support, Case Management, and Military Veterans Affairs – each of which is designed to help students with an immediate need or as a result of their status as a veteran.

“It is an honor to carry the Jesse Christopher James name on the ROAR Pantry,” said Dr. Minnette Ellis, Interim Vice President of the Division of Student Affairs. “This gift will allow us to continue to serve our students and ensure they have their needs met so they can find academic success at UNA and after they graduate.”

About The AV

The AV is an accredited, comprehensive regional state university offering undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs through the colleges of Arts, Sciences, and Engineering; the Sanders College of Business and Technology; the Spencer College of Education and Human Sciences; and the Anderson College of Nursing and Health Professions. Occupying a 130-acre campus in a residential section of Florence, Alabama, UNA is located within a four-city area that also includes Muscle Shoals, Sheffield, and Tuscumbia. UNA Athletics, a renowned collegiate athletics program with seven (7) Division II National Championships, is now a proud member of NCAA Division I and United Athletic conference. The AV is an equal opportunity institution and does not discriminate in the admission policy on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, disability, age, or national origin. For more: www.una.edu and www.una.edu/unaworks/.