Well-Known Jackson Community Member in Critical Condition
JACKSON, Tenn. — James Theus Jr. was airlifted to Memphis hospital Thursday night after trying to help a woman with a stalled vehicle on the side of the road. Police say Theus was helping the lady with her vehicle on Highway 70 ByPass when a third car came up behind them and hit them. Theus was pinned between two cars, and is now in critical condition. His left leg was amputated. Those that know him best say it is no surprise that Theus was hit in these circumstances, because he was just living out his life mission. Wendy Trice has known Theus for more than 25 years. “He was just there for everyone and so by him stopping to help someone is just doing what he does and you know, he’s a wonderful man, a great friend,” said Trice. She said his involvement in SAACA, The Society for African American Cultural Awareness, is just one of the ways he has impacted the community. “I’m very emotional right now. I’m just trying to figure it out, because what he does, nobody else has done and can do,” explained Trice. His wife Mary Theus believes her husband will have a positive recovery. “He is going to look at this not as something that is terrible that’s happened to him. He is going to embrace it and say, ‘I’m still gonna be able to do the things that I’ve been doing’,” explained Mary Theus. The Theus family is asking for community support through prayer. SAACA said their events for the year will continue as scheduled, because that is what James Theus would want.
