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In their honor

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Jamie Bishop
Christopher James Bishop -- who earned bachelor's and master's degrees in German and was a Fulbright scholar at Christian-Albrechts University in Kiel, Germany -- taught German at Virginia Tech. According to his Web site, Bishop, 35, spent four years living in Germany, where he "spent most of his time learning the language, teaching English, drinking large quantities of wheat beer, and wooing a certain fraulein." The "fraulein" was Bishop's wife, Stefanie Hofer, who also teaches in Virginia Tech's German program.

(Source: The Associated Press)

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Jamie was our computer techie in Dey Hall at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Jamie had a remarkable easy-going manner -- he was quick with a smile and ever so helpful and patient when we had computer problems. I cannot convey how saddened I am by the tragedy of April 16th and the loss of such a fine young man. I extend my deepest sympathy to his wife, Stefanie, and to his family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Posted by Celeste Yowell of Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Christopher 'Jamie' Bishop worked with us in the foreign language department at the University of North Carolina for a couple of years, and he was deeply loved by all of us here. We were saddened by his leaving us to go to Virginia Tech. We are absolutely devastated by his untimely death. He will be missed on this earth. God bless his soul and look after his lovely wife, Stephanie.
Posted by Tom Smither of Chapel Hill, North Carolina
"Herr Bishop was one of the nicest professors you could ever have at Virginia Tech. He wanted his students to succeed. He was always approachable and would come to check up on his students. He had a passion for teaching German, and he seemed to be at home in the classroom. He always made our lessons fun, and loved to get students involved. Anyone who had him as a teacher will be the first to tell you that he will be sorely missed."
Posted by Chris Buman of Virginia Beach, Virginia
Jamie Bishop and I were colleagues for two years in the German Department at the University of Georgia, where we both pursued a Master degree. We took several classes together and taught German as teaching assistants. Jamie always struck me as a kind, outgoing, witty, and optimistic person. He was one of the most relaxed graduate students I have met and certainly one of the most liked teachers of German in our department. One could always count on finding on Jamie's office door comic strips, quotes, cartoons, or pictures that would be thought-provoking and humorous. Being one year my senior in the program, I often asked Jamie for advice in teaching matters, which he gladly and generously offered. One of my most vivid memories of Jamie is from a workshop on the German poet and playwright Bertold Brecht held at the University of Georgia. Participants were invited to come up with a dramatic reading of one of Brecht's poems that was assigned on the spot. Jamie's was outstanding: he rapped the poem while beating the rhythm with his hands at the desk he was sitting. I am very saddened that such a kind and gifted person like Jamie was abruptly and tragically taken away from us. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, Stephanie, and to all who knew and loved Jamie. We will miss you, Jamie!
Posted by Anca Luca Holden of Belchertown, Massachusetts
I first met Jamie last August when I came to Virginia Tech as a Masters student. I had spent the previous year in Germany, and in an effort to continue using my German language skills, I attended a weekly function that Jamie had organized. This function, called Stammtisch, was meant to bring together speakers of German to simply relax and speak German. Anyone from beginners to native speakers were welcome. This was something I looked forward to every Wednesday. Jamie's cheerful and welcoming presence was always something I could count on to take the edge off of an otherwise stressful week.

Unfortunately I only knew him through these weekly meetings. But in my many conversations with him, I learned that he was a man of excellent character. He was a dedicated instructor who loved what he did. He was patient, accepting and kind, and I feel honored to have been a part of his last months on this earth.
Posted by Christopher Fox of Blacksburg, Virginia
Christopher Bishop, or Herr Bishop as many of us knew him, was one of the kindest professors that I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. I have been in his class since the beginning of the academic school year this past year. He was a joy to have, I had his 8 am class on 16 April 2007, and as always he was his cheerful and funny self. Like many others I felt he made an unbearable 8 a.m. time slot one of the classes I looked forward to going to the most. He would help anyone, anywhere at any time. If you had trouble with assignments or tests he would be there for you, no matter how busy he was. With his class sizes being only 15 people or so in each you got to know him as a close friend and not a teacher. Herr Bishop will always be in my thoughts, prayers and in my heart. I will always remember his long pony tail hair, circle glasses and the warm heart that he had. God bless Herr Bishop, you will never be forgotten.
Posted by Anthony Rose of Virginia Beach, Virginia
I knew Jamie at the University of Georgia. We actually spent a summer in Germany together in 1990 as part of a group language program. Even though he was four years younger than I, he was so impressive that I thought to myself, "This guy is someone special. He will do great things in life." I am sorry that his life was cut short, but it is clear to those who knew him that I was not wrong in my prediction. It is safe to say that Jamie did a great deal with his time here on this earth. In fact, I would say he did more than most of us will in a much longer lifetime. He was truly a special person. He was friendly, helpful, extremely intelligent, thoughtful, creative, and positive with a clever sense of humor. I am very sorry for his family, and sorry for the entire world as we have lost a really unique individual in Jamie. Let's all remember how positive his life has been, and continues to be, to so many people.
Posted by Philip Perkins of Atlanta, Georgia
I had the pleasure of working with Jamie for 3 ½ years at UNC. He was one of those guys that you couldn't help but respect and admire, and it reflected in all he did at UNC. He was always ready to help someone out, and he always strove to make the campus a better place. As a person, he was very intellectual, very insightful and very sincere. Tom said it best - he was definitely loved by the UNC community. I really miss him, and I offer my deepest condolences to all those who feel the loss of such a wonderful person.
Posted by Dave Bruhn of Apex, North Carolina
It is no small stretch to say that I am where I am now because of Jamie. His training taught me, his words encouraged me, his association furthered me, and his friendship blessed me. I am grateful to have known Jamie and know I am not the only one.
Posted by Jeff VanDrimmelen of Chapel Hill, North Carolina
I had the privilege of working with Jamie for five years in Chapel Hill's Office of Arts and Sciences Information Services department. Jamie was a kind, passionate and caring individual who always wanted to help people. I consider myself fortunate to have known him, and I am shocked at the senselessness of his death. I will keep him in my heart and thoughts and I wish all the best for Stephanie and their families at this difficult time. I am so, so sad. One thing I should mention in closing is that Jamie played a pretty decent center field in co-ed softball, too. With love. Jamie, you will be missed.
Posted by Rick Peterson of Houston, Texas
Jamie, you were always a kind, bright, and loving person. Not only did you help others when ever they needed you, but you also brought a certain kind of positive energy to any room you entered. You opened your heart to others and responded with the utmost care and devotion to your work, family, and friends. You will be greatly missed. We will never forget you.
Posted by Pat Phongsvirajati of Centreville, Virginia
I-REPORT PHOTOS & VIDEOS

Bishop eludes capture in a Toli game at the University of Georgia in Athens in 1993.
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