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Family, friends remember James Baylor’s life.(courtesy)<\/p>\n
John Baylor, the voice of Nebraska volleyball and James\u2019 brother, and John\u2019s son, Prince, attended the unveiling. John recalled the moment that Clay and Beth Smith, co-founders of Speedway Properties, called him after the funeral, asking if they could repurpose two retired bicycle sculptures in James\u2019s honor.<\/p>\n
Charley Friedman, a nationally renowned sculptor and childhood friend of James, helped repurpose the bicycle sculpture. Its wheels were large vinyl records, and a variety of album covers surrounded the back wheel. The plaque in front of it refers to James as a lover of vinyl music and a Husker fan.<\/p>\n
The sculpture was placed outside Open Harvest, where James had volunteered for years.<\/p>\n
\u201cToday we see the fruition,\u201d John said. \u201cWe see this artwork, this sculpture that allows us to commune with him, but also to remember his kind, dear spirit indefinitely. And to his family, those of us who loved him, it means everything.\u201d<\/p>\n
James was born in 1968 and spent the majority of his life in Lincoln.<\/p>\n
John said James was diagnosed with schizophrenia at 18, which limited him.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut rather than just lament his limitations, he pushed himself to connect with others,\u201d John said. \u201cHe would take a daily walk every day.\u201d<\/p>\n
During the walks, James would talk with people experiencing homelessness and passersby.<\/p>\n
John said that James would also carry a hacky sack in his pocket and would stop businesspeople on the street to play a game.<\/p>\n
He was also a regular at the Zoo Bar, always striking up conversation in his reserved, friendly style.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe was just one of those people who showed general interest, genuine interest, and real enthusiasm for others, and would listen to others,\u201d John said. \u201cAnd in this time of divisiveness and isolation and a lot of loneliness, I think that\u2019s really appreciated. And he just was a kind soul who was just a part of Lincoln in a meaningful way.\u201d<\/p>\n