James joined our research group maybe 2 or 3 years after I did. During the first part of our interactions, I watched him working on Linux on laptops - when both Linux and laptops were extremely novel concepts. That effort grew to be VA Linux - the V stands for Vera. I learned a lot from James during this time - going after new areas, innovation, and so on.

After I graduated, I continued with the research group as a Research Associate, and moved out of student housing to Fremont. James had also moved to Hayward. The two of us carpooled to Stanford from the east bay for at least a year or two. He met Jenny during that time.

The incident I remember from those carpooling days was how James calmed down a nearby driver stricken with road rage. That guy felt James had wronged him in some way and got out of his car and started banging on James car (it was his turn to drive that day). It took James just a few seconds to calm things down - I'm sure if it were me, the situation would have just escalated. I'm sure everyone can relate to this - given all the other stories I have read.

James, I know we were not in touch recently, but I'm going to miss you. We've met frequently at various parent events in the Palo Alto schools, but that has been a few years ago. Rest in peace - you are taking your greatness to a better place.

Sriram

During our R. A. years, James and I shared an office. Every afternoon around 3 pm, one of us would get up and go to the vending machine and grab two sodas for the both of us. It was kind of a ritual for us.

One day I got the brilliant idea to play a prank on James. So, when I came back from the vending machine I placed both cans on his desk and informed him that I had shaken one them during my walk back.  James picked a can, reached out for the tab and I took a step back.  Without hesitation, he stood up, went to my desk, sat down and opened the can. Lucky for me, he had chosen wisely.

And that's one of the many things I admire in James, his problem solving ability.

P. S. As a side note, before people think I'm a villain, I had never actually shaken either of the cans, just told him that that had happened.