DECEMBER 2007
DENNIS DUPRIEST, in San Antonio, Texas.  I spent the first seven days of this month in the hospital with a crital infection of my right foot and leg. I am home from the hospital, after a six-day stay. I got an infection in my right foot and it spread to my right leg and got out of hand. My right foot became just slightly smaller than a  football ! Because of my diabetes, it became even more dangerous to my health. It was touch-and- go whether I was going to lose my right foot, as the infection had gone almost to the bone. Thank goodness, I went to the doctor in time. (I know what y'all are thinking... why did I wait for so long to go in the first place!) I was in the Christus Santa Rosa hospital and received excellent care. This was one of the most painful health experiences of my life.

I want to sincerely thank all those who were aware of my plight and called, e-mailed or visited me in the hospital. I understand the not everyone knew about this, but I do appreciate those who let my friends know. My thanks to... Ed Holley, Jack Matthews, Danny Padron, Mike Grinfield, Barbara Friedman, Debbie Haring, Sue Webber, Michael Jones, Dottie Webber (and husband Jodie Brewer) Linda DuPriest, Joy Griffin, Carl Jensen, Stephanie Copas, Susan Breidenbach, Rusty Atkins, Ed Hobbs, Lin Hughes, Rick Sandoval, Kay Compton, Bubba Able, Willie Lowe, Mr. & Mrs. William Lowe, Maria Galaviz and Rakph Galaviz and Bill Mizell who picked me up from the hospital and brought me home. My apologies to anyone that I may have forgotten to thank. It was a rough six days and I was in-and-out of it mentally.

I am at home to recover and taking huge amounts of pills. I'm still in pain, but gettting better. I don't know when I can get back to work, but it better be soon! No work, no paycheck! I've used up all my sick-days. (That provides a great incentive to get back to work!)

My sister, Linda, has been cleaning up my house, doing grocery shopping and keeping things straight for me. I couldn't get though this without her help. Thanks, sis!

Ya' just can't keep a MUSTANG down for long!

UPDATE 12/14/07: I am still at home recovering. The pain in my foot is so intense, yet, it eases every day. I only had 2 sick days left at work, but have been out for 10 days. That means I am losing a full day's pay for every day that I miss. I need to talk to that AFLAC duck! All my savings are gone and the worries of all the bills coming in freaks me out, but I know that other people are in worse shape than me and they end up losing everything they have trying to pay medical bills. The hospital just sent me my bill for $18,657.00. Geez!! I hope BCBS covers all of this! What a hoot. It's almost to the point where it's cheaper to die! I wish I were a politician in a position to do some good about rising medical costs. This is ridiculous! Lifestyle cut-backs are going to happen in my life and I pray that this website can sontinue on. I gotta' take a look at new priorities. Christmas is looking very bleak for me this year. I wish I could say, "Well, at least I have my health," but even that is in jeopardy right now. People say that "God doesn't give you more than you can handle." Well, I'm not too sure about that.

I am doing my best to deal with my depression over this. It's tough, but working on this website is an outlet for me. I have gotten so emotional about things. It just takes a word or two that I take the wrong way and BINGO! I'm in tears. Now, I totally understand post partum depression and PMS in women!! Believe me.

My thanks to Coach Alvin Woods, Fred Butler, Mike Grinfield, Debbie Haring, Maria Galaviz and Joy Griffin for checking in on me during my stay at home. (Joy gave me a portable DVD player as a Get Well/Christmas gift. She is so wonderful to me and I love her to pieces. It sure can get lonely here at home, but everyone's phone calls are very much appreciated. My mom and my sister, Linda, still play a major role in my recivery, as well. By the way, if you have a minute to give me a call, I am home all day at (210) 674-6767. Call me.

In addition to this website, it's all the phone calls, e-mail and Christmas cards from YOU folks, that is my best medicine. Your outpouring of caring and love to me from coast to coast and from all-around-the-world has meant so very much to me. THANK YOU, for without YOU, I would have given up a long time ago.

UPDATE 12/19/07: I went back to work on Monday of this week (17th). It's been a long haul every day. I have to have the dressing on my foot chnged every toher day and it's causing a hassle in my schedule, but what can I do? My mom comes over to my house and does it one day, I got to the doctor's office the next time and I make a feeble attempt to do it myself sometimes. Recovery is slow, but the doctor say's I am healing. Now, get a load of this! Now that I am on insulin shots, my blood sugar (BS) has dropped tremendously. In the mornings when I wake up, my BS reading is about 115. I have a small breakfast with an insulin shot and three hours after breakfast my BS is arounf 89!! Can you believe that!! After a good lunch (and another shot, as usual) and three more hours, my BS is still only at about 125/ This insulin stuff works!!! I am still light-headed and getting used to the lower blood sugar levels but I am getting better!

MR. DARRELL MAXWELL, an original JJHS Mustang english teacher, died on December 7th. That information is given further down this page under the LAST ROUND-UP: PRAYERS AND CONDELENCES section.

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NOVEMBER 2007
My dad's 75th birthday is tomorrow, Gilbert F. DuPriest. He and I have become closer to one another these past 20 years than we had been for the first 35 years of my life. I guess things happen that way in families. In addition to it being my dad's birthday, December 2nd is also the birthday of our JJHS original drama teacher KRIN BROOKS. Though retired from teaching, she is still active in education drama circles around the state. She lives in Austin and still loves the drama world.

Doris Hager, the mom of our classmate JOY HAGER ('71) passed away on November 23rd. Joy said her mother's passing was not unexpected, just sooner than her family would have liked. I send out our deepest sympathies to Joy and her family in her time of loss.

TERRY McGUIRE, our former principal, called me on Thanksgiving Day to let me know that he was thankful for our friendship these many years. The call just totaly blew me away! I immediately went into the principal-student mode in my mind. I am deeply touched by his kindness. What a wonderful man.

Last night, I enjoyed dinner with STEPHANIE COPAS ('71), RICK SANDOVAL ('72), EDDIE HOLLEY ('72), ART ZULAICA ('72),  and SUSAN BREIDENBACH ('71). During the evening MIKE GRINFIELD ('70) and JAMES BAUM ('70) stopped by. Mike brought me a stainless steel whistling teapot. He and I had been talking about the hassles of brewing tea in just a pot and trying to pour it into coffee cups without making a mess. He insisted that I needed a real teapot. Thanks, Mike! (11/29/07)

TONY SORIA ('70), in California continues to stay in touch with me by phone calls. It's always great to hear from him. He has boosted my spirits, as I go through some very tough times. He has the brightest and mosy positive outlook on life of anyoine that I know. (11/29/07)

CINDY BACON ('70) is the first Mustang to send me a Christamas card this season. It's a photo self-portrait and she's looking great! She is one of the Mustangs that always stays in touch with timely e-mails from her home in Utah. (11/27/07)

PEGGY CARNAHAN, one of our original science teachers has dropped us all a line if you missed it, here's some of what she had to say... "It seems that there are many things to celebrate from this group! It is good to hear from all of you! I guess it is the holiday season, but I have been thinking of many of you during the past several weeks.  Just two weeks ago, I ask Tony Pelletier if he had heard any thing about George Hunter- knowing that he was still in “sandy country”.  My prayers are with you, George! I have been in redoing my house (which seems like years), but hope to have things back in order near Christmas.  I am still the “ornament queen” but do not decorate as many trees as when I taught at Jay and had “student” help!  I hope that you all have a restful and safe Holiday." (11/25/07)

MICKEY MAHLER ('70) in Sandy, Utah has written an e-mail to me that I am almost to humbled to share, but what the hell! ... “Dennis, I watched a World Series game Saturday with Richard Olsen, his wife and some of their friends  asked about the reunion (which I had the misfortune to miss) and he told me what an incredible job you ,and everyone else did. He was especially complimentary of you though. He also mentioned that you were having numerous health problems. I want to take this time to tell you, once again, how much you mean to everyone. In our early classes, we have had some VERY successful people .....you..(a big TV star), a few Major League baseball players, millionaires, great football and baseball coaches, great military leaders, others that were very successful in all walks of life and business. But....I truly do not know of one other person, than you, that is so loved by so many. Most people when they write to you, cannot truly find the words to express the love they have for you in their hearts. You have done for our classes what no one else could do, or would do. You have kept us together and in touch, through a Herculean effort on your part. I personally, would like you to know how much you have meant to me. So thank you ........thank you for everything you have done for me personally and everyone in general. Through your devotion to all of us ... we all have the ability to keep in touch with our past. I want you to know, that ...because of the incredible love that everyone has for you......that you, Dennis DuPriest, are the most successful man of the John Jay classes! What a great life you have led. --Mick” (11/22/07) [Damn, after re-reading Mick's e-mail my eyes ate so clouded with tears, that I can't see this computer screen through the,. I'll be back in a moment....OK, I'm back. Mick, your words have really touched my heart. Geez, I am so grateful how our friendship has grown over the years. I am so honored and proud to be your friend. You're always there for me. God bless you, buddy!]

NATHAN WILLIS ('70)  in San Antonio, Texas, writes... "Dennis, at a little after 8:00AM, this morning, 10/27/07, my daughter, Stephanie, gave birth to a little girl, 4 lbs 10 oz, and small.  She wasn’t due until Dec 10th.  But, everyone is fine and she really does look good in NICU, at the Baptist Hospital, downtown.  Hopefully, both will be coming home soon if they gain a pound or two.   This makes #8, grandkids (2 boys, 6 girls).  I may need to start soliciting donations just to go to McDonald’s.  Everyone stay safe and I’ll be in touch." (11/20/07) [I ran into Nathan's younger brother David or Kevin, I don't know which, at the doctor's office, last week. The dude has an awesome beard! LOL --Dennis]

CATHY BACON ('70) in Hampton Virginia, has gotten in touch with me about her fight against breast cancer and how she's doing... "Hi Dennis, I’m sorry; I wrote you about four times, but I was in the middle of serious IT issues: household internet down, household pcs networking cards blown, laptop in an update tizzy, etc. At any rate, I am well. One year ago, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and had surgery. I then had chemo from late November until late March; then radiation from mid-April to mid-June. Now on a daily oral medication (femarra) which I will take for five years. All of these therapies put me in the 90% survivor statistics. Hurrah! Eyebrows and eyelashes are back to normal, and I have hair again, but it is strange. J Very silver and gray and very curly; but I’m told it takes a while for hair to get back to normal. Me, too: getting back to normal. Not sure what “normal” is now, but I am getting there. And feeling well! Thanks for your concern and for the many classmates who e-merald encouragement and prayers. Blessings." (11/17/07) [Cathy, it's great to hear from you and our prayers are with you . Hang in there!]

MATT DELANEY ('70) in Santa Barbara, California, writes a response when I asked him if the California fires got to him...“Hi Dennis-- My sister Molly lives in Santa Monica about two miles from the ocean and I live here in Santa Barbara about a mile and a half from the ocean. Neither of us has been or will be in any danger from any fires.  A friend of mine had her house burned to the ground in 1991 in a fire here in town that took 490 houses in six hours. I fought fires in the U.S. Forest Service in 1975 and 1980, and they were all wildland fires, but conditions in the deserts of Arizona or in the mountains and Arizona and New Mexico and Idaho where I fought fires are nothing compared to those of Southern California, with its resinous brush, Santa Ana winds, and steep terrain. We will always have natural disasters when people are living in areas of high fire danger, or on floodplains, or on loose fill (instead of on bedrock) in earthquake zones, or within areas of storm surge along seacoasts, or in avalanche zones. (There is no reasonable protection against tornadoes, except to build a house so sturdy that the cost is likely to be prohibitive.) We spend many billions every year either trying to prevent relatively unpreventable disasters, or else cleaning up the mess and rebuilding, only to be hit again. People have to live somewhere; they just don't have to live everywhere. But, thanks for asking. Hope you've recovered from the shindig. And we thought we'd partied in the 60's and 70's! I'll be by to see you in March or April, but will call a few weeks ahead. Matt.” (11/17/07) [Yeah, Matt, I am almost recovered from SHINDIG VI and I am starting to look forward to VII in 2010. Ideas are floating in my head and we'll see what we can do to top this past one!]

GEORGE HUNTER ('70) deep in the secret sands of the middle east. George writes... “Dennis, My buddy! Thanks for the updates, but it’s best to hear that you are looking out for number 1. Do not stop doing that, ok! We have to have you around. We’ll fall apart if you take an “extended vacation” if you know what I mean. So take care of that body and mind of yours! I was so sad to hear about Wanda...my Sam Rayburn sweetheart.. and into Sul Ross, as well.. Also sad to hear that so many of our alumni live in southern California. I hope there’s not too much bad news for them, but I’m glad to know that we have them around to talk about it and that their family and property is safe as well. Buddy.... change in address is at hand..please delete my Yahoo and use this one from now on... anyone requiring my email...please release as required, no problems.... thanks. Great picture of you George, & Joe Ruiz and Don Haring. Super indeed!!! Well, it’s back the the grind. I have duty in Afghanistan coming up and I will keep you posted on that later.... bye for now.” (11/14/07) [George, thanks for your encouragement. I'm trying to hang in there, but it's a tough battle. Speaking of tough battles, I know you're in danger every day with the work you do in the war zones of the middle east. Please know that you're always in out prayers. Keep your head down! Stay in touch and stay safe.]

VANCE VERBECK ('69) lives in the U.S., but I've forgotten where! It was his e-mail to me two weeks ago that prompted me to get out of bed and start writing you folks again, since I had been silent for so long. He writes... "Dennis, I got your last e-mail, thanks. Glad to hear from you. We all count on you for a dose of "pick me up" that can only come from you.  So, keep 'em coming.? (11/15/07) [Vance, my friend, it's always great to hear from you! Wish I could put everyone's good wishes for me into a pill and take it daily!]

MIKE McHENRY ('71) somewhere in southern California writes... "“Hi Dennis, Sorry I havent e-mailed you sooner and thank you for organizing the  reunion. You guys do such a great job that my wife prefers our reunion and likes our classmates more than her own. We could see the flames from our house, but fortunately for us the winds were not blowing in our direction. We did get a lot of ash and smoke. Thanks and take care.” (11/12/07) {Mike, glad you're safe and sound. Refresh my memory and tell me what city you're in. I'm elated that you wre able to make it to SHINDIG VI and that you had a great time.]

LOUIS FIGUEROA ('70) in West Fort Worth, Texas stays in touch with me a recently wrote...Hi Dennis, Sorry that you’ve been under the weather. You asked about the California fires, well the fire in Running Springs California, it took my sister’s cabin up in the mountains. It totally burned it to the ground and only the chimney was left. However, if good can come out of this, it was that the cabin was insured for $800K and the one acre of land it’s built on is worth $56k. Now, that's a windfall! She won't be rebuilding, she lives in Arcadia, California Told her to move to TEXAS, all we have here are Tornado's... LOL (11/11/07) [Sorry to hear about your sister's loss, but glad to know she has the finances to rebuild her life. Thanks for always staying in touch, my friend.]

DOTTIE WEBBER ('71) in Natalia or La Coste, Texas, whoch is just down the road from Castroville, had a health scare this past week. I trust she won't mind me mentioning this. She suffered a TIA at Sea World where she works. I've had one myself, before I suffered my full flown stroke back in 1995 and it can be very scary,  She writes... "Dennis, I have a type of migraine that causes TIA's (little strokes).  Sometimes I can just go to bed and rest when I feel one coming on and sometimes I have to go to the hospital for oxygen (of course they always want to check to make sure no damage to heart & brain)...I usually have weakness to the left side of my body...symptoms are stroke like in nature however, within 24 to 48 hours I am OK...They leave me very tired for a few days. Oxygen is the main thing I need...need to save as many brain cells as possible!!!  My type II diabetes is out of control too...I need to get back on the glyberide to get my blood sugars down...Enough of me...How are you doing?  Feeling any better?  We need to really take care of our health...you are in my prayers.” (11/10/07)  [Dottie, you mean the world to me and you gotta' hang in there. Since, I've been down that road, I know how hard it can be. Just know, we're all here for you with our prayers and anything else we can do. Love you!]

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OCTOBER 2007  THE CALIFORNIA FIRES HIT CLASSMATES...
MARY LOU NORRED ('71) in Poway, California wries... "Hey Dennis, We just got to come back to our house today. We live in Poway and 12 houses on our street burned to the ground. We are so fortunate. Rancho Bernardo, which has lost the most homes is right next to Poway. We are about 5 miles from where they lost 300 homes. Although it was very scarry because there were fires all over San Diego....they handled the evacuations so efficiently that there was no panic. We knew Sunday night that the fire was heading our way and the winds were 50-70 mph. We got a call at 4am to evacuate so we loaded our car with family pictures and important papers and a few clothes and luckily found a room at a hotel. It is hard to leave your home knowing that there is a big chance that it won't be here when you return. So many memories with your family. But when you and your family are safe and you have pictures you can start over. Our job now is to help our neighbors that did loose their homes. Thank you and others for your concern and prayers. Love y ou sooo much, Mary Lou"  (10/17/07)

TONY SORIA ('70) in the L.A. area of California, writes about the fires there... "We were fortunate enough to have all the fires that initially sprang up close to us contained within a few hours.  Unlike the fire that we had about 3 years ago when the firefighters basically  moved in with us for a few weeks while fighting the fires on a daily basis. We no longer have any visible fires around us like we had earlier this week.  Although our private community was threatened, we have been a used a role model by the state of California Firefighter's Association on why we have not lost a structure during these fires.  A public commercial was even made with using one of our residents (Kevin Eubanks , band leader for the Tonight Show) applauding our community fire prevention program currently in place. Everything is ok here Dennis......we can handle this small inconvenience. I'm more concerned about you Pal. I hope that you're doing well." (10/17/07)

KRISTAL WELCH  ('78) (my cousin and a "Class of 1978" JJHS Mustang) in San Diego, California writes me...  "Dennis, We evacuated from our Rancho Penasquitos home Monday morning and stayed with friends in Encinitas, on the coast.  We returned home Wednesday afternoon.  There was no fire damage in our neighborhood, but we did have some fallen tree branches from the 70mph wind gusts that fanned the flames elsewhere.  The porch is covered with ash. The kids have the week off from school.  Probably the worst impact to us is that my son, Cameron's, next band tournament had to be cancelled. Love, Kristal"

[Note from Dennis: I have also written to MATT DELANEY and JANICE SAMS in those fire areas, but have not heard from them, as yet. If any other classmates receive this e-mail who live in that area, please write to me and I'll share your experience with everyone.]

RICHARD OLSEN ('70) recently returned from a business trip to CHINA and called me, today, to check in on me. We talked about a myriad of subjects in our hour call. He was calling from Utah where, as I am writig this, he is visiting with MICKEY MAHLER ('70), tonight, to watch the World Series game. Richard has volunteered the services of his son, REED, to set up a BLOG on my website. The BLOG will allow everyone to sign-in and start blogging, leaving messages and all that kind of stuff. I am excited about adding this to my website and am very grateful to Richard and his son. Give us about a week or two and be looking for the link on the HOME PAGE of my website at: http://www.dmd52.net

GEORGE RUIZ ('69), JOE RUIZ ('71) and DON HARING ('70) along with their wives (and Don's date Patricia and George's daughter) and I had breakfast at Denny's at SW Loop 410 and Culebra (next to Northside Stadium). We had a blast and after some great conversation, have decided to start an ORIGINAL MUSTANGS BREAKFAST CLUB (OMBC). We are going to scope other other locations for this because Denny's is way to small for something like this. George say he thinks that the GOLDEN CORRAL buffet on NW Loop 410 @ Babcock serves a breakfast buffet on Saturdays and Sundays. So, we'll check it out and if things look good, we'll have the OMBC meet every other month or so and we can all have breakfast together. The only cost being your meal and tip. I'll establish a day that will be good for every month, like meeting at 9:00AM on the first Saturday of every other month or something like that. I'll keep you all posted as I figure this out. If I'm up to it, i'll do it. (10/10/07)

Here we go again, Joe Ruiz ('71), me, Don Haring ('70), and George Ruiz ('69) the JJHS OMBC
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

BILL MIZELL ('70) in Boerne, Texas, sold me his mint condition 1998 Ford XLT Expedition. The first car I've bought in 22 years! Hell, he pracically GAVE it to me at LESS THAN HALF of the Kelly Blue Book retail price. I love it--- air conditioning, AM/FM/cassette radio, dual air bags, cruise control, power windows, power seats, and power locks the whole friggin' nine yards. RUSTY ATKINS ('70) moved the seat assembly back six-inches for me so I can fit in comfortably. I've been driving without air conditioning in my Bronco for 21 years!! I still have my Bronco as back up transporation, but if anyone is interested on a 1980 Bronco in worn out shape, call me! (LOL) (10/15/07)

Some classmates are back in the Mustang Corral and here are their e-mail links: FRANK MOFFITT ('72), LUANNA LAWSON ('70), INGE CASKEY ('69), CLINTON ELLIOTT ('69), DENNIS O'GRADY ('71), and BARBARA BOYD ('71).

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SEPTEMBER 2007
WANDA JEAN (DARLEY) WHEATLEY ('70) passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 20, 2007 of cancer. More information is provided further down this page.

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AUGUST 2007

GLENN BURCHARD ('69) sent me an e-mail and some photos recently... “Dennis, I'm sending you a couple of photos totally unrelated to Shindig VI. Last Saturday Melba and I went to the Sweatin Gardens (formerly known as the Sunken Gardens) to see the Classic Rock Allstars--with Special Guest Mark Farner of Grand Funk Railroad.  We've seen these guys several times and they're awesome!  They have Pete Rivera, the original Lead Singer/Drummer of Rare Earth; Jerry Corbetta, the original Lead singer of Sugarloaf; Mike Pinera who spent some time with Iron Butterfly, led Blues Image, and was with Alice Cooper; and Dennis Noda who was with Cannibal & the Headhunters.  Mark Farner was a bonus!  We stood on the elevated boundary between the orchestra pit and the rest of the seating area--waist high with the stage and about eight feet from it.  Seated my Ass off!  I should be too old for this stuff--but who wants to act their age anyway?? They're already booked next summer to come again and play in the AT&T Summer Concert Series. I took a ton of pictures. I'm sending these to you because I know you enjoy this kind of stuff--and I'm really not looking for you to put them up on the web site! Take care, Buddy!” -- Hey Glenn, you know the rules, anything anyone sends in to me is free game! Glad you had a great time. (8/17/07)

Glenn Burchard ('69) getting funky with Mark Farner of Grand Funk Railroad fame! I know what Glenn means about the "Sunken Gardens" in San Antonio being the "Sweatin' Gardens." I saw Ringo Starr there and the elastic in my shorts melted! Hooo Doggie!

HARREL SCOTT ('70) Startzville, Texas, lives in a small community next to Canyon Lake and he went out of his way to drive over to my house and pick me up to take me to the funeral chapel visitation for Mrs. Finder. I wasn't able to drive that far for many reasons, the first being that I was on pain medication which makes me pretty loopy. In fact, Harrel's round trip to pick me up, take me to Porter Loring on N.E. Loop 1604, bring me home and for him to get home back to Canyon Lake was over 143 miles in one evening. I told him several times it was too far for him to do that, but he insisted. I will be forever grateful to Harrel for going so far out of his way to do me this special favor. Thank you so very much, Harrel. You came through for me when I really need a favor and you went above and beyond any expectations that I had. The fact that you would go 143 miles out of your way to help me, means so very much. You are ONE of a kind, my friend. As for the visitation, I met Mrs. Finder's youngest son, Phillip and we became instant friends. He was in the JJHS Class of 1977.  I really want to get to know him better. Of course I visited with his brother, Steve, of the "Class of 1972" and his lovely wife. They greeted me so warmly and expressed thanks for my efforts in getting the word out to everyone on my website. Their uncle and cousins from France were there, a couple of them in the U.S. for the very first time. They were delightful to talk to.Among the JJHS alumni who were there, include former teachers: JUANITA "JANIE" MADLA, Coach Jerry Mason, MR. PHIL GUERRA, Mrs. Kimsey, and MR. TERRY McGUIRE. Former JJHS student EMMA HOLLOWAY ('75), introduced herself to me, While I didn't know her she was good friends with my brother Bobby back in the old school days. One ORIGINAL MUSTANG that I got to see for the first time in about 20+ years, was DENISE RUPP ('70). She looks absolutely ravashing and fantastic! She's in great shape, fun-loving as ever, and so warm and charming! It was so wonderful to see her, again. Denise is a great lady and I hope she'll start coming to the GUYS meetings. I want to have our friendship grow. It is our loss having not been more in touch with her over the years. To wrap everything up, on the way home, I told Harrel I wanted to buy him dinner. I suggested we find a Jim's Coffee Shop on the way home as I was in the mood for some delicious cheese soup. I said that every time I go to any location of Jim's Coffee Shop, I run into a JJHS classamate. Just last weekend, I went to the Jim's at Marbach Road to have dinner with the Kieffer Brothers and DEAN & SANDY (WOODS) DUNN ('69/'70) and while we were eating in the door walks MIKE & SUSAN (SPANG) CUNNINGHAM ('70/'72) who I hadn't seen in a few years. Well, Harrel says, "Dennis, maybe you'll run into another alumni tonight." We drove down Loop 1604 and saw a Jim's sign high in the sky and took the Bandera Road exit. We walk up to the counter inside and asked for a table for two, when all of a sudden I hear someone behind me saying-- "Dennis!" I turn around and it's KATIE MILLER ('69) and her family, whom I hadn't seen in over 20 years! In fact, in the old days when I used to send out printed newsletters about the reunions, Katie would come over to my house with DANNY PADRON ('69) and help fold, staple, label and stamp the newsletters. It was great to see her, again. What an amazing place every location of Jim's Coffee Shop is.It's magic!  (8/17/07)

MRS. YVETTER FINDER, our original JJHS French teacher, died on Saturday, August 11, 2007. Scroll down this page for further information.

ME (Dennis) -- my thanks to the Kieffer brothers (Rick, Jerry, and Bob), and Dean and Sandy (Woods) Dunn ('69/'70) for including me in their weekend plans as they came to San Antonio, last weekend, to celebrate the 80th birthday of the Kieffer's mom, who also happens to be the sister of Sandy Woods' mom. So, the Kieffer boys and Sandy Woods are cousins. They invited me to meet with them at Jim's Coffee Shop and they even bought me dinner. We had a blast. (8/12/07)

MITCH LUECK ('77) Albany, New York has started a new web site for the "Class of 1977." Check it out, click HERE

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JULY 2007

CLASSMATE NEWS: ARCHIVES JUNE 1997-JUNE 2007

If, you're looking for the CLASSMATE NEWS for the past 6 months, it has been moved to a special archives file. Just click this link to read those files:  JANUARY-JUNE 2007. For CLASSMATE NEWS all the way back to 1997, return to the Index Page and scroll down to the CLASSMATE NEWS: ARCHIVES links and select the time period you want to review: INDEX PAGE

MUSTANGS, PLEASE SIGN THE GUEST BOOK !

Take a moment to click the link and drop me a line. I'd appreciate it. Click here: GUEST BOOK

Hey! Do you enjoy this web site? I've been online with this since 1997 and would love to keep it going for many more years to come, So, how about helping to keep it online with a couple of bucks! Now, more than ever before, I need your help to keep this website going. Please, send in a contribution, today. To those of you that support these efforts, year after year, I say, "Thank you, so very much!" I am so grateful to each and every one of you. Without you, all this would have ended years ago. I appreciate your generous spirit of giving, not only from your wallet, but, from your HEART. Just $end your donation$ to: Dennis DuPriest,
7439 Lancewood Lane, San Antonio, TX 78227-1001 .

DECEMBER 2007
STEVE MAYS ('70) in Ashburn, Virginia has sent in what will probably be the LAST DONATION OF 2007 (unless someone sends one in under the wire). Every Christmas season, Steve has sent in a very genersous donation since I started this website. I thank him so very much/ As always, he send his check with a photo Christmas card of his triplets and my jow they've grown, this year. Two boys ands a girl, and the kids look super! What isn't super though is the fact that Steve reports he has suffered two T.I.A. episodes , this year. These can be a precursor to a STROKE, as it was in my case. Steve tells me he's now on medication, including high blood pressure stuff. Buddy, you take care of yourself. You're too young and SLIM to be going through this. Your triplets need you to lead a lonnnnnnnnngggg life and WE need you, too. God bless you and have yourself a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS! (12/19/07)

MR. FIDELIO (PHIL) AND CYNTHIA GUERRA have sent in a Christmas donation and I am so very grateful. Funds have been used up and their very generous gift will carry this web site into the new year. The Guerra's have become dear friends and very supportive of this website and the reunions. God bless them for their generosity and caring. (12/13/07)

NOVEMBER 2007
No donations received this month.

OCTOBER 2007
CARL JENSEN ('70) Newport News, Virginia, has, once again, sent in his extremely generous annual donation for the website. Carl was either the first or seond person (if memory serves me correct) that suppirted my efforts with this website, over 10 years ago. I can barely express my gratitude to him for all that he has done for me. Along with his donation, he wrote of his sorrow upon learningof the recent death of classmate, Wanda Darley ('70). It has moved him deeply. She meant a lot to him and they had been friends for over 40 years. On the happy side, Carl's prostate cancer has not returned and he still has a clean bill of health. That's the best news ever. Well, my thanks to Carl for the generous donation and my thanks to GOD for keeping him safe and in good health. (10/3/07)

SEPTEMBER 2007
No donations received this month.

AUGUST 2007
CAROL LIPSEY ('70) Bulverde, Texas, even after all she did in heading up the decorations committee for the reunion, she still makes a VERY LARGE donation for the website. She is unbelievable! Thank you, sweetie! (8/23/07)

JULY 2007
Thanks to the amazing generosity of CHARLIE FREEMAN ('70) and WILLY LOWE ('71) we raised $1,420 to keep the web site flame burning brightly for many years to come! While donations will still be accepted, I am not pushing it, right now/

The 1967-68, 1968-69, 1969-70 and 1970-71 JJHS "Hoofprints" yearbooks have been scanned and put online. This is a work in progress by our classmate,  STEVE KOLARS ('71) Click here: YEARBOOKS to view the pages.

MUSTANGS RETURN TO THE CORRAL!