LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) – A bicycle sculpture was unveiled outside Open Harvest on Friday to remember James Baylor’s life and his impact on the Lincoln community.
James died in September 2023, nine days after he was attacked in downtown Lincoln. Family and friends described him as a volunteer, avid bicyclist and a Husker through and through.
Family, friends remember James Baylor’s life.(courtesy)
John Baylor, the voice of Nebraska volleyball and James’ brother, and John’s 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’s honor.
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.
The sculpture was placed outside Open Harvest, where James had volunteered for years.
“Today we see the fruition,” John said. “We 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.”
James was born in 1968 and spent the majority of his life in Lincoln.
John said James was diagnosed with schizophrenia at 18, which limited him.
“But rather than just lament his limitations, he pushed himself to connect with others,” John said. “He would take a daily walk every day.”
During the walks, James would talk with people experiencing homelessness and passersby.
John said that James would also carry a hacky sack in his pocket and would stop businesspeople on the street to play a game.
He was also a regular at the Zoo Bar, always striking up conversation in his reserved, friendly style.
“He was just one of those people who showed general interest, genuine interest, and real enthusiasm for others, and would listen to others,” John said. “And in this time of divisiveness and isolation and a lot of loneliness, I think that’s really appreciated. And he just was a kind soul who was just a part of Lincoln in a meaningful way.”
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