LAKE PARK — “While it’s hard to think about how we lost James, I think James would be so pleased at taking his story and using it in this way,” Tammy Eunice said.

Tammy and her husband, John Eunice, lost their 17-year-old son, James Eunice, Jan. 15, 2011 when he drowned at Ocean Pond.

“Our mission, honoring God and remembering James and keeping those two things straight. Because we honor God, He allows us to remember James, and this community remembers James,” Tammy Eunice said.

The Eunices have started the James Eunice Charity Fund, which will host the Seventh Annual TCT7 Swim, 7:30 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 9, at the 4-H Camp in Lake Park.

TCT stands for “The Clock Is Ticking,” a poem written by James Eunice, and seven represents perfection in the Bible, Tammy Eunice said.

“Seven is a perfect number, and it’s just bringing to completion what God started,” she said.

Opening ceremonies will consist of an invocation and guest speakers. The Honor Guard from Moody Air Force Base will be present, Tammy Eunice said.

Swimmers will dive into Long Pond promptly at 8 a.m. for a one-mile, a three-and-a-half-mile or seven-mile swim.

Tammy Eunice said 60 participants will swim in the three-and-a-half-mile, the largest number in event history. She said she believes James would be satisfied with the event and that the swim impacts many people.

“James, I guess his favorite thing to do was to be on the water. I think that’s when he felt closest to God,” she said.

Members of the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office and kayakers will patrol the water to ensure safety. Tammy Eunice said safety is the number one concern.

The Eunices kicked off swim weekend with a silent Facebook auction that closed Thursday night.

A lunch will commence 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 8, at the 4-H Camp, where barbecue chicken plates will be sold for $8.

Activities will continue with a dinner 6 p.m. Saturday at the camp, and the public is invited.

Ticket prices are $15, and dinner consists of donations from Covington’s Dining and Catering, Smok’n Pig and homemade foods. Tickets are included for registered swimmers.

Guest speakers will be present and the Valdosta State University softball team will serve dinner. There will be 100 VSU volunteers to assist with events, Tammy Eunice said.

The James Eunice Charity Fund gave out 106 scholarships of more than $53,000 to 26 schools this past May, Tammy Eunice said. Since 2011, the organization has given more than $400,000.

John Eunice said a person is never too old or too young to create a difference in people’s lives.

“By taking the proceeds here and spreading out now to all over South Georgia and pieces of North Florida, we’re being able to share his story of legacy in making a difference in the lives of others,” he said.

He said he believes James Eunice would be honored to give back to a community he loved and one that supported him.

“If this just touches one person, I’d have done my job,” according to the closing line of James Eunice’s poem, “The Clock Is Ticking.”

The 4-H Camp is located at 5000 4-H Club Road in Lake Park. Visit tct7mileswim.com, or search for The Clock Is Ticking 7 Mile Swim on Facebook, for more information.

Amanda Usher is a reporter at The Valdosta Daily Times. She can be contacted at 229-244-3400 ext.1274.