News

By John Jalsevac
 
OWOSSO, Mich., Sept. 15 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Hundreds of friends and family of Jim Pouillon are expected to gather to pray and remember the life and work of the slain pro-life activist on Wednesday. A public memorial service for Pouillon is scheduled to be held at Willman Football Stadium in Owosso, Michigan, beginning at 1:00pm.

Wednesday's memorial follows a vigil held in memory of the well-known pro-life activist this past weekend. Hundreds of mourners gathered Sunday on the sidewalk outside Owosso High School, where Pouillon was shot and killed on Friday while protesting abortion.

Suspect Harlan James Drake, who has been charged in the first degree, premeditated murders of Pouillon and Mike Fuoss, a local business owner, reportedly told prosecutors that he targeted the locally famous pro-life activist because of his message.

Investigators seized eight firearms and 10,000 rounds of ammunition from Drake's house and truck, according to Mike Compeau, Owosso's public safety director. However, Compeau said there was no evidence that Drake was planning a larger-scale attack. “It was ammunition for the guns – 22s, shotguns – no assault rifles or anything like that,” he said.
 
Immediately after Wednesday's memorial service, friends of Pouillon will gather to pray and rally in front of the local Planned Parenthood in opposition to violence against innocent people.

Cal Zastrow, a friend of Pouillon as well as a member of PersonhoodUSA, said today about the memorial service. “We must emulate Jim's example as a follower of Jesus Christ and public defender of pre-born babies.

“We will join together in Owosso to praise Jesus Christ, remember Jim, and continue to speak out against all violence against the innocent – the tragic violence that killed Jim on September 11th, and the tragic violence that kills thousands of pre-born babies daily at Planned Parenthood.

“Being pro-life doesn't save any babies from murder, but acting pro-life does.”

According to the Associated Press, interim school superintendent, Susan Wooden, has received some complaints about allowing the memorial service to take place in the football stadium. However, she said that the district has a policy of allowing the community to use the facilities.

“There are some people that are fine with that and some people who are disappointed. I'll leave it at that,” Wooden said. “I would just ask that those who attend please respect the rights of all those present to peacefully express their views and condolences.”

See related LifeSiteNews.com coverage:

Well-Known Local Pro-Life Activist Gunned Down in Michigan
https://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2009/sep/09091101.html

“Jim the Sign Guy”: Slain Pro-Lifer, Father of Two, Remembered by Friends as Cheerful, Peaceful Activist
https://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2009/sep/09091104.html

Suspect Charged with First-Degree Premeditated Murder of Michigan Pro-Lifer
https://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2009/sep/09091106.html