Family, NFL mourn Dungy's son

LUTZ, Fla. — Tony Dungy's fatherly reflection was at the emotional heart of a moving funeral service for his eldest son Tuesday attended by NFL luminaries and the Indianapolis Colts — and that included an unexpected letter from President Bush.

James Dungy, 18, died last week of an apparent suicide. A congregation of about 1,500 attended the service at Idlewild Baptist Church, near Tampa.

Tony Dungy, the Indianapolis Colts' head coach, said God can provide joy in the midst of a sad occasion and the challenge is to find that joy.

"I urge you not to take your relations for granted," Dungy said. "Parents, hug your kids each chance you get. Tell them you love them each chance you get. You don't know when it's going to be the last time."

Tony Dungy last saw his son at Thanksgiving in Indianapolis. James Dungy was in a rush to get to the airport, and his father did not have a chance to hug him.

After a service of a little more than two hours, Dungy briefly addressed the media. He gave no indication of when he might return to the 13-2 Colts, who play the final game of the regular season against Arizona at the RCA Dome on Sunday.

One of the most emotional moments came when Dungy thanked the Colts organization, which flew down en masse on a charter flight Tuesday morning. He told the players they were great role models and that the country's youth is in desperate need of great role models.

"If anything," Dungy said, "be bolder."

At one point, while testimonies were being read, an attendant hurried down the aisle carrying a piece of paper. A minister took it to the podium. It was a letter from President Bush, an announcement that brought a gasp from the congregation.

Bush expressed his and his wife Laura's sadness and condolences to Tony Dungy and his wife, Lauren.

The service was one of music, song, prayer and personal reflection and reminiscences.

The Dungy family sat in the front row, a few feet from the casket. Colts players, coaches and personnel filled the section adjacent to the Dungy family and most of another.

Flowers surrounded the casket. There also was a three-foot Colts horseshoe made of white flowers against a blue background.

James was remembered for his kindness, his pranks, his love of children and animals and his fondness for pink.

"We wore his favorite color," recalled Ebone Singletary of Tampa, Fla., James' senior prom date and daughter of his pastor at Idlewood Baptist Central.

A wide range of NFL officials, coaches and players attended. They included NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue and Tampa Bay Buccaneers owner Malcolm Glazer, for whom Tony Dungy worked from 1996-2001.

Emotions overcame Dungy when he thanked the Colts organization for being James' friends.

"We find joy today," Dungy said, "that while we only had him for 18 years, God's got him now, and he's going to have him forever."