01:00 AM EDT on Saturday, October 30, 2004

JAMES R. GOULD, 19, of Walker Way, a student at the Boston Conservatory of Music, died Wednesday from bacterial meningitis.

Born in Providence, a son of John B. and Cynthia J. (Abbatematteo) Gould, both of Scituate, he had resided in Scituate most of his life. Before transferring to the Boston Conservatory to study violin, he had been amusic major at Adelphi University, Long Island, N.Y.

A 2003 graduate and class valedictorian of Scituate High School, Mr. Gould had been active in the school's music programs, including the symphonic band, string ensemble, orchestra, marching band and jazz band.

He also was a violinist with the Ocean State Youth Orchestra, and a member of the Drama Club and the cross-country team.

He was a member of Faith Tabernacle Church.

Besides his parents, he leaves three brothers, John M. Gould of South Lyons, Mich., Steven A. Gould of Providence and Mark T. Gould of Scituate; a sister, Laura A. Gould of Scituate; his paternal grandparents, John and Theresa Gould, both of Foster; and his maternal grandparents, James and Lynna Williams, and Bellasario "Ben" and Carol Abbatematteo, all of Glocester.

Thes funeral service will be private.

James Robert Gould is remembered by a former teacher at Scituate High School as "one of our stars."

01:00 AM EDT on Saturday, October 30, 2004

BY SETH McLAUGHLIN
Journal Staff Writer

SCITUATE -- A 2003 graduate of Scituate High School died in Boston this week from bacterial meningitis.

James Robert Gould, 19, a violin major at The Boston Conservatory, died at Brigham and Women's hospital Wednesday, according to the Boston Public Health Commission.

Kristin O'Connor, spokesperson for the health commission, said that Gould, who had been vaccinated for the disease, went to the school's health center on Wednesday and, after being evaluated, was immediately sent to the hospital.

Commission officials said only the people who had close contact with Gould between Oct. 17 and Oct. 27 are at risk of catching the disease.

"There is not a risk to the health of the general public," Dr. Anita Barry, director of Communicable Disease Control, Boston Public Health Commission, said in a news release.

Meningitis is an infection of the lining of the brain, spinal fluid and spinal cord. It can be caused by virus or bacteria, and is spread by intimate contact such as kissing or sharing utensils. It is not easily transmitted through sneezing and coughing.

Health officials have been cautious since Wednesday, administering antibiotic tablets to 186 students and faculty at The Boston Conservatory in an effort to prevent the disease from spreading. People were encouraged to visit a physician if they had possible symptoms including severe headaches, fever, nausea or a stiff neck.

"We've been in touch with the conservatory. They have health services and they will be monitoring the population," O'Connor said. "The health commission talked to students that may have been in close contact with him." A clinic has been set up at the school for those who think they may be at risk, she said.

David Neves, Gould's former music teacher at Scituate High School, was informed of Gould's death Thursday morning when he arrived at work. Yesterday, he said teachers and students who knew Gould were devastated. "James is one of our jewels," Neves said. "He was one of our stars."

He said Gould was regularly on the honor roll and was actively involved in the high school's jazz ensemble, choirand theater, and ran the student string ensemble.

Neves said Gould received a full scholarship to attend Adelphi University, in New York, and transferred to The Boston Conservatory because of his passion for classical music.

"He was the type of kid who teachers live and die for," he said. "I've taught for 29 years and he's right up there with the top ten students I ever had. He not only was gifted and talented, he was also a wonderful human being."