Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Ule James could be considered conscientious.

Before coming to Illinois, James and his family were living on the east coast in 1964, a year after the measles vaccine became available.

Moving for the Navy to the west coast became more important for James’ family than getting the vaccine, until…

“Within like a month or so (after we moved west), I came down with measles.  Back then, it was like ‘It’s just measles.  All the kids get measles.  Who cares? Not a big deal,'” said James, last week in Springfield.  “Until, at night, I would get up and start raving, running around the house, yelling at pictures.  I remember very clearly that visually the pictures’ heads would go in and out.  Everything would be wacko.”

James’ father would eventually take his son to the hospital.  He ended up in a coma for three days.

“My parents were kicking themselves, because they had the opportunity to get me vaccinated on the east coast before this whole trip.”

Being hospitalized and in a coma was a sort-of life-changing experience for James.

“I rose from my coma…Mom and Dad said my attitude did change.  I was more sedate.  I was a devil child as a baby,” said James.

Since then, James says he has received a vaccine every time one has been required, and he doesn’t regret it.

The state last week declared a measles outbreak in Southern Illinois, over.