The missive began, “I hope this e-mail finds you well and prospering on every front. I know Jim will be in touch with you, but he received a poor medical prognosis today which has prompted me to contact you about preserving Jim's memories with Storytelling America.” The email was from Jim’s friend Bonni, the date was September 11, 2009. Little did I know at that time that my good friend would only be with us for another 35 days.
It’s not uncommon to hear people lament how they wish they had taken the time to record the stories of a favorite relative, friend or neighbor. When asked why they didn't quite often they would remark that THEY just DIDN’T get around to it. Fortunately JIM and I DID – eight days before he died.
Jim lived no ordinary life. His long time friend and associate Steve Aadland described Jim as well as anyone, "Jim was an amazing individual, a dear friend and long-time mentor. He was a man of many contrasts: a great leader who was a true gentleman; sometimes a blunt critic with a cutting sarcasm; an intellectual with unquenchable curiousity for the perspective of genious; a competitor in all he did. Jim loved to laugh and we loved to laugh with him. Jim loved people. His Irish humor and engaging way attracted people like a magnet--he had friends everywhere he went."
Jim's spirit and wit live on with his stories:
How I paid for my first year of college off of 30¢ per hour.
Golf - It started with caddying
REA Mapping & Dad - How to get low interest loans
USS Laws - Stuck in a hammock for 2 days.
Virg Herriott - What he taught about personnel matters.
Video requires Flash video player to view. Should Flash not be installed on your computer a free download of the latest version is available by clicking on the "Flash Player" link or icon.
Flash Player