Sunday, March 3, 2024
Jim was both a friend and mentor. I'm sad that Jim had to leave us, but I'm glad that I was able to be his friend. Back in the 80s and 90s Jim got me hooked on bicycling, bikepacking and dx-radioing. He was a hoot and never without an opinion. Soft spoken, he was not! But I loved the old Indian and have missed him ever since he moved away from Michigan. I understand that his health was already in decline, even then, but I have many fond memories with Jim -- biking, computers, radio, food dehydrating, etc. And shopping! Shopping with Jim, whether for a bike or a barbeque, was an adventure, in itself. I've never seen anyone strike a bargain, like Jim. And to Lane, if you ever read this, you were a good kid and turned into a good man. I hope you take some of your Dad's spirit with you, wherever you go. You have to know that you meant everything to Jim. He talked about you with the kind of gusto and pride that I've seldom heard from any parent. He may have been ornery and gruff, but make no mistake... he loved you completely. If I have one thing to pass on to you, from your dad, it is the idea of not taking everyday events too seriously and of enjoying life as much as you can. Heed the motto of Benny Hill -- "Learnin' all the time!" Yep! That's one thing. Love Rick and Beth (five, 7, four, threeee, threeee, 9er, niner ,ssixx ,naught, uno.)
