Sunday, October 28, 2012
To Mabel, Paul, Steven, Gary & the rest of the extended family our condolences on the passing of Jim.
Though his physical being may have moved on, great memories from his time here with us will persist within us.
For me, these memories include; his firework shows each Fourth Of July on Sunset Drive, his zipline in the back of the house - before ziplines even existed!, his slide shows from places throughout the world that he had visited, his hosting visits to Burlington from Russians, French and other nationalities of people involved in their countries' space programs, his latest & greatest home electronic gadgets (many of which in reality we never really understood all the features), and, of course, times at the Lake House - swimming, boating, canoeing, water skiing, ice skating, fine dining - and so much more...
There are too many anecdotes for this space; however, one I find very much reflective of Jim was his trying to teach me to water ski - and then to slalom ski. In contrast to his prankster nature, his patience, encouragement, and guidance were much appreciated - even though I could never get past the dropping the ski part (without spectacular cartwheels/face plants immediately after). This was juxtaposed with how he towed Paul - speeding up/slowing down, doing 360 degree turns around him, slackening the rope - and essentially challenging Paul to his limits. He read my limits - and pushed me to them - as he did with Paul.
I didn't know Jim outside of his role as a husband and father - but I suspect he was a great mentor for those who needed it - and also was someone to lay down a strong challenge to those who he felt could rise to it, and benefit from that success.
Thanks Jim - for all the great memories.
