The following are condolences posted on the Club Forum by members of the BMW Touring Club of Detroit:
Topic:  The TCD has lost a friend and fine rider

All, it is with profound sorrow that I must share the news that long time TCD member, former newsletter editor and former Prez, Jim Creighton, has left us.  Jim passed earlier this evening in the company of his wife, Ruth; his daughter, Kristin; his granddaughter, Hannah; and a number of his friends.
Jim was an excellent friend, great and entertaining company, and a fine rider.  I will miss him deeply, as I know many others will.
Godspeed Jim - your time here with us was too short.
~John Fishbeck

***

Wow, that is terrible!  Katie's and my hearts go out to Ruth. We know the trouble and grief of fighting cancer.  We will surely miss Jim.  God Bless....
~Grub (a/k/a Kevin Quinn)

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This is heartbreaking.  Geri and I send our thoughts and prayers to Ruth and the family.
~Dan Cogan

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Just a brief update here.  Per Jim's wishes, there will be no formal funeral services at this time. However, there are plans in the making for a memorial service for Jim on the traditional date of the Pinckney-to-Williamston ride and Camping Demo. This date should be Sunday, May 18. We will ensure that details are made available as the date approaches.
Regards,
~John Fishbeck

***

Still in some shock since I learned of this loss last night, and with a heavy heart today.  Jim was a man of many layers, and many talents.  Bright, articulate, opinionated, great conversationalist, a wonderful rider, a curmudgeon from time to time, above all a good friend.  You will be missed my friend, so long and god speed.  May you rest in peace.
~Tom Gary

***

My heart is so heavy right now.  Numb with shock and sadness!  I am going miss Jim so much.  Such a great friend.  I have always had a special place in my heart for him and Ruth.  Jim was one of the bravest people I know.  Today there is sorrow, but we must pull each other up and celebrate Jim's life. That is how he would want it to be done. 
God Speed Jim! We will all see you again.  For some odd reason, I see you showing God motorcycle camping made easier!!!!
With a Heavy Heart
~Pat Carol 

***

Lori and I are awestruck at Jim's passing.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to and for all who cared for and about Jim, especially Ruth, his family members, and those who had the pleasure of sharing his passion for riding and living.  You did well, my friend.
~Tom Decker

***

I am so sorry to hear this.  Jim was one of my favorites at breakfast, always an engaging conversation at the tire kicking sessions.  Always had large amounts of common sense, in my humble opinion.  I always looked forward to the campfires, talking with him at the Longest Day, Ed Fitz runs. 
There are people you come across in life who are just decent, good people and Jim was definitely on my list. 
Definitely someone I looked up to in the TCD community.
~Rick Griffith

***

I am also very sorry to hear about Jim's passing.  Jim, we are really going to miss you around the camp fire and camp site. God Speed Jim.
Just remember you will never be out of our hearts so watch for those roaring campfires as we will still be talking about you for years to come. 
Condolences to Ruth and Kristin.
~Bill Gregory

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I'm shocked to say the least!  He was a good friend.  I knew he had cancer but I'm shocked at his sudden demise!
My heart goes out to Ruthie! What a team were Jim and Ruth. It can't be!!!
~Fritz Curtis

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Sad news.  Even knowing it was going to happen, it is still shocking to learn it happened.  My heart goes out to Ruth and the rest of Jim's family.  I remember meeting Jim at the campground during my first Longest Day Ride.  Jim was the first TCD member to reach out to me, and of course, that included the offer of a cold beer and conversation.  He will be missed.
~Harry Jones

***

So sad to lose such a good friend and riding buddy, he will be dearly missed.
~jjrider (a/k/a Jack Johnson) 
Ride safe today so you can ride more.... tomorrows.
Practice.  Practice.  Practice.
Ride your own ride and leave your ego behind.
Don't just look at pictures, be in them.
Exercise your mind and motorcycle frequently

***

Sharon and I share the thoughts and expressions of all of those posts above.  Jim was an excellent rider, as is Ruth.  Our hearts and prayers go out to Ruth and family in this time of mourning.  I will always remember a ride returning home from a TCD event at Cyclemore years ago with Jim & Ruth on back roads none of us had traveled before. 
We will remember the good times enjoyed with a good friend, as Jim was special to all whose lives he touched along the way.
BMWMOA Ambassador
~Richard Hautau

***

I was watching Supercross 2014 interviews last night on YouTube.  All of a sudden I had a flashback to a Daytona bike week that I spent with Jim a while back.  We were sitting in one of the top rows of Daytona international speedway grandstands watching the Supercross races in one of the worst downpours I have ever been in.  Most of the attendees around us had either left or had taken cover under tarps that they had brought (most came in cars).  I looked at Jim and he gave me one of those curmudgeonly looks that told me that he thought we were both crazy.  We both sat and watched the whole race, got on our bikes, and rode back to camp in the rain.  It's sad to know this might never happen again. Good riding buddies are hard to come by.
Gonna miss you man.
~ jjrider (a/k/a Jack Johnson)

***

Sadness reaches us all.  Thinking of you Ruth and the rest of the family.
~Jim Slater BMWMOA #34
 R1200R
 Member BMWTCD since 1971

*** 

Thanks to Jim's and my many friends who have posted such thoughtful condolences.  Jim's passing leaves a huge hole in my life, but one I will learn to live with.  I treasure the memories of the many long-distance motorcycle/camping trips we took together over the years, starting with a trip to Glacier National Park in the year before we were married.  During our marriage, we rode together in Alaska, to Newfoundland, to Glacier many times, to the Southwest, to Banff, and to many rallies around the country.  I was hoping he would be well enough to have one last summer of riding but that was not to be.  This club has been an important part of Jim's life for many years and he counted many of our members among his close friends. 
I plan to continue to ride and participate in club events.  Who knows, I might even ride to national rallies or go on other long-distance rides.  (I have never taken more than a day-long trip by myself so please keep me in mind as you plan your trips or rides if you would like some company).  You will see me at club breakfasts and at our weekend camping events. 
Jim told me about the funeral for Cliff Cox a few years ago and how there was a motorcycle processional after the funeral to the cemetery behind the hearse.  He was very impressed with that and he spoke about it on several occasions.  I would like to have a similar thing for Jim at his memorial service.  That is part of the reason I wanted to wait until spring for his memorial and partly to commemorate the years that the two of us hosted the so-called "camping demo."   
On Jim's last day with us, he was surrounded by friends and family.  He had good conversations and a good meal.  Hannah, Kristin, my friend Donna, and I were there.  During the several days of his hospitalization, he was having a lot of different and serious problems that he cycled in and out of.  He was in a lot of pain.  His last day was better, I think, than most the five days he was in the hospital.  I am so grateful for that. When his friends left he went to sleep, and while I was holding his hand, he left us.  I feel him around me now.  The world will never be quite the same without him.
~Ruth Zimmerman

***

So saddened by the news.  Debbie and I send our sympathy to Ruth and family.
~Dave McFall

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The funeral home that handled Jim's arrangements participates in an online memorial guest book service. A number of Jim's friends and family members have posted remembrances and condolences.  If you'd like to view those entries, and maybe contribute one of your own, click here to visit Jim's memorial guest book site.
Regards, 
~John Fishbeck

***

John, that was a fine and fitting tribute you posted on the funeral home Guestbook.
I'm sure Jim's death was a terrific blow for you, considering your friendship.
It was an emotional read!
~Fritz Curtis

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Yeah, you're quite right Fritz.  Jim and I were pretty solid riding buddies, as well as just good, shootin' the breeze friends.  He was a unique and remarkable man, and his absence has made a little hole in my life.
Thanks for the thoughts,
~John

***

I did not know Jim well, but from interactions I had with him it was clear he was an intelligent man and a kind soul. A real loss.
Steve Makela

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Sorry to read this. Jim and I were friends years ago and often thought of him.  Last time I saw him was when he had his repair business out on E Michigan Ave if I remember right. We were in grade school together and he lived about 6 blocks from me when we were kids.
Jim Judd, West Linn, Oregon

I have so much to say but there just aren't enough words in any language to express my gratitude and thanks for all that you've shown and taught me. I could never have dreamed of a better Grampie than you and I will always cherish every moment with you. I hope that someday soon, we can ride together again and I can feel the tap of your hand on my helmet making sure I'm still alive. I love you Grampie.

Ruth, Our prayers go out to you and your family!  I just happened to read about Jim today!   We always enjoyed our per chance meetings at Panera Bread so much!   We have known Jim for many many years and are glad to have had the opportunity to connect with you two again.  Perhaps there is something we can do for you that would involve Dave's knowledge about cars.  Please let us know.  517-655-2998 is the store number. Hope we run into you soon, or better yet, if we knew how to contact you we will take you to Panera for Sunday evening dinner.  Love and hugs.  Dave and Teresa Wood

Jim was my mentor in 2010 when I returned to motorcycling after a long layoff. His advice was valuable and his wry sense of humor was sparkling, but even more appreciated was the warm friendship that he and Ruth extended so freely. My wife Judy and I extend our deepest sympathy to Ruth, who I am confident will ride on as Jim would wish. Jim will be sorely missed by all who treasured the time they spent with this unique man.

Although we have lived in different states since '96, I always looked forward to seeing you on my trips to Michigan.  Over the past few months, I felt closer to you. You shared how you felt about your illness.  When you told me that "no one lives forever' and that you "had a good life', I knew that you had accepted your illness and imminent death.  I wanted to see you one last time but it wasn't meant to be. I know that someday we will meet again.  Say hi to Mom and Dad for me.
You were a great brother to me.
   Love,  Kathryn E. Clarke  (GA.)

Ruth, I am terribly saddened that you have lost such a wonderful companion and I have lost a respected and trusted acquaintance of so many years standing.
There are not many men with Jim's talent, good humor, intelligence, and gentle heart.
Farewell and Godspeed.

Mike Gorman, Ann Arbor

Dear Ruth:

I just saw this.  I am so very, very, sorry for your loss.  Jim was a wonderful man.  My heart breaks for you and your family.  Love,  Sandy Jasinski

Goodbye Jim.  You were a good and valued friend and a great guy.  My life has been enriched by knowing you.

Kris and Kelly, I`m sorry for the loss of your father. He loved you both a lot just as I do. You will both be in my thoughts. Call me any time. Love, Aunt Rosemary

Ruth, Thanks for being such a good wife to my big brother. I know you will miss him as much as Kathy and I will. Hope to keep in touch with you. Kathy and I will look for pictures of Jim. You will be in our prayers. Love, Rosemary and Kathy

Back in the fall of '98 I took up motorcycling again. In the spring of 2000 I found myself considering attending a BMW motorcycle rally being held in Midland, but really didn't have much of an idea what a rally was. So I posted to a message forum requesting some clarification. Jim saw the post and responded with helpful info, and added that he believed that we were neighbors, more or less, as I was living in Williamston at the time, and suggested we meet up. And so we did.

So began my 14 year friendship with a remarkable man whom I will deeply miss. Jim was an unusual human being in so many ways. He was a tireless worker, always undertaking some task or other - be it landscaping, gardening, maintaining his and Ruth's home, keeping up a couple of rental properties, performing work on the several two and four wheeled vehicles residing in his garage and work shed, or any of a number of other tasks requiring attention. 'Retired' for Jim meant only that some employer wasn't handing him a paycheck - he worked harder than the vast majority of people I know, including (especially) me.

Jim was a very intelligent and inquisitive person. His interests spanned the gamut, including music, photography, landscaping and horticulture, investment, finance, politics, and perhaps most of all - motorcycling. He was an outstanding motorcycling companion. Jim was a highly skilled rider, both on paved and unpaved back roads. I rode many miles with Jim, and with Jim and Ruth. There were trips to Ohio, West Virginia, Alabama and all over Michigan. There were too many day rides to count all over central southern lower peninsula Michigan, where we relentlessly pursued riding the tastiest back roads we could find. We watched races together, and shot the breeze oh so many times about races we'd watched on TV - MotoGP, Superbike, flat track, motocross, supercross, Dakar and more.

It is my humble and distinct pleasure that along with mutual friend Chris Dobyns I rode with Jim on his last ride. The three of us took off on a gray, cool October Wednesday afternoon and rode 120+ miles of some of Jim's favorite paved and unpaved back roads, concluding before returning home with lunch at the Inverness Inn on Territorial Road. It was a great ride, and a wonderful memory for me to always have.

The Monday before Christmas I stopped over at the house and paid Jim a visit. Although he was struggling with the pain and discomfort that plagued him these last few weeks, he perked up on my arrival. We had one of our usual fine conversations, ranging over politics, the economy, music, and - of course - motorcycling. As it turns out, that was my last such interaction with Jim. I did visit him after he was hospitalized the final time, but he was in intense pain and was unable to find his way to chit-chat. I understood. I left him with Ruth rubbing his back and caring for him.

Farewell, my good friend. You will be missed in so many ways, at so many times. Just past Sunday I was watching the recording I made of the Supercross season opener, captivated by numerous moments of drama and excitement in the races. And I found myself thinking "Oh man, wait until Jim and I talk about this - that's some wild racing!" Ah, no - sadly, no more. But I surely won't stop thinking about him while watching races for many years to come. Godspeed, Jim - it was a special pleasure to have you in my life and as my friend.

We and Jim go back more than 40 years, working together at Williams and sharing a house on Allen St for a couple of years. I remember the surprise when Kristen and Kelly came to live with us and how Jim took it all in stride and made it work for everyone.  I never really knew anyone else quite like Jim, and I liked that about him. He always said what he felt and didn't pull any punches. He was a good friend and will be missed!

I wish we had had more time of knowing Jim. We were very fond of him and enjoyed his company. Our condolences to all of his family and most especially to Ruth.

Jim, I know that you will somehow find a way to get on-line and look at the messages from your friends and family.  You know that I loved and still love you and that you were the most important person in my life.  I know that you were worried about whether I would be OK without you, but know that I will be all right.  I have lots of good friends and you took care of many things for me before you left to prepare me for life without you.  I feel your presence and I am comforted by knowing that whatever happens to people after death, you are worthy of  the highest and best.  I hope I will be able to see you again some day. Love forever, your wife, Ruth.

Kristin, I'm very sorry to hear your father has passed away.  You, Hanna and family are in my prayers.

I worked with Jim at Williams Auto World many years and we bonded into what I would call a true friendship and understanding of the way things were in the world. He became kind of a sounding board for me. I will truly miss him.

Jimmy  C. Boxerguy... gentleman extraordinaire...you gave it the good fight and we can take it from here... miss you, love you,...

Jim was a great person and role model.
Being his cousin, he was like a brother to me and his wit and kindness will be sorely missed.
All my love and sympathy to surviving family members.
Charles Hoadley

I'm going to keep my head up & look for what comes next just past the Apex. Just like you like taught me. I'll be ready for another ride when I see you on the other side, Dad. Love you.

My condolences to Jim's family.  We worked together at Williams in the 70's, and am shocked to hear of his passing.

My deepest sympathy and prayers to Jim's family and friends. Jim was called to serve a greater eternal and heavenly purpose. Although his physical presence will be dearly missed on this mortal earth: Please always feel comfort in knowing Jim's spirit shall remain with you always.

So sorry for your loss, my prayers are with you and the girls, please be strong, my uncle was a great man, and no one will ever be able to take his place.
                                                                            Peace, love, and hope,
                                                                                      Will (Willie)Fargus

OBITUARIO

James Jim A Creighton

19 noviembre, 1946 – 1 enero, 2014

Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes

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