James was a proud Eagle Scout. He spent many summers at Osceola where he ultimately earned his claws. He also loved fishing the Sac Osage at his family’s cabin. Jim kept that tradition alive when he would take Brandy down to Osceola to fish. He was so generous he would even share his mother’s pecan pies with his daughter….sometimes!
We spent a lot of time together working on plumbing and drain jobs. Jim had a favorite saying for anyone who dared ask where something specific was they couldn’t find….but I will spare that detail for anyone who wasn’t blessed to hear it directly from him. Those of us who know will carry on that legacy. In the end, Jim came really close to being an OK plumber, and a so-so drain cleaner.
Jim loved to relax on his porch with a cold drink in his hand. If it was wine, it was sickeningly sweet and surprisingly pink. If it was beer, it had to be dirt cheap and plentiful. Those beverages most always lead to another of Jim’s favorite pastimes…..talking. He loved to tell stories…some of which were interesting. Some were just an excuse to fill a silence, whether you wanted it filled or not. But I remember most all his stories about his Austin Healy. He owned several hot rods in his time and loved talking about them, and I loved to listen.
He found his artistic streak later in life. He loved painting with Brandy. He did it “his way” every time, never waiting on instruction. That explains all the hidden red peppers in his paintings. It’s how he covered the booboo’s. Later when Brandy expanded her business into stained glass, he was right there doing that with her too, and doing it “however the hell he wanted”.
Jim will forever be remembered for his impeccable fashion sense. Nobody can pull off cutoff shorts and Jesus sandals like him. No matter what shirt it was paired with, or which event he attended, he could be counted on to always be the most comfortable person in the room.
Jim could often be found gardening. It’s what he loved most. Often, you would find him shuffling around his yard in his Jesus sandals tending to his flowers and cursing the weeds. He spent many springtime’s waiting with anticipation for the first blooms. His favorite part, though, was sharing what he grew with friends and family. Many of us have some of his Hosta’s, Lilies and Poppies thrown in our landscaping. Most of us that do, will tell you that they are the most hearty and resilient plants we have. They grab life however they can and hang on long after everything else has died. There is a reason for this. They were born from love and cared for by the most loving, adorable, jolly man to grace this earth.
He was a dedicated father, stepfather, father-in-law, grandfather and most of all, friend. Many people who were not related to him called him dad, and what a better legacy to leave behind, friend to some, dad to most. He will be missed by all that knew him.
In closing, anyone that received one of Jim’s beautiful plants, find someone to give plantings to from what you’ve started. Pull some bulbs or shoots to send to a friend and ask them to do the same thing. If you move, take some of them with you and plant them wherever you end up. If we all do this, Jim’s plants will spread far and wide and bring joy to many for years to come. We can’t think of a more fitting tribute. Goodbye Dad.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Simply Equine Assisted Therapy (S.E.A.T)
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