Name: Hillcrest Memorial Park and Mortuary
Address: Bakersfield, CA

Eulogy given by Cheryl Easling Misener ~ My Dad, James Paul Easling, was born June 28, 1932, in Pensacola, Oklahoma. He had one sister and three brothers, including an identical twin brother John Paul. When the twins were born, they weighed five pounds together, dad weighed a mere 2 3/4 pounds. They were so tiny they slept in a apple box they shared next to their mothers bed. My granny, (their mother) used mens handkerchiefs for their diapers. Dads sister, six year old LeeEllen helped take care of the twins when she came home from school. My Granny became bedridden about the time LeeEllen returned to school after the summer break. When the twins started to crawn she tied a rope around their waist. That way she could reel them in when it was time to feed them. She told me that neither twin never held their bottle with their hands but used their feet. When dad was four years old, his legs were severally burned when his clothes caught fire when they were heating the water for laundry in the old black kettle in an out door fire. His sister LeeEllen had to push him to the ground to get the fire out. Dads early childhood was during the years of the Great Depression. When he was twelve years old Oklahoma was in the throes of the dust bowl. Dads family were farmers and they were forced to move. They packed all they had in Grandads old truck and drove to California, the land of promise for a better life. Theirs was the life described in John Steinbacks book, The Grapes of Wrath. They settled in Imperial Valley where they all worked hard and things became somewhat better. Dad told me about the day Grandad brought home their first car....in buckets. Literally!!! He said if the twins could put the peices together and make it run, they could have it. They made it happen!
He told a story of working in the fields together with grandad when it was so hot. At the end of that long hot dusty day, the twins got in their model T and raced home. They did not want to hang out with the old fogies. Along the way they spotted a water melon field, and thought "les eat one". As they began to savor the sweet, juicy watermelon, along came granddad. Did you ask that farmer if you could have that melon heasked. They answered with "He won't miss one melon". Grandad said, "boys before days end, someway, somehow, you will pay for that melon." and he left. The boys jumped in their car and sped past him like teen-agers do. About a mile down the road they broke down. They wern't worried, grandad would be along any minute. Sure enough, grandads truck came along but he just kept on going. As he drove by them, he said, "I told you that you would pay for that melon before you got home." The walk home was a long hot one. Dad said he never stole agin and he was grateful that he had parents that taught him correct principals. When he and John became teen-agers, Granny had her hands full. They were two mischievous boys who loved playing pranks. Granny was at her wits end, so when the oppurnity presented itself, off they went to the Army. They were just sixteen years old. She said it was the only lie she ever told, saying they were seventeen instead of sixteen to get them in.

He served four years in the Army during the Korean war, most of that time in Japan. He was honorably discharged in 1952. Upon returning home he married the sweetheart he left behind, Novella who became my mother. They had three children, Cheryl, Karen, and Terry. My best memories of my dad were as a child when the family gathered at Grannys house when the twins were together. They were still a handful. The house was always filled with laughter when the twins were together, I loved those times. Sadly his twin brother John passed  away when he was 43 yhears old. He said looking in the casket and seeing himself was strange and incredibly hard to bear. After all they had been together since before they were born. They could feel each others heart beat a hundred miles away. He was and remained sad and and the light went out of his smile. Three years later his only son Terry was killed by a drunk driver at the age of 20. He had just come a few days earlier after his discharge from the Army. This time the light went out of Dads eyes. He was never again the dad I had known.
I could always see the pain beneath the laughter. In a tender moment my dad told me his biggest regret in life was that he never did take his family to church. I would have loved to have my dad sit in the pew next to me. As a child dad took me with him many times to do service for people he knew, like the Saturday we spent cleaning the pool for an elderly man who had cancer, so he could be in the water for therapy. I also remember Joe Fowler who was a fixture in our house since I was a baby. I knew him as Uncle Joe. Mom and Dad always treated him like family and made sure he had food and shelter. I thought he was a relative and only later realized that he was a former neighbor they   kept in touch with until he died. Dad was very unselfish in his service to others. Dad was in the paint business for 40 years and worked his way to eventually to own his own business "Easlings Paint and Wallpaper." He was a succesful business man. From 1964 until 1979 he volunterred as a reserve police officer in the Bakersfield Police Dept, obtaining the rank of Sargent.

Dad firmly believed that hard work was essential to developing good character and there was no such thing as a free ride. He made us work hard and do well in school. He said the best gift he could give us was our independence and we were to make our own way in our world. He stuck to that throughout his life. Dad continued that independent hardworking attitude until his passing. He got up everyday at sunrise and worked until he ran out of energy. He prided himself on the fact that he never had to ask his children for financial assistance, alto we would have been glad to help. It was important to him to go out of this world debt free and not on anyone elses dime. Dad and Jimmi were married in 1970 and he gained four more daughters, Gaye, Lynn, Venda and Sylvia. Dad and Jimmi worked together in the business and had a good life together. Some things people may not know about my dad was that his nickname in high school was "bones". His favorite color was red and his favorite foods was tacos, water melon, chocolate pie and Dr. Pepper. Dad had become a pilot and owned his own plane. He also earned a real estate license when he got bored with retirement and he loved animals. Most people would say what they remembered most about my dad was his great sense of humor. He had a great way of making people smile. He was the comic relief every where he went. He loved playing pranks. He made friends easily. A stranger did not remain one for long. It took him very little time to make most anyone to feel at ease and smile at one of his silly remarks. Anywhere he went, the bank, the grocery store, the Dr office, he met someone before he left, that felt like they were his best friend. He had that effect on people. The last few weeks of his life were spent in the hospital as his health declined. I visited my dad the evening before he passed. His body was just worn out. He was so weak the last few days and could hardly speak, except his resounding NO to everything that anybody would ask. Then I ask him if he wanted some Dr. Pepper, he said YES and the AHH after he drank. I then asked if he wanted me to hold his hand and he said yes. That tender moment will be forever etched in my heart. Before I left, I told him I loved him. He had a long and good life. He lived it in his way. He passed peacefully the following morning at sunrise. Sunrise to him was the best part of the day. His wife Jimmi stayed by his bed and never left when we found out that he would never get better. She always showed him love and kindness. He was a tough personality and she tempered him well. He loved his bride. His last words were to her. He said "I am the most handsome man in the world and you are the most beautiful woman in the world. Then he said "I have to go now". I am grateful to all who loved and cared for my dad. We came together as a family to take care of him. He had been so independent through out his life. Now we had an opportunity to serve him. He enjoyed our doting on him. Making sure he was comfortable, making sure the nurses came a little faster when he needed something we couldn't provide. We enjoyed that time together. As the words we chose for Terry's memorial bench read, "Your journey has just began." See you later Dad and I love you.

When we came back to Oregon in June 2003 to work at a fish hatchery in Sweet Home, we often met Jim and Jimmi in Salem at the Tin Tin Restaurant. Jim loved his Chinese buffets. It was always fun to spend time with them. After Alan died in 2004 we continued to stay close via e-mail and phone calls. Jim or Jimmi would call me when they got to town and we would get together when ever we could. It was so wonderful when I learned that they were moving back to Bakersfield and right around the corner from me. I wish I could say I visited often but it was not as often as I should have or wished I had. Both Jim and Jimmi were thrilled to learn of a new man in my life after being widowed for 10 years. I introduced Chuck to them soon after we met and fell in love. Jim grilled Chuck right away to verify that his intentions with me were honerable. Minutes later both of them were picking on me relentlessly. I knew at that moment that Jim approved of Chuck and Chuck had a new friend. Just this morning I was watching some videos I had captured of Jim and my grandson, Jasper from last July. He was showing Jasper his teeth and Jasper was fascinated. I will treasure these videos of JIm. Anyone who knew Jim knew he was truely one of a kind. He was a smart businessman and an all around good person. We truely loved each other and teased each other all the time. We bantered, kidded, hugged and laughed together. I shall never forget the love and friendship that we shared. His passing leaves a big hole in my life.I will never forget and always treasure the memories and good times we had together. God Bless you Jim and thank you for being a wonderful part of my life.

I don't remember how many times Jim and Jimmi opened their home to us, but we lovingly took advantage of their hospitality and flew up to visit whenever we could. Our children, Brian and Karen always enjoyed visiting them too. Jim teased them both relentsely and they learned to give it right back. They truely enjoyed special close with both Jim and Jimmi, they considered them their grandparents and treasured the times they had together. Alan and I visited Oregon in Jan and Feb of 2003. We were both retired. Alan had had pancreatic cancer surgery several months earlier and we were again enjoying full time rv-ing. We spent six weeks living in our travel trailer in a park on the Alsea River about six miles where JIm and JImmi lived in Waldport. We were at their house in Waldpor almost every day. We would play Pinochle with them, watch tv or movies, tell lies, eat tacos, etc. We learned to play pinochle during that time, of course Jim cheated any chance he would get at any game. Didn't matter. Jim taught our kids to cheat at various card games over the years. The card game Rack-o immediatly comes to mind. My daughter Karen and I were just discussing this earlier today. She told me how Jim showed her how to "stack her cards" so that she could win at Rack-o. Cheating at cards and other games and Jim went hand in hand.

Good afternoon, Everyone. I am going to share some memories of my dear, long-time friend, Jim Easling. I still can't believe that he is gone and I will never be able to banter with him again. There are so many memories that my family and I have shared over the years with Jim and Jimmi.
I first met Jim and Jimmi out at the Bakersfield Airpark. They were both taking flying lessons at the same time as my late husband Alan. It was an instant friendship with them. Jim and Alan became very good friends and often commiserated about the state of world and national affairs and laughed and talked about flying their planes. I remember going to their home on 19th st. Jim made popcorn with a hot air popper. It was great! We bought our own hot air popper shortly after. I could never make popcorn again after that without thinking of Jim and JImmi. We also met a few of the family members at that time. Over time, we met all of their family and we all became family. We had several get togethers at their home in Bakersfield before they made the move up to Oregon. I remember going to Oregon and visiting them in the house in Yachats, while their big house was being built. Oh what fun times we had together exploring the coast while on our visits. Jim and Rip kept us all laughing. Then later it was Jim and Toby and then came Jim and Chauncy and then Jim and Ladybug and then Jim and Gypsy. Jim loved all of his dogs. I know his little Gypsy is really missing him now and I pray that he has been reunited with all his little delightful companions. We flew up and visited with Jim and Jimmi while they lived near South Beach Newport. Alan would buzz the house loudly with the plane and they would come out on the deck and wave to us. By the time we landed they were waiting at the airport to pick us up. One especialy memorible time, Jim met us in Frank's old truck. On the sides were signs saying "Easlings last Resort-reservations not recommended. Stay at your own risk."  We parked the plane and threw our bags in the back of the truck and climbed in. Luckly Jimmi was nearby with the car so we didn't have to ride in the back of the old truck. Oh we had so many laughs over the years about EASLINGS LAST RESORT. In fact, in one of our conversations just this month Jim brought it up and asked if I remembered it. How could I forget? I recall visits to Izzy's to have pizza, the Blue Whale in Yachats for fish and 4Jays for several ocean view breakfasts. Oh and we learned about crabbing, Went out out in his crabbing boat and ate crab when we visited. Also we made several trips to the oyster beds on Yaquina Bay and picked up bags of oysters that Jimmi would bake and we would eat up. Karen and I never aquired a taste for those slimy oysters, but Alan and Brian sure did. From their deck we watched whales spouting out by the rocks just south of the house. We walked on the beach on their below their home. We enjoyed many morning cups of coffee and many beautiful sunsets from that deck with Jim and Jimmi. One of Jims favorite things to do while we were visiting, was to wake us up. He would walk through the house and bellow "When I get up, everybody gets up" Sometimes we did  and sometimes we didn't. We always seemed to go for several drives while we were visiting with Jim and Jimmi. There was just so much to see and do on the Oregon Coast. Jim drove us up to Depot Bay and Lincoln City pointing out various beaches and sites along the way.

 


Thank you all so much for being here to remember Uncle Jim. I just want to say a few words about this man, Jim Easling, who was very pivotal in our lives. He was extremely influential for the majority of us in determining our paths and for supporting our levels of success in whatever we chose to succeed in.  
Uncle Jim had a philosophy of never judging a book by its cover.  Aunt Linda recently posted a memory of Uncle Jim where she remembered him telling her to never judge a man or woman by the clothes that they wear, because one day they might be wearing a suit and the next day, bib overalls, but to that person, it was just clothes.  Her memory speaks of volumes of the fairness that we remember of our Uncle Jim!

Uncle Jim was such a GENEROUS man.  Both him AND Aunt Jimmie!!  An example of that is when they lived on the coast in Oregon.  They had a beautiful home - the master bedroom located with a view of the sea, and the sounds of the surf would lull you to sleep.  Well, whenever married company would come, Uncle Jim and Aunt Jimmie would always take the guest bedroom and insist that the company would take the Master - they always wanted to share the sounds and sensations of the sea!  

He was always SUCH a TEASE!!!  He LOVED teasing the children - and he always seemed to get so much joy out of the laughter of children, especially when they realized he was teasing them!!!  Another special quality that will live forever in our memory is Uncle Jim's competitive nature!!  He sure loved to play games!!  In fact, I remember that before watching any movies when visitors were over, he preferred to play fun games!! And boy did he love competition, and instigating it in the kids, like with Bryce, his Great Nephew, they had an ongoing game of Tetris.  The distance between their homes did not stop the game, it was simply a matter of one playing to the next best score and challenging the other!!!  Whenever they would visit, Bryce would play Tetris with Uncle Jim, get the best highest score, then they would leave and go home.  But Uncle Jim wouldn't let that go, haha, he would get in there and play until he beat Bryce's score!!  The next time Bryce came over, he would have to work until beating the latest score Uncle Jim had achieved!

Many of us have memories of Uncle Jim taking us Crabbing!  I recently heard a fun story where Uncle Jim saved my Brother's life!!  The story went that he had taken my Mom, Barbara, my Dad, Gene, and my brother Billy out crabbing.  At the time my brother Billy was in a wheelchair...well, apparently Billy had almost rolled off the end of the pier...and my DAD actually reached out and grabbed the chair before it fell in the water...Uncle Jim was there and was just laughing so hard that tears fell down his face ( a familiar memory for all of us!)...but in my BROTHER'S memory...Uncle Jim had saved his life!!!  We all love him so much!!

Pride and Service to our Country earned a special place in Uncle Jim's life.  He was always so proud of those who served and he and Aunt Jimmie created a special place in their home to honor them.  They created an Honor Wall - where the men and women in our family who served would be displayed for all to recognize their service.  This spoke volumes of their love for this country and the values they grew up with and endeavored to pass on to the younger generation.

Uncle Jim had a vast store of love for family members.  He may not have spoke to me on a daily, weekly, or even monthly basis, but when we visited it was apparent how much love he had - and it was returned! My Grandmother is Uncle Jim's older sister...Lee Ellen and Jim, the last of the Easling Siblings...they had a DAILY appointment...at 9:02 EVERY DAY, through rain, hail, sleet, or snow....no matter if sick, injured, or on vacation...the appointment held...and Jim and Lee Ellen would meet on Skype.  Two people from a generation past, using technology to stay in touch.  Elders from before computers were invented, used computers to reach across the miles and talk every day.  Uncle Jim and my Gram shared a relationship that only siblings could share...the memories of growing up, of their parents, of the times gone by.  That appointment will always be there for my Gram...and I'm sure Uncle Jim will be looking down on her from Heaven at 9:02 every morning to make sure she is up to something good!!

In closing, I just want to say that Uncle Jim will live in each and everyone of us, from here on out.  We will take the pieces of our lives that were molded by him and pass them down to our future generations.  He made a huge impact on our lives that we will never forget.  We love you Uncle Jim.  We will miss you so very much!!

                                                                       Your Niece, Rendi

 
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Uncle Jim, Miss Ya Bunches! Thanks for being you. I miss talking with you sooo much, you always called to make sure we hadn't blown away here in Oklahoma. I wish we could have had some more time here together. You will be missed so very much! We Love You Uncle Jim, See you when it's our turn 
With love always
Cindy and Ranell Easling

I've read and relate to a lot of yours stories of Jim, and though I don't often share special moments I would like to share this one. It was Mom & JIm's last move from OR to Bkfld. What a weekend! 1st we all know how impatient Jim was when he made his mind up to do something, so It was no surprise when Ron and myself arrived as scheduled to help load the U-Haul Jim had already hired a couple of scathy gentlemen from the park. Oh my what a mess, their stuff was just hap hazardly packed and with no time to fix we just forged ahead. Oh yeah it was raining like crazy! Ready to hit the road and the cat came up missing, we had to leave her behind, which broke Mom"s heart! 2 hrs down the road and the U-Haul broke down, 2 more hrs later the tow truck arrived. Thank goodness the motel was just across the street from the service center. But no rest as I worried about that darn cat and how upset Mom was so the next morning I went to their room to say I will find the cat and get her to Bkfld, we all had a good cry. But as I left their room Jim stopped me to tell me he was sorry. I didn't know why and asked what for? He said for taking your mother so far away. We both cried as I said you guys will never be far, for you are always in my thoughts & heart. We both cried some more, then off to Bkfld we went. And by the way that cat got a first class ticket in the cargo hold of a United airline. I will miss Jim greatly and loved him even more.

It's never easy losing a family member, especially if you've only shared many happy memories together. My Uncle Jim was one of the kindest and funniest people I've ever known and many in my family would say the same. Over the years, however, life gets in the way and you forget to tell these influential people how much they mean to you. I hadn't seen Uncle Jim for several years, and I regret not sharing a few conversations. My heart especially goes out to the family who was there for him, to his wife and children, and my Great Grandma Lee! I love you all!
RIP Uncle Jim, we love you!

 Uncle Jim and Aunt Jimmie would always insist on giving up their big bed when married company came over - THEY would sleep in the guest room!! Anyway - I can remember when they lived on the coast house and I was sleeping in their room, I remember hearing the ocean and birds thinking, "Oh, I'm totally going to sleep in in the morning!" Hahaha!! that was what I THOUGHT!!! Uncle Jim woke up at the crack of dawn walking very big in the house shouting "EVERYBODY UP!! TIME TO GET UP!!! WHEN I'M UP......EVERYBODY'S UP!!!" Laughing the whole time!!! What great mornings we would have sipping coffee together and just good time talk!!! I loved my visits with them!!! He adored his seester, and I could never get enough of the stories of the Easling family....growing up, marriage, kids, business building, the fun stuff he and Aunt Jimmie did in their life!!! I miss him so much! He truly was a GREAT Uncle!!!

Little Billy was telling us his side of a story last night, it went something like this.. " Do you remember the time Uncle Jim saved my life? (We were on a fishing/crabbing dock in Oregon with Uncle Jim, myself, Gene and some others, Jim pulled up a crab pot and dumped them on the dock to make sure they were big enough to keep.) Billy was in a wheel chair because of a broken ankle, the crabs started all running toward his wheel chair, Billy was scrambling to get away and went backwards toward the end of the dock. His dad grabbed the chair just before he went over the edge. Uncle Jim was laughing so hard he couldn't move, but he got the credit for saving Billys life. On that same trip Billy remembers Uncle 
Carl and his dad dropping his wheel chair with him in it while trying to carry it up the stairs. This reminded me that no one is gone because of our memories. It helps.

Since hearing the news about Uncle Jim, I started thinking about some of the memories I have of him, and almost all of them involve both Jim and my dad (Carl). It was the hardest thing to have a serious conversation when those two were together. I don't know if anyone remembers when Uncle Jim shaved his head  but yep, he did! Now, if you remember, Dad always had black hair; even when he turned 60, there was just a little bit of gray. When dad was sick and in the hospital, Jim and Jimmie would make the trip from the coast to visit. On one such visit, Jim came in and had a hat on, one of those funny golfer's hats. When he took it off, there it was - a freshly shaven bald head, and then he started laughing. He said it was to support Dad during his new round of chemo. I guess Dad told him earlier in the week that this round of chemo he would probably lose his hair. Jim didn't want his baby brother to be the only one with a shiny top. As soon as Dad saw his head, he said with a straight face, they changed my chemo and I am keeping my hair. Jim quickly replied, Like hell YOU will lose your hair, if I have to hold you down and shave it myself! When dad passed away, he had a full head of hair, and Uncle Jim was bald. I guess you could say, Dad got the final laugh. Now they are both together again  Oh no!

I was not a fan of car trips as a child but when I knew the trip was to Bakersfield to visit Uncle Jim and Aunt Jimmie then I couldn't wait.  As with most children, Uncle Jim always tried to make me laugh and wanted to make sure I had fun.  But that is not what evokes my fond memoriesinstead it is how he made me feel.  With Uncle Jim, I knew I matteredhe was excited to see me when I came to visit and he always wanted to know what was going on in my life.  I can still see the love in his face when he watched me or someone he loved tell a storyhe truly cared.  I was not the only person blessed to have known Uncle Jimhe spread his big heart to many.  Our family has lost someone very special.  I love you Uncle Jim and I already miss you so much!

Dad you have been gone for a month now. I have been thinking about you and the road trip we took to the Ronald Reagan Library 3 years ago, for your Birthday.  What a wonderful time that was for you and I to spend together. 

You were always such a patriot and I loved you for that. It took a bit of help, but with a united effort, we were able to get you on Air Force One, Ronnie's plane. That was a crowning moment for you, and I will never forget the expression on your face and the happy tears in your eyes. You were like a kid at Disneyland when we walked that plane together

You gave me my work ethic and taught me to be independent along with giving service, as I watched your example. Until we meet again, I miss and love you

Uncle Jim,
You will always be remembered by the Cooper family very fondly.  All the times you took us crabbing or when we'd go eat at the pizza buffets.  I will especially remember our games of Tetris and our stimulating conversations about the pope! I love you so much!

In beloved memory of James Paul Easling. James was the brother of my deceased husband, Herschel Leonard Easling.

James, along with his wife Jimmie, was a conscientious and reputable business man.  He enjoyed and shared life to the fullest.

May God accept him with open arms into his heavenly home.

As I read thru this guest book one thing becomes very clear, you Uncle Jim were truly loved and you will be missed. Billy wants to know if you can do hot dogs while camping there in heaven. Love you and miss knowing your a telephone or Skype away. Memories will last forever.

When I was a kid and would visit Uncle Jim and Aunt Jimmi They lived in a house with a basement and he would talk thru the vents like a ghost and scare Jimmy and I. I remember his laughing at us. Always a jokester. I will miss you Uncle Jim.

      Uncle Jim,
    Having you for an uncle was awesome, you were loved by everyone.  You will be missed each and every day.  Thank You for being YOU.
            Love Shawn

     Uncle Jim,  Happy Birthday you old goat, No birthday cake for you, there is already enough forest fires out there.  You were always a "great" uncle to me and you will be missed GREATLY. Every time that I see a Lincoln Towncar I will think of you.    I miss your smiling face and your wonderful sense of humor.  Love you Uncle Jim
               Your Niece Linda

Uncle Jim, we love you and miss you!  You and Aunt Jimmie were awesome and wonderful to Karen, me, and the boys.  We all miss you very much but will not forget what a wonderful man and person you were.  We of course will stay in touch with Aunt Jimmie and always have you in our hearts.  Love Derek

Dad always had a great sense of fun and adventure.  I'll never forget the road trip we took to Bull Head City to celebrate my college graduation.  I had never been to a casino before and did not know what to expect.  After a 5 hour drive we arrived and immediately started playing the slot machines.  Within five minutes  I hit a $400.00 jackpot.  Much to my surprise, five minutes later  I hit another $400.00 jackpot. I was simply in shock at winning two back to back jackpots, but he insisted..."Keep playing...Don't stop!"  A couple of minutes later, I hit an $800.00 jackpot!  We were only there a total of 15 minutes and won $1600.00.  Then we turned around and drove home. What a graduation present!  Those that knew Dad know how typical this was of him. He was truly one of a kind.  Thanks Dad for the memories and for helping to shape who I am. You will be missed.

Uncle Jim, I miss you!!  I miss your smile, your laughter, your teasing!!  I miss how much you LOVED your dogs, and teased me about leaving Java with you EVERY time we visited!!!  She is still with us, Uncle Jim, but I know you will take care of her when she gets there with you!!  You were the GREATEST of GREAT, Uncle Jim, there are no words that can express the positive impact you had in my life, let alone my children, who love you SO much!  We had some REALLY GREAT times with you - you were one of a kind!!!  I just want to warn you though....Up there in Heaven, you may not want to stomp around early in the morning and shout, "WAKE UP, WAKE UP!!! WHEN I GET UP....EVER-Y-BODY GETS UP!!!" - Yeah...the BIG GUY might have a problem with that, LOL!!!  Well, at least the ANGELS might! hahaha!!  Keep them laughing, Uncle Jim...you need to stay warmed up for when the rest of us get there with you!!!  Miss you sooo much!!  Hugs and Kisses for now!!!

Love,
your "FAVORITE" Great-Niece   RENDI  XOXOXOXO

It has been a hard month without you, Jim, and even though we only talked about once a week I feel your absence every day. I couldn't help but laugh every time you would call me and say, "This is JP Easling here calling for Mrs. Lynn M. Guerra". Even with caller ID I always answered with just "Hello?" so I could hear your line. I wish I could get one more phone call from you just to hear that. Our talks were always entertaining, especially when you wanted to debate politics! I miss you and I love you.  Lynn

Jim, Thank you for always making me feel like your daughter and not a step child. Your willingness to always help with your vast business knowledge when we started up our company was very much appreciated. You will forever be in our hearts. Thinking of you always.

Uncle Jim, It's almost been a month since you left this world. Its a shame you could not be here for this day. Regardless of whether you are here on earth or in heaven, I want to wish you a Happy Birthday. I love you and miss you very much.

Jim, today  I have so many thoughts of you on your 83rd Birthday, I miss singing the "happy birthday" song to you. You have been gone for a month now and my heart still grieves so very much. Missing you and our sometimes crazy and sometimes serious conversations each morning at 9:02 (that is a forever time for us) With loving thoughts from your 'seester' LeeEllen

A few days have passed since my beloved brother has been gone. Still missing him so much, miss talking to him on Skype, miss the times when he,Jimmie and I did so many things together. On one occasion Jim, Jimmie, Carl and I travelled to Oklahome to see our brother Herschel, who was in the hospital. Herschel asked Jim and Carl to take me back to our old homeplace in Pensacola,then to the Spanivaw Dam where the boys had fished when they were boys. It was a great trip. Sadly Herschel passed away and then Carl. Left me with only Jim, my last brother, now I have none. Jim John and Herschel you are all very much missed. We will all be together one day. Stay out of trouble and do not tell our mother "everything".

My best memories of Uncle James was going to see him at his paint store than going to his house and him and Aunt Jimmie would cook dinner for us. We thought it was so cool because it was the only time I can remember eating steak as a child!!

Unfortunately I didn't know Uncle Jim very well, but very much appreciate the creators of Skype, since it allowed Uncle Jim and grandma to visit with each other every day and I know that made them both very happy. Rest in peace Uncle Jim, you will be missed.

Uncle Jim was one of the greats always frienly and outgoing. I remember he used to take to Heart park, some of you know where thats at, for those that don't it's in Bakersfield, Ca. where he rests now. He had an serious love for his dogs(his hairy dogs). One day that I'll never forget is one day I made Uncle Jim mad, my brother and I were in the back of a pickup and Uncle Jim was driving rip was in the back with us and he decided to jump out the back of the pickup and he landed on the asphalt, Uncle Jim slowed down but before he stopped I jump out after rip, I remember the look on Uncle Jim's face was not sure if he was more upset that rip jumped out or if it was because I jumped out after rip, wasn't sure at that time why he was so upset but my feelings was hurt. In my eyes I was rescuing rip, but in Uncle Jim's I was putting myself in danger.I remember after scolding me he hugged me and explained that even though rip was like a son to him, I was far more important to him then any dog would ever be. He always called me honey, never really understood why, until now it was just an ecpression of love. Anyway after the rip incident I always seen Uncle Jim in a different way not just an uncle but was a Great uncle.He has been there for us all in many ways.Maybe now he is driving that big old Lincoln in the sky,as a matter of fact I know he is. Restin peace Uncle JIm I love you and you will always be in my heart

It's not so much on my mind as it is on my heart, I have tried putting this off in hopes that I would be able to write something that would do Uncle Jim proud, I have rewrote this about 10 times already and still nothing seems to sound just right. Well one thing that I will share with you all about Jim Easling is that he always told me that you should never judge a man or woman by the clothes that they wear, one day he just might be wearing a suit and the next day his bib overalls, but to him it was just clothes. Jim was a very generous person with his smile and his laughter and he loved his animals to the point that he spoiled them rotten. I know that I will miss him very much, I will always remember the look on his face when we hauled up from the beach a huge piece of driftwood with his tractor which by the way had a flat tire. To my knowledge they still have the driftwood, it has gone from Oregon to Calif twice now. Go find your brothers and stay out of trouble. I love you Uncle Jim.

"Hey Uncle Jim. Sorry it has taken me so long to write this but I have been on the Appalachian Trail! You would love it. So many cool sites! I miss you more than you know and I will never forget playing at the casino, driving on your lawn mower, catching lobsters (and getting really stinky,) and watching TV on your HUGE box. Thanks again for letting me use your boat of a car to practice driving on. That could not have been easy to see. I love you so much Uncle Jim! I'll see you later!

We will miss you Uncle Jim!  You were always so kind and giving!  Funny.... I will always remember going to the beach house and getting crabs, or running around....playing snake on your old school computer.... Love you Uncle Jim!

I don't remember uncle Jim from my childhood, but since moving to California I have gotten to know him through his early morning Skype sessions with gg. When I moved here to crescent city CA five years ago I walked into gg's apartment and she was talking to uncle Jim and my son Andrew (who was 18  months at the time) wanted to talk. They had a nice little conversation with me as a translator. Andrew from the in referred to uncle Jim as "the man in the box." I chuckle when I think about the first time that they met in person and the look on Lil Drews face. He kept looking at uncle Jim and then at me and then back to uncle Jim like he couldn't quite figure out how he got out of the box. It was so funny. They got to talk and hug and it was such a enlightening experience. Ever since that first day 5 years ago I would always walk to gg's every so often just to say hi to uncle Jim. He always did something to make us laugh and he never failed to put a smile on my face. He always thought I was my mom (Lori) and we would always tell him that I was jena not Lori, but I think he knew he just thought he was a funny guy. Hahaha I will miss him and we loved him so much. Aunt Jimmie if I could I would give you such a big hug right now and tell you that we love you so much and that you guys mean the world to us!

Uncle Jim you will be greatly missed by everyone especially by my sweet mom.  You always treated every one like they were always around even when you had not  seen them in years. i was not raised around you but when I was around to you I was just another one of the kids and that's what  I admired  and loved about you . So that being said rest in peace uncle Jim

My childhood visits to Uncle Jim and Aunt Jimmie's are some of the happiest and most vivid memories I have! I love you Uncle Jim, you will be greatly missed!!!!

"Loss of you"

The loss of you is hard to face,
I just want to hide,
escape from reality.
Loss of a loved one, 
we all must go through,
whether we want to or not. 

I know now,
you are in a better place,
where there is no pain and suffering.
Unfair it was you; you're in Heaven now
watching over us; protecting us,
like you did long ago.

Your life was taken too early,
but God had a plan,
for you; for us,
Forever shall you rest in peace. 

(written by: Brandi Knight)

I love you and miss you Uncle Jim. Forever you will be in my heart.

Will miss all the good times on the coast, best years I've had  knowing you...You are gone but your memory will live in my heart for as long as I am able.

There Is no time limit to grief as, there is no limit to the love that you brought this family. Your memory will live on forever in our hearts. You'll alway be remembered for you laughter and caring smiles. Until we see each other again, I love you and will miss you!

Your loving great niece,

SHAWNA TONEY (daughter of Tina(Easling) Toney)

Hi Jimmie,
Kevin and I are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

The 1st time I met Uncle Jim was when we went to Oregon to visit Grandma and we stayed at Uncle Jim's house. Uncle Jim, Bobby and T.J. ate clams or something disgusting like that. We had a wonderful time, he was a very sweet man. Rest in Peace Uncle Jim.

 Your name will be spoken as the memories flow from our hearts, you were loved and you will be missed. We love and miss you Uncle Jim. Gene, Bobbi and Little Billy

Its 9:02 my brother, where art thou? Jim, you and I had a standing time to meet on Skype each and every day, whereever I happened to be, THAT had to be.I love you Brother dear and going to miss you.. seester LeeEllen

I will never forget the first time I met Jim and Jimmy. It was the night before Uncle Carl's funeral and the family has all gotten together at a Denny's for dinner. Jim and Jimmy showed up and just orders sodas. When we were all getting ready to leave I grabbed his ticket as well, tried to protest and pay for and then offered me money to pay for it. I guess he hadn't run into someone as stubborn as he was. I ended up paying for their sodas to shock and awe of the entire family. 

 Uncle Jim I will always remember your easy laugh and how you never let me pay for anything ever again.

 Love and miss you Uncle Jim

If tears could build a stairway
And memories were a lane
I would walk right up to Heaven
And bring you home again

There was no time to say goodbye. You were gone before I knew it.  

My heart still aches in sadness and all I do is cry.

But I know you would not want us
To mourn for you but to remember
All the happy times that we all shared.
Your laughter will always be remembered

Since you will never be forgotten, you will always be within our hearts.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Uncle Jim was more than just an Uncle to me, he was also like a second dad to me, it is hard to think of him no longer being there.....

Love you Uncle Jim...

OBITUARY

James Paul Easling

June 28, 1932 – May 30, 2015

Funeraria Del Angel Hillcrest & Hillcrest Memorial Park

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