My uncle Jim always had a story reflecting some sort of wisdom he thought we were in-need of knowing or practicing.  I remember as a little girl, sitting in his living room or on the porch of the house he built, listening to those words of wisdom, and really listening.  I also remember hearing the sounds of the banjo - often from off in the distance - and finding myself really listening once more.

I loved those road trips from Colorado to Oklahoma as a kid.  Uncle Jim showed us the bugs to keep away from - scorpions I think they were; how to play horse shoes; and how to just sit and enjoy each other.  We were also required to eat the dreaded okra that I was quite unfamiliar with.  And there was little protest from me or my brother as Uncle Jim stood by.  

Uncle Jim's presence was always so big to me, as well as grounded in the simplicity of the life he led.   While I have missed being with him in the past many years of my adulthood, his big-ness, and good-ness, have remained with me.  

In loving memory of my Uncle Jim.
Dani Walters (Monteverde, Costa Rica)

Mary,
I just read of Jim's death on the internet and so sorry to hear of your
loss. He always had a big smile for 
everyone and willing to help at any time.
I worked for years next door to the old Choctaw Post Office where you worked  I worked at the Insurance & Acctg Agency. I have thought of you and
the family often. GOD BLESS.
Bee Carnagua, 207 Evergreen Ave, Niceville, FL 32578.

Jan.09
The years of working with and around Jim,He was one of the most nowledgeable Telephone men I have had the previlege of knowing.Also one of the most honest and dependable. After retirement he has helped me work on my lawn mower,  if he didn't know what the problem was he would read until he came up with a fix. Jim will be missed daily. GOD BLESS THE FAMILY.  
Joe Batt

Jan. 09
The years of working with Jim and around Jim, proved to me he was the most knowledgeable Telephone man that I've had the privilege of knowing.Also very Honest and dependable person. He even helped me work on my lawn mower after retirement and read books till he had the fix.  Jim will be missed daily.
God Bless the Family.
Joe Batt

I have known Jim since my child hood and I am now 60 years old,what a great person and pillar of the community he was.Jim will be missed by all that knew him and the standards he set as a father,husband and friend. R.I.P. my friend and I will see you on the other side (maybe we can sneak off and go fishing)..

Jim very admirably represented my first impression of the ATT/SWBell workforce. I was hired by the company right out of high school and ordered to report to Nicoma Park to assume my duties as an Exchange Repair Technician. Jim was working as head switchman that morning and I am certain I interupted his coffee and crossword when I rang the doorbell that morning. Nevertheless,he opened the door and with a sly smile asked,"Can I help you?" I nervously explained I was the new Repair Tech and told him who I was to report to, to which he quickly responded,"Young lady do you know how to chew tobacco?" I laughed nervously and said no. He replied reassuringly "That's all right, we can teach you how, now let's go find your new boss." He led me through the switching office out the back door and across the parking lot to the storeroom in the back where the repair crew was actually located. He punched in the combination to the door and as we walked in he asked if I knew how to drink coffee. Again, I laughed nervously and said yes, I knew how to drink coffee. He said "Good, that's one less thng we'll have to teach you, now get over here and get you a cup." He walked in the bosses office and announced the "new recruit" was here. He winked at me on his way back out the door and said "If you have any trouble with that guy, I'll be right next door." Now you know most people would have just pointed me in the direction of the workcenter and said that's where I needed to be, but not Jim! He was a man with the uncanny ability to make you laugh(sometimes at yourself)and simultaneously put you completely at ease, which was a Godsend to an inexperienced, apprehensive teenaged girl on her first day at a new job. There were many days to follow that he would offer encouragement, advice, technical, as well as moral support, and prove himself to be one of those rare indiduals who can make work seem less like work and more like fun. We lost touch over time, but had become reaquainted the last couple of years by what we all referred to as the "meeting of the minds" over coffee at the Jones Cafe. I hope I was able to convey to him how much he taught me and what his support and encouragement meant to me all those years ago when I was still "wet behind the ears" as he used to say. Although he never taught me to chew tobacco, i did learn something from him since we reconnected.....that you need to tell your friends you love them. No matter the age, no matter the gender. A very good friend of Jim's told me it's really a difficult thing for a grown man to say to another grown man, but he always did, every time we said our goodbyes. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to learn one last lesson from Jim, and will endeavor to carry on his practice. He is perhaps the kindest, wisest man I have ever had the privilege to call my friend. He was much loved, will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by many.

I am blessed to have known Jim.  His kindness and humor always made me smile.  My condolence and prayers are with all the family.  God Bless!

OBITUARY

Jimmy Joe Long

March 31, 1935 – January 7, 2014

Bill Eisenhour Funeral Home

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