Birth date: Dec 21, 1944 Death date: May 1, 2018
Age 73, of Tacoma, WA. Was surrounded by his loving family when the Lord called him home May 1st, 2018. Born December 21st, 1944 in Simsboro, LA. Jim, a retired military mechanic and Vietnam War Army Veteran was a Purple Heart rec Read Obituary
I've only known Jim for 11 years now, also as a neighbor. I'm thankful for all the evenings we would sort of just gravitate into a conversation in the yard, the alley or the sidewalk. If I had a garden growing, I could usually find Jim sneaking over to have a look.
Jim shared a lot of fish with me. Anytime the family was over and the fish fryer was on, he was sharing something to eat. He carried with him a deep sense of community...a trait that is all too easily lost.
He engaged my boys as they grew. Even when they might have been shy to talk, he made it easy for them to be heard and he modeled how to listen.
If you knew Jim, then you might not believe this next part. But some months after his brother Harvey passed, I sat with Jim in his front yard and we ate crawfish together and had a few beers. And that's when Jim, as strong as he was, shed a tear for his brother and he told me how much he missed him. That was probably the most vulnerable I ever got to see him. And I'm glad we got to hang out together that evening.
It was not uncommon that we would not see much of each other over the cold and rainy winter months. But Spring and Summer were always punctuated with Jim's presence outside. Always a wave, a big hello.
Jim - it was an honor to know you, sir.
And Stacy - we're right here as you need us. Thank you for being our neighbor and friend. Our hearts and prayers out to you now....
-Dean & Heidi Burke
Jim was my neighbor for 21 years. During the summer months I think he spent more time outside then inside, always there with family or friends. He was always joyful with a warm heart.
The first time I met Jim I was working on my boat engine. I had no idea how to adjust my valves and my neighbor, Harry (rip) said to ask Jim. He gladly came over and jumped in the engine compartment and showed me how to do it. I remember lookin on thinking, How's this big man going to get out of that hole? I also thought what a nice man to drop everything to help a neighbor he just met.
Through the years Jim has always been a fixture to come home to. Always saying hi, and sharing a beer. He loved company and I truly loved his. He's a great man to talk with. Some things are taken for granted. Jim, as summer is approaching, I know I will miss seeing you, I'll miss talking with you. A part of the neighborhood is gone.
Jim, your struggle with health is now over and I know you have found peace. My heart goes out to Stacey and the family. Jim, you have been a silent hero and inspiration and for that I thank you.
Bless you and your family,
TJ
