I'm one of the gang of Colgate frat brothers that came to know Jim through his pal Bogie, back in the late 1980s. Since it's been far too long since we've spoken, Jim, I just want to tell you what a joy it has been to have known you. A unique joy, and I mean that. You've inspired me with your perpetual optimism, your sense of fun, and especially with your irrepressible kindness. If there was ever a person that could get away with less, it was you. With your smarts, your charisma, your looks, your athletic prowess, you were destined to do fine for yourself in this world—as you have. And yet I can't recall you being unkind, inconsiderate or even uninterested in another person, not even for a second. When talking with Jim, you always know you've got his undivided attention—that he cares, that he's trying to make a real connection. Judging from the comments on this blog, I'm certainly not alone in feeling this way.
I haven't had the pleasure of meeting Lauren and Dana. But I'd just reiterate a couple of things you already know about your Dad. For one thing, he has had a truly beautiful friendship with Bogie. Both great guys, made better by the other. I think that's one reason why Jim became such a key part of our circle of friends, even though he wasn't a member of our frat. You just couldn't quite separate the two of them—it was a package deal. Also, fun and good times seemed to stick to your Dad like glue. One year, he and Bogie and I and another friend went fishing in Costa Rica for a fish called a tarpon, that is known for jumping high in the air. So what do you know but that one huge 100-lb tarpon decides to go flying straight up out of the water, and land right in the 10-foot dinghy Bogie and he were fishing from. I never understood how someone didn't get hurt, with all the hooks and fishing knives and other gear in the boat. Of course, had they capsized, your Dad would have been able to swim through the big surf to safety. As for Bogie, I'm not so sure ;-). But nothing bad happened. It just turned into a great fish story—just one more thing to laugh about that night over dinner and beers.
Jim, it's hard for me to reconcile how someone who has lived life so well could be stricken by this horrible disease. But I'm comforted by what the guys have told me about your own perspective about your death, and by the photos on the blog. I see the same old you, bringing an admirable, accepting attitude even to this chapter of your life. You're an inspiration to the end, pal. I pray that Chris and the girls' pain is eased by the knowledge of how blessed they've been to have had you in their lives. If even people like me have been so affected by knowing you, I can only guess at the wonderful legacy you'll have through them.
Peter Burrows
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