Jim-farewell

I said goodbye to my best friend today. Jim lost his battle and did so with grace and courage. We could all use him as an example, not only as how to live,
but also, how to depart from this earthly life.

Mike and Betsy were with me and, with tears of our sadness and some chuckles of laughter, we spent Jim's final hours telling him how much we love him and will miss
him and telling him and each other why we were so proud to be his family.

We truly thought he would walk out of the hospital, and so did he! Just one week ago, he was so proud that he had had quite a long walk for
his debilitated state. Hours later, a high fever set him back and he just couldn't overcome the pneumonia that followed. The cancer did not
show up on scans and there was no sign of the Staph infetion that had worried us. He came such a long way and fought such a good fight.

Jim REALLY disliked traditional funeral services, so in respect for his wishes, we are having a family time for private goodbyes. However,
you all know he loved a good party! He said he wouldn't mind if people got together and had a great time remembering all the fun he had!
So after Grandson, Jake, gets back to the States and is stationed at Fort Hood, we will have a celebration of Jim's life, probably in South
Texas somewhere.

Thank you all for your prayers, I believe they kept him going and I surely need them now.

Instead of flowers, please send contributions in Jim's name to the National Rifle Association or the Wounded Warrior Project.

With gratitude for over 53 wonderful years,

Hugs 2 U
Sally and family