Maevis, I first met Jim many years ago while he was working at AO Smith, and although my company never won any business from them we hit it off. I always spent time with him while in town many at various local eateries, and the discussions were always about his Harley’s and trips. We lost touch over the years as my job changed, but I considered him a close friend and he was a true joy to be with. I am very saddened by his passing, and want you to know how much I cared for him. Blessings and prayers for the family.

Dear Mavis, I am so glad to have had the chance to meet you at the Busch reunion last fall. I was the woman who accosted you in the bathroom. I hadn't seen Jim since we left Busch in 1970 and got reconnected through Facebook sometime around 2017 or 2018. My sister and I take long road trips too, but in a car and Jim and I realized one day that Marcy and I were going to be passing through your home town one morning on our way to Henry Clay's house...or something. Unfortunately, you were out of town, but breakfast turned into lunch and dirty looks from the originally friendly and attentive waitress. As you well know, that boy could talk! Once we realized we had the love of the road in common it was a three hour battle for floor time. Jim won most of the time, but the three of us traveled through The Dakotas, Wyoming, Montana and local points that had brought, and through the recollections in this conversation, were still bringing great joy and awe. When I saw him last fall at our Busch School reunion, I didn't know what to say. He was so very obviously sick. So, I just blurted it out and asked WTF? His answer was so lovely and obviously sincerely thought through. His first reassurance was to me. He had had a good life. His next thought was you. I think you were the only thing he really worried about and he had endless faith in you. I think that's where the calm came from. There's no getting around it, this sucks. It doesn't matter how prepared you are. This is the guy you chose to spend your life with. You put years in to training him. Your feelings will wax and wane, hide from you, change entirely in a matter of hours and undoubtedly sneak up on you in the ugliest of times. Just keep repeating the old saying "If you are going through hell...don't stop!" It takes a while, but you two had a good life. You worked hard at it. Jim loved you to pieces.You made good man happy. In a while, you will notice the tears will always come with a smile and eventually the smile will come, full tilt, without the tears. I wish you peace and a loving family surrounding you in the days to come and in the days that follow, I wish you joyous memories and boundless gratitude for an excellent partnership. What a wonderful blessing. Be good to you, All my very best strength coming your way, Ellen

Sending you all my thoughts and prayers!

Maevis, We are shocked and saddened to read your post that Jim had passed away. While we had heard in the past that he had some illness, we had no idea how serious it was. He was such an active and vigorous guy, it is especially sad that he is gone. We often read Jim's posts on Facebook. They spoke of his enjoying his epic riding adventures, and we saw him as healthy and happy. In our experience the latter was always true. Our conversations with Jim were always intelligent, stimulating and upbeat. We will miss sharing those at future family get togethers. We are certain you will miss him so much more. For that we are so very sorry. Yet we share your confidence that Jim is waiting for you in his forever home. Love, David & Rebecca

Dear Maevis I am so sorry for your loss. Jim was a light in this world. God bless and keep you and the rest of your family as you celebrate his life and grieve his passing. Heaven gained a cool dude.