As I write this I have asked God to help me portray Jim as the wonderful person he was. I am reminded that our children are really "on loan" to us and that he is at home with his Heavenly Father. He will never cease being yearned for on this earth but there is comfort in knowing that we will one day be reunited.

Jim was a special person as evidenced by the multitude of people who have used his home going as the opportunity to let his family know what he meant to them. Many of these individuals knew him as a beautiful feisty child, not afraid to try anything and always keeping his parents on their toes. Some knew him as a handsome teenager, focusing on sports, fun and friends. It was a happy time. Others knew him after those teen years when life became difficult for him. He developed physical problems that resulted in a subsequent life of problems and pain. However, there were many happy times and Jim made the best of his life. He chased his dreams and never felt sorry for himself. Those dreams and aspirations led him to live in several different states, Missouri, California, Texas, Tennessee and Nevada, however, he never lost his Midwest Christian values and always considered Indiana his home. Jim loved his family but couldn't bring himself to move back to Indiana, he had to continue living life and pushing forward.

Jim's had a soft spot for the elderly and children. He was a tender person yet was afraid to become a parent. He somehow realized the responsibility and emotional investment that goes with parenting. He knew how much his father and I loved him and perhaps the knowledge that we shared every pain with him made him realize that he didn't have the energy to be responsible for someone other than himself. He loved his nieces and nephew to the maximum. He would phone home often to listen to their funny antics and he would truly enjoy them even from afar. When he was home, he doted on them. They, too, knew he loved them and they openly returned that love. His two younger sisters knew he loved them. While they didn't understand his need to chase his dreams that placed him far from his family, they too, loved to be around him and always looked forward to his visits.

Jims most recent visit home was for the Christmas holidays. In retrospect, it is so evident that God gave each of us a special Christmas gift. Jim spent a whole week at home. It was a wonderful time together and we are so grateful.

This is a tribute to a son, a brother, a uncle, a nephew and a friend. Those who knew him, in short, loved him. He returned that love and it will always be in our hearts. Thank you God for bringing Jim into our lives. We look forward to seeing him again, while now sorrow of his leaving us is so fresh, we know that he is pain free and at peace. We love you Jim!