Jim, Jimmy, Jimmy D, JD, Dad, and Pop Pop Jim, were just a few of the names he was known by. His favorite, "my Dear" is how he and his wife Kathleen referred to one another. It echoed through the walls of their home and is just an inclination of how they felt towards each other.
Jim lived his life to the fullest in every manner possible. He was a person who loved life, and loved all that he had. He never took anything for granted. Words cannot express how much he truly enjoyed the best things life had to offer.
Surfing and golfing were two of his favorite, most active past times. There were many things he loved to do. One of the things he loved was reading a good book. He could finish a book in a day. His wife and children could be running about and it wouldn't matter, he would lose himself in a good book and not stop until he finished it. He appreciated a great author and never turned down the challenge of a read. He shared this joy with his wife and children.
He loved music, but of course not your top 40. His all time favorite artist was Tom Waits. He has everything ever recorded by him. His children were probably the only kids around who knew the words to numerous Waits songs. He also loved The Beach Boys, Bobby Darrin, Black 47, Jewel, Harry Chapin, and Bruce Springsteen.
Jim was not a stranger to trying new things. If it challenged him he would try it and for the most part he had a blast doing so. He past this passion down to his children as well. Always dare to try, and if you don't like it at least you tried it. His honesty was a blessing. He was not afraid to speak his mind, and he wanted everyone else to do the same. If you believe in something it’s okay, just stand by what you believe in and be honest about it. Listening was another thing Jim could do well. He was a great listener and in a time when most people are too busy to do so it is a trait we all should strive to have. He never said he didn't have time or he was to busy, and he probably listened even when he didn't want to.
He loved a great meal and a good restaurant. He never turned anything away. He loved nothing better than a dinner of pot roast and noodles with his family. It didn't get much better than that, unless of course they were in Maine and they were having lobster. He even passed this joy down to his grandchildren, Kiera and Danny. Kiera loved having a Maine lobster with her pop pop Jim. He taught her how to crack it, dip it in butter and make a big mess eating the entire thing. They loved the "knuckles".
Jim gave new meaning to the words humble, giving, loving, honest, and hero. His life will go on forever through everyone he came in contact with. He was the luckiest guy around and we are the luckiest people for having known him.
Jim is survived by his wife Kathleen, his daughter Erin, his sons Mickey and Jimmy, a son in law John, two grandchildren Kiera and Danny, two brothers Billy and Joey and two sisters Margaret and Terri, as well as numerous nieces and nephews and many cousins who all loved him dearly and will miss him for many years to come.
