If you have been following my blog for awhile, you know that I have posted items about people who I love but who are no longer with us. Jim is Janie’s younger brother. They were close in age — only 13 months apart. Unfortunately, Jim was a Covid casualty.
I don’t need to repeat his obituary. You can see it here. But I have known Jim nearly as long as I’ve known Janie. He was actually still in high school when I met him. One of my special memories was during the Viet Nam war. I was a pacifist. He had joined the Navy. It was a very polarized time for those opposed to the war and those who felt a duty join up. Jim was one of the people who wrote a letter to the Draft Board for me in support of my application for conscientious objector status.
Over the years, we spent a lot of time with Jim and Paulette, whenever we went to Yakima. We often stayed with them during our visits, and especially at the time of the Yakima Fair. Jim was interested in my ballooning activities and he and I (and Uncle Bob) took our first rides in a powered parachute together. He later bought one and we and a great experience in Palouse flying the balloon and parachute together. (I’ve posted it before, but here is a link to Uncle Bob’s video of the event.) Jim and his family were horse people. I knew nothing about horses, but it was fascinating to experience their involvement.
Jim was a gentle soul. Yet he had a couple of curious incidents. Once, when we were at his property in Selah, he was frustrated by his neighbors chickens who kept wandering into his field. He got out a pellet gun, intending to scare off one of the birds. He fired once into the dirt in front of the chicken, but the chicken fell over, apparently from a ricochet. Jim stood there for a minute, rather surprised and then simply said “Oops!”
Jim had a long career as a firefighter, but he had to work very hard to become a permanent member of the department. He was very modest about his contributions, but every once in awhile, we got a glimpse into what it must be like to crawl into a pitch black building, with fire a few feet away, in search of possible victims who might not even be there. Based on my association with Jim, I never begrudged the fact that firefighters have blocks of time off and blocks of boredom in the station, because they are willing to go into the building to be sure everyone else gets out.
Thank you Rich for sharing this. Through tears I read it. He loved spending time with you both. Yes he was a great man, husband, father, grandfather. We miss him so much. Life with never be the same without him here, The grief I feel is still very strong, I know it will get easier, and will never be completely gone, but life goes on, it only be different. Love you guys so much.
Thanks for sharing your family with us over the “interwebs”. Did not have the pleasure if meeting any of your family of origin, Janie. Our heartfelt condolences on your loss.
Loved what you had to say about the leftover love and I am sure you will find a home for that love. This is one of the ‘benefits of living long I guess.
Totally enjoyed watching the video, tho most of the folks were unknown to us, looked like a wonderful day. I only got to crew for half a flight on the day we moved east, so it was interesting to see what I missed. (Instant replay in slow motion was hilarious!)
Stay well, we miss you and hope to visit again at some point.
Chuck Michener
Thanks Charlie for the love and support. He was a very special man.
I can’t stop thinking about our differences and strong connections. He made me laugh so hard. He was a hell of a cook. He was a loyal family man, brother and friend. He helped when he could. There is so much I’m going to miss about him. I don’t know what to do with all this leftover love for him. I didn’t get to say goodbye. Rich and I have lost some very important people in the last ten years or so. It doesn’t get better for me, it gets different. I miss you Jimbo, my little brother.