What an honor it was to be asked to say something for the "Celebration of Life" for you, my treasured friend. I was asked by a few if I would post it. Here are the words from my heart....
Friends are the family, we choose for ourselves!
Today, we join together to celebrate the life of one of the greatest people I have ever had the privilege of knowing. He carried a twinkle in his eyes, a smile that lit up a room whenever he entered it; and a laugh that always made you laugh, right along with him.
I met Jimmy close to 30 years ago thru Dano & Tammy, at our “Monday Night Football Hot Tub Club” (for those that don’t know, this was a gathering we had every week during Football Season at Fr. Lou & Corinne’s home). That initial meeting ground for both Kate Yoder and I, tied us into a truly special group of friends that quickly became more of a family than just an ordinary group of friends.
I have so many memories dear to my heart that one story just wouldn’t do. Volleyball Games and Karaoke Nights at the Pelican Cove, Christmas Caroling every December for the past 25+ years., Thanksgiving Mornings at The Cove & Dano’s, Parties, a crazy overfilled car trip in the ‘Green Beast’ to Howl at the Moon Saloon, Bus Trips to Jimmy Buffett Concerts, a couple of Elton John Concerts, boating to the Pelican or Upper Deck on Sundays to listen to live Bands, Weddings, the Birth of our children, Birthday Celebrations, Poker Runs, Spring Fest, all the Ohio River Ski Trips, or just hanging out boating on a sunny day in Portage Lakes. I definitely can’t forget to mention, working at The Pelican Cove & Dano’s. Anyone that worked with Jimmy knew going in, that it would be a shift filled with laughter and silly, shenanigans. Oh, I could go on and on! There are so many funny stories, that its extremely difficult to single out just a few.
In the last few years, Jimmy’s battle with alcoholism and heart issues heightened rapidly and began to spin out of control. Having been very closely exposed to the disease my whole life, it broke my heart to watch his downward spiral. BUT, I never once, gave up on him, or stopped believing and praying, that he would find his way out of those depths of hell. I encouraged him to fight, and made sure he knew we loved him. Never, did I believe that, the hell for him would end in this manner. I know it would be easy to remember these last few years, however, this time doesn’t cancel out all the amazing years we all shared with him before that downward spiral began to escalate. The person we saw these last few years, wasn’t really Jimmy, it was the addiction.
Jimmy lived each day…almost with excitement. His happy-go-lucky, fun-loving, attitude was contagious and you couldn’t be around him and not be happy, honestly, he didn’t allow it! He loved life, he loved his friends, and he certainly loved his whole family very dearly. What a gift it was for all of us when he brought Tona into our lives, and then together they tied that gift with a bow, by bringing Morgan & Mitchell into our hearts.
It feels so unfair that this time has come for all of us, & especially for his children and for his entire family. But I know in my heart that he is at peace, and free from pain and struggle. I think I speak for us all when I say, that PLX won’t quite be the same without Jimmy, his physical presence and shenanigans will be missed by so very many, but his spirit will remain in our hearts, especially when we gather together, and reminisce about all the things we’ve done over the years. And while its hard to digest… God chose to take him home now, the same way He chose to put him into our lives then, and each of our lives has been full of more laughter, because we have been blessed to share in his.
I leave you with this….as I know many of you, it will bring a smile to your soul. Wednesday, as I was driving to work the sun emerged from behind the clouds and shined brilliantly, and as it happened, I had a quick vision of Jimmy laughing and smiling, listening to Jimmy Buffett, at “Portage Lakes North”, as he sat surrounded by …
Lenny
Fr. Lou
Jody
Rod
Janie
Chuck
Bruce
Gordy
Ralph
And of course his leading lady….his Grandma “J”
along with many others that he loves who have gone before him.
Laughter and Happiness, are the GIFT he gave so very freely each day, to each and every one of us! We are so blessed to have been a part of his life and are immeasurably grateful that we could call him our friend, better yet, family.
“So Jimmy, your earthly battle is over, and as you celebrate that freedom, grab that tow rope, and go ski for miles and miles off into the sunset. I am sure the lakes and rivers in Heaven are filled with glass-like conditions, always! Thank you for allowing us to share in your years on this earth.
We love you!