Whenever Jim was around you knew that laughs and a good time were coming. He brought laughter, smiles, and fun to many people. However, he also had a very serious side which I saw many times. He understood pain and difficulty and could easily become humble and understanding. In an emergency he was the best. He knew exactly what to do and could take charge with great responsibility. He was a great example to others and to me, his much younger brother. While suffering from a concussion I fainted and fell on the floor one morning, my mother screaming for Jim who came running with a blanket, picked me up and stayed with me until the Doctor arrived at our house. He was the reason that I wanted to join our local volunteer fire department. In the month that I joined, he had married Betty and taken on a new job, so he left the fire company. It was as if he was handing that part of his life over to me, to continue on. Every time I walk into our fire station I think of Jim and all that he did. For now, he is gone physically, but oh yes...he is very much still here. I feel his presence most all the time. One of the last things he said to me was, "Keep looking to the clouds," a reference to the Lord God coming soon, so soon that He is in the clouds above us. I am watching the clouds...see you soon brother.