Jim and I agreed to meet at a parking lot on in Baymeadows area of Jacksonville - about half way for both of us.   He had told me he would be in a black Mustange convertible (later I would learn the love of Mustangs).

He was very sharply dressed (as I would find was the norm) and very soft spoken. I was not worried when he offered to drive me to Jacksonville Beach for lunch.   We went to a restaurant on the beach (it is no longer there, it is now condos) and for the life of me, I can't remember the name of the restaurant, but it had a beautiful view of the ocean.  He told me to order whatever I wanted.  In addition to the meal, I ordered a shrimp appetizer.  When it came, he told me he could not eat it and proceeded to lift up his shirt.  There I saw for the first time that he had a tube in his stomach.  He explained that since his surgery in 1992, he could not swallow food and had to take his meals through the tube.  It intimadated me but was not a problem.  After the meal, we walked on the beach together.  He was a ray of sunshine in my life and I did not know then that he would be my life.   

People laugh when they hear that couples met on line, but that is where Jim and I met.  In 1998, personal ads were the norm and after meeting so many "frogs" in my life, I decided to try Love@AOL.  

I usually dated younger men that were much taller and larger men, so when I saw Jim's ad, being 12 years older, and a smaller sized man, I wasn't sure but thought, "what the heck".    He iived the other side of Jacksonville in Macclenny, Florida, about 50 miles from me and we emailed and messaged back and forth for almost a month befre he offered to call me.  He had already got my attention with his eloquence with words and thoughtfulness (something I was not used to) and I could tell he was a true gentlemen.  He called me and his voice sounded very gravelly but I was not deterred. He tole me he would message me after we got off the phone to explain, which he did.  He told me that he had had Larygeal Cancer that affected his voice.   It didn't bother me at all.. We set up a time and date for our first date (to meet at a neutral location) and our lives began... 

More to follow 

At one of Jim's memorials, I had asked friends to share their thoughts and memories about Jim.  I had sheets of paper and a bucket to put them in, and Lynley Tolls-Meade who was one of the entertainers share these throughout the night.  Here are the thoughts/memories:

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We love Jim and miss him and his great smile.
Bayou Bob and Debbie Biel

My Dear Maui Jim,
I am so thankful that I had the oportunity to know you.  Your time was way to short on the earth.  You were a true Parrothead in every sense f the word. Your dedication to our country was amazing and unfortunately you fell victim to Agent Orange.  You did not let the illness stop you from living life.  I knew you as a Parrothead, a great husband to Diane, a great dancer and a jello shot partner  Your desire to live life has influenced me in many ways.  You made me realize that no matter what hand life deals you, you have to make the best of it. Your smiles and hugs are in my heart forever.  Party on in Parrothead style.  I know life is good in heaven!
With all my love, Caribbean Cheryl M

Maui Jim - never heard a word he said.  His expressions, hugs, handshakes said it all.  So soft spoken, yet the light of the party when he smled and shook your hand.  I will always remember his eyes that spoke for him and his happiness in life.  Jim, you will always be in my thoughts.  We are so glad we are now being watched over by a special angel.  
Your pal, Pineapple Paul

Jim never failed to greet Larry and I with a smile and ask how we were doing. He was SO incredible.  We will miss him so much - I know we will be with him again in Heaven - a better place with no pain and sickness.  
Love ya Jim, Larry and Linda Phelps

It didn't take long after meeting you to realize what a sweet, loving soul you are!
Beth

One year for Christmas, Jim gave me a pin that said "it's all my Fault".  He tole me that everytime I saw him.
Cindy Lou Who

Jim Rutledge was the best flirt ever without saying a word!
Lynley

Maui Jim - he let me talk endlessly and never interrupted.  What a great listener.  What a great guy!  xoxo
Amy Moonpie

While sitting in our living room, I said "Gee Jim, when you speak, you sound like Diane.  Great smile from him!
Fred

We thank you for your service.  Mostly, we thank you for being you - for your smiles, hug and love!  Fair Winds and Following Seas!  We'll see you again in God's paradise.  
Hugs, Panama Patti

Jim always loved to dance, one of the many things I remember about him.  He had a lot of life in him.
Anonymous

Jim loved diane unconditionally, our conversations always had to o with Diane and how he worried about her.  But also how much he loved her and the good times they shared.
Anonymous

Jim, Sorry I didn't get a chance to know you better, but in the short time I did know you, you were a great friend.
Bobby B

Never did I see you that I didn't get an ear to ear grin and a BIG kiss!
Sherry

Jim was my hero.  The battles he faced on a daily basis he won.  He always had a Twinkle in his eyes.  His hugs were ones of caring and love.  We will all miss you, Jim.
Mango Mike

Friend, Veteran, Parrothead, Big Flirt, Loving Husband.  You will be missed.
Joni

To consider that after the death of the body, the spirit perishes, is like imagining that a bird in a cage will be destroyed if the cage is broken, though the bird has nothing to fear from the destruction of the cage.

Our body is like the cage, and the spirit is like the bird.

If the cage becomes broken, the bird will continue to exist.  It's feelings will be even more powerful, its perceptions greater, and its happiness increased.  
Baha's Writings submitted by Anonymous