I had the honor of having my Uncle Jim in my life for 22 years and I could not be more thankful for the conversations, time spent, LOUD laughs and amazing memories I have shared with him.

Jim was always a listening ear, we shared a very special connection, I could tell Jim ANYTHING with no judgement, he loved so purely and unconditionally. I will miss being able to update him on my progress in work life but more so in my dating life- lol.

We had a Thanksgiving tradition for years of getting together and one year Jim thought it would be funny to spray whipped cream all over me after I had just finished getting all done up to sit in the living room with our family. At first I was a little angry, but when I turned around and saw the massive grin on Jim's face, I could not help but laugh. Every Thanksgiving following that, it was war and Jim and I both knew it. We would sneak around while everyone was busy preparing food or apps and try to be the first person to get the other one with whipped cream to the face. Whipped cream will always remind me of Jim and make me smile. I will miss fighting for a seat next to Jim at the table on holidays.

To Jimbo... your Amykins misses you dearly. I promise to honor your memory by staying curious about the world, staying kind and humble, staying present in the moment, working hard towards my goals and enjoying life the way you did and most importantly by VOTING (Jim would text or call me during every election reminding me to vote)!!! Thank you for being you. I love you.

Jim will be missed by everyone he crossed paths with. Some will miss his funny humor, bubbly personality, kindness and all the shenanigans he pulled. I look back and can only be thankful for the time I got to spend with Jim. He made every holiday eventful, every trip adventurous and every conversation meaningful. Jim loved games and always wanted to be the winner even if that means competing against me on who loved Cesar salad more. He loved traveling and I got to spend many of my travels with him. From the beaches of Maui to Venice canals. Jim will always be on my mind and I will never forget the memories we made. I am forever grateful for the time I spent with him.

Jim and I were friends for forty years, dating from 1979, when I worked for Rep. Mo Udall (D-AZ) and Jim worked for Rep. Bruce A. Vento (D-MN). ( Jim always referred to his boss as “Bruce A. Vento” - never “my boss,” or “Bruce” or “Mr. Vento.” It was one of his many memorable terms of phrase.)

We met at an Orioles game that fall and instantly clicked, despite a stupid gaffe I made about his boss, a story that Jim told and retold many times during the decades of our friendship. We shared a fierce interest in politics, baseball, golf (until I got frustrated and quit), bridge (until I got frustrated and quit), croquet (Minnesota Rules when we played at West Boulevard), playing Words with Friends online, and talking and laughing about anything and everything.

Jim celebrated every aspect of life (“Isn’t that FABULOUS!!??) and celebrated his friends, often ascribing to us accolades ( “ He or she is the BEST at X, Y, or Z.”) that we didn’t deserve. He reveled in the details of escapades and stories from our years of friendship, which we savored as memories over and over....with a little embellishment each time.

Whenever I (or after 2004, we) had friends in town, Jim would say, “Bring them down to swim and a cookout” - unfailingly generous and hospitable, and loving meeting new people, especially friends of friends.

The friendship among Jim, Eric, my husband, Alan and I was sealed with our visit to their gorgeous condo in Waileia, Maui in 2015. The four of us got along beautifully and easily, and it was a real bonding experience for all of us. One day we went zip-lining near a pineapple plantation - gorgeous views and three of us had fun. Jim bailed out after about four stops, though, saying he would rather spend $90 on a steak and lobster dinner than having his crotch throttled by the zip line harness for an hour.

Jim loved fine hotels, fine restaurants, and fine amenities. His idea of camping, he often said, was staying at a Holiday Inn. His appreciation for luxury travel increased significantly when Eric took over planning their many wonderful vacations abroad, including Jim’s memorable 70th birthday bash In London.

Jim was a very, very dear friend. I love him and miss him keenly. ❤️

I met Jim in 1980's when he began a long career representing Florida education with Congress. Linda Davis had recommended him to Betty Castor as our federal rep and we were sold within the first few minutes. Jim was passionate about kids and educational opportunity and a tremendous asset to Florida higher education. Our friendship went way beyond our professional work. He was a friend to my family helping Erin and Allan choose their first Alexandria home and keeping up with them. Charlie and I played golf with Jim who as you know was always trying to perfect his game. He was a great dancer and in great demand at weddings and parties including our recent 50th anniversary bash. Over the past years, we loved catching up with Eric and Jim with a reunion lunch. He kept his friends connected and we were fortunate to be in his very big friendship circle. I always loved talking with Jim about politics and life. The night before he died we had a call. We talked about the blessing of Eric in his life. He told me about his pool workouts and the dimming prospects for the miracle we all hoped for. Whenever I think about Jim, I'll see the open smile and sincere interest in others he always shared.  

We first met our dear Jim and Eric on a wonderful cruise in 2011. HRH (Louisa) and I thought we had walked onto the set of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Paul Newman and Robert Redford on our little cruise. Cocktails and partying with them was the best and of course Jim was so eloquently spoken with an adjective for everything - Such as one morning recounting the story of a blocked and overflowing toilet on one of the decks, which was summarised as an"Utter Catastrophe".

He used that term quite a lot to explain Carrot Tops election win or the stock markets movements.

We became brothers from another mother and shared many experiences, in the UK, Australia, Maui or Virginia. We visited and both made trips to Australia, in fact big bro harboured a passion to move down under and live in Australia.

Jim and I could sit and watch HRH and Eric shop away, taking in the views but not spending up. In fact like big bro, I was banned from putting things in the trolley (you know what I mean Eric), although we did sneak one or two things in, until the checkout of course.

Jim was so generous and kind and knew everything about our families, lives and daily routines. He made a point of knowing. I guess that's the lobbyist for you.

We shared key milestone birthdays and always had a plan for the next trip. He was a mentor, advisor, guide and a really top bloke and I loved him dearly. He took me to my first baseball game and scored top seats at the Orioles, shared a hot dog and a beer and paid Eric's speeding fine, much to the delight of Jim (that is that Eric was driving).

Big bro was invited to Lucy (HRH's daughter) wedding with Eric but due to health could not make it. That didn't stop them playing a huge role though, with skype videos, a run through all the photos and a generous gift.

I know big bro is in heaven now, that's where top blokes end up, watching over their flocks and continuing to shepherd us through life. Our time will come again soon but for now, it's an utter catastrophe down here without you Jim........

Love small bro Andy

Jim was one of my first bosses in DC and really helped launch my career path. Not only that, his insistence that I purchase a condo early in life allowed me to live comfortably today and avoid the wrong side of the housing boom when DC prices went soaring - I've thought about setting up a Pirius shrine for that reason alone!

Jim had a kind heart and was fun loving. My friends and I remember when he paid me $60 (I think that was the amount) to clean his desk - we laughed about that for a long time. I'm sure he was just trying to find a way to give me a bit of a bonus in those early days and it was a lot of money back then. I will always remember his easy-going attitude and welcoming presence.

I reconnected with Jim a few years ago - I honestly can't event remember how but he visited me at my current office and we caught up, reminisced old times and discussed getting together again. Unfortunately, that never happened which reminds me to seize the moments and enjoy each other while there is time. RIP dear Jim!

Jim was quite simply one of the very very best people I have had the pleasure of knowing. We had great times- watching Obama getting elected ( while Jim cooked steaks), creating a true federal relations program at USF and then for the SUS, and crazy times with the bid bid protest! He loved to bring my kids presents and they still remember him warmly. Even let me use his Hawaii condo-who even does that? Jim did. God bless and I will see you later Bro!

Jim was part of our family. He was great to talk with and had a special light .He has a beautiful soul. I miss him

Jim Pirius was a supporter and protector of his family and the monumental best big brother Carol could have - or anyone, for that matter. I know how generous and mischievous he could be to the enjoyment of all friends and family and probably in his work. We will all miss him, and My thoughts are especially with you, Eric, as Jim’s support and in your loss.

So many aspects of my/our Uncle Jim:

High standards while prioritizing enjoyment and good humor.

Happy and supportive, but also with an “Oh come on, [your name]” benevolent corrective if you got too far off the rails.

A self-aware mischievousness, e.g. entertaining theories, but with a point to impart.

Fair - if inscrutable - croquet judge, when he wasn’t beating us, which he did too often.

Famously and hilariously blunt. e.g. "These ribs aren't good" on our last trip.

Great storyteller, even if (rightly) about you being a bratty kid.

Magnanimous with his time, caring, and effort: discussions of stocks and politics; helping pick out apartment furnishings; many golf outings and family gatherings.

Motivated without taking himself too seriously.

Self-directed and not complacent - house arrangements or portfolios.

Curiosity to keep learning and be well-informed.

He held serious views but didn’t let differences override relationships.

Productive without being materialistic. And generous without expectation.

A great approach to aspire to, but irreplaceably unique.

I will miss talking and being with him so much. And (selfishly) his interest and affection, and enjoying trying to make him proud.

Dearest Eric,
We are so very saddened to hear of Jim’s passing this week. Our hearts truly ache for you. You were the best pair, you complimented each other in so many ways. Eric, your love and support was his rock. You are so fortunate to have shared all those years together and to have found your very best mate in the world. Hang in there, these are hard times for you, try dwelling on all the many wonderful smiling memories you had together. We will never forget Jim's quit wit and amazing handsome big smile! He was the best and so are you! Our most sincere condolences.
Love, Linda & Don Gottleber

Jim Pirius will always be remembered for his tremendous legacy, productiveness and success while working with the University of South Florida. I was fortunate to meet Jim when I became President of USF 20 years ago. He served as the key political liaison for our great institution in Washington, DC. He truly made a difference to increase the research, teaching and service mission by connecting our initiatives with those members of the United States House and Senate. Because of Jim’s wonderful positive personality, his organizational skills, tremendous productive relationships and hard work, he would help USF direct its research initiatives in priority order that would match those of the Congressional delegation. As a result, Jim was highly respected by all who worked with him, especially Congressman Bill Young, Congresswoman Kathy Castor and others. He was primarily responsible for facilitating the significant “jump start” and increase our overall research profile in a way that was unique, important and long lasting. Because of his initial work, USF researchers were able to apply for and bid on additional competitive national grants that met national demands.
  Jim was a delight and a fun loving individual who cared deeply about others. He always had a smile and was open and respectful to all those he interacted with. He was able to negotiate various differing opinions and collaborate to build consensus. He was proud of his family, loved ones and friends. It truly is important to celebrate Jim Pirius, his legacy and his many life contributions. He will be missed but always be regarded with great admiration and love.

My Uncle Jim...
He was always the most stylish in a room; he could dress up a t-shirt like nobody’s business. He was the most caring; he always wanted to know what we’ve been up to and how our life was going and he genuinely listened and cared. He was hilarious. My favorite memory of Jim was during dinner in the Outer Banks as he grew more and more frustrated trying to open and eat a crab (in a room of people from Maryland) he went to eat the intestines and Uncle Eric reached over and smacked it out of his hand real quick before he could get it to his mouth. Jim threw the rest of the crab down and yelled about how barbaric the whole process was! We all sat there in complete silence for about 15 seconds in shock, before bursting into laughter and being like “oh Jim!”. He was my cruise buddy when we would sneak off from the others. He was my personal proof reader on all my papers during high school and college. I will forever be thankful for the many years we had with him and the true joy he added to all of our lives.

Our dear, extraordinary, intelligent, generous, debonair, humorous, story-telling and always loving "Uncle Bim" leaves another bottomless hole in our hearts. He is such a big part of our history and is irreplaceable.

Jim greeted me in Washington, D.C. in 1980. He was in turn or successively, was my boss, my colleague, my advisor, my teacher, our match-maker and landlord, my wedding advisor, my devoted "brother", our political-debater, and above all - the loving Godfather to my three children.

A devoted and appreciative partner to Eric, he was likewise as a son, brother, cousin, Godfather, uncle, and friend. Our dear "Uncle Bim" was a gift to our multi-generational family and hundreds far and wide around the world.

His legacy is first and foremost love and support for family and friends and mentor ship to youth and younger adults. His effective advocacy leaves accomplishments that include large scale improvements for health care, education and the environment. 

His presence touched all he encountered in a positive way and his energy contributed significantly to a more positive world. We will honor his life by carrying on his example. 

With respect, gratitude and love, we will forever cherish our "Uncle Bim". Lynda Davis