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