I could write a book about Jim Dwyer, but Jim taught me many years ago, as a junior examiner, to be brief and precise. I remember that only Jim could summarize complicated technological issues, and *convincingly* present his position, to a panel of three PTO judges (“board”), on one single page.
Jim taught his employees many valuable things over the years. I remember him teaching me to prioritize and re-prioritize to “always keep my head above the water”. Jim’s sincere advice and *exact* words of wisdom seem to linger on people’s minds for years. I remember him encouraging his employees not to be shortsighted and to be mindful of the future by saying “yes, for now, BUT, on the long run ........”
Jim was the first one to give me advice about home improvement projects many years ago. I remember his advice to “make sure to have a ‘gofer’” who is ready and capable of doing challenging or relatively dangerous tasks such as climbing a high roof. All you need to do, he humorously said, is ask the helper (gofer) to “go-for-it”.
I knew Jim as my mentor primary examiner (TC 2600), my SPE, my Director, and our ADC. I also knew Jim as our PTO soccer team coach, PTO softball teammate, and most importantly as a friend. At least twice during my 30 years of service at PTO, Jim gave me advice about very critical decisions and presented his advice to me as one “from a friend”. Needless to say that I always and without reluctance followed his advice.
The exchange of jokes/humorous comments was one of Jim’s trademarks. I remember in the early 1990’s when all PTO examiners were given personal computers for the first time, I asked Jim (my supervisor/SPE) to order an anti-glare screen to put on my bright computer’s monitor. When I returned to my office that day after lunch, I found out that Jim had immediately provided me with a unique type of anti-glare screen. He had taped on my monitor a blue plastic shopping bag from Safeway. Of course, I later received the appropriate screen but Jim’s Safeway bag was meant as immediate temporary relief :).
I cannot count how many times I mentally referenced Jim’s advice or exact words of wisdom throughout my career. I cannot count how many times I echoed Jim’s exact words when advising my own employees. Jim shared his wisdom, experience and knowledge with all.
Jim’s many fond memories will never fade away (picnics, volleyball games and holiday parties at his house, art unit luncheons, humor at work, soccer and softball games, …).
Jim is in our hearts forever. Rest in peace, mentor/boss/friend.