Seven months have passed since Nanny has been gone. All my energy has been in consumed in emptying Poppy’s and Nanny’s home for forty plus years. Everything I touched brought back wonderful memories of all the family and friends throughout the years that spend a holiday, birthday, BBQ , pool parties or just you guys hanging out with your friends. Jim you were there in spirit, helping and encouraging me along the way.   I wanted to have some place to be special and a happy memory.  The park where you and your brothers and friends spend a lot of time , and was next to the home you boys grew up in seemed perfect.  So here you are; I think you would approve. Still intend on going to Portland to see all your friends there, and also have a memorial to leave with all the great folks you spend your last 15 years with

I’m so sorry it has been a long time since I’ve posted anything.  I have been consumed with caring for Nanny, she has been battling fight with dementia/Alzheimer’s, also Nanny’s younger brother our Uncle Andy also passed in July. The past year has been difficult for her but she never complained.  The last letter I received from you, which did arrived on my birthday Feb. 2017, you wrote on the bottom..”thanks for taking good care of Nanny!”. This showed me the love you had for her, and I know she loved you her first born grandson.  Even though whether she was speaking to you or Andy or Eric, she’d always say, “you are my favorite” to the one she was speaking to.  Nanny passed peaceful at home on November 6, both Andy and Eric were there with me. I believe you were also there with us in spirit. She is now reunited with Poppy and all the rest of loved onesthat have passed. May Their Memories be Eternal. Rest In Peace

We recently took a trip to New York.  We placed flowers near the sight where you passed.  We found a Greek Orthodox Church very close, and went in to light some candles and say some prayers.  I believe it was good for us, and I feel it helped release you from the sight of your death. I feel in my heart you knew that Andy, Eric, Anna and I were there, my Son.  Be at Peace, and know that you are in our thoughts and prayers daily,

It’s been 9 months since Jims passing.  9 months, the time I carried you, excited and anticipating the birth of my first born. The due date was in March and you waited til April 17th to come into the world. 8 pounds, 7 ounces, a pretty big boy and the apple of our eye.  

I had contacted the retreat center in Portugal, asking for any pictures. They recently sent me the following, all taken in July and August 2017. I will put them in the gallery under photos.

You looked very happy, miss you so much, but pray everyday that you are at peace

The memorial plaque was finally installed at your grave site. I hope youwould approve, it took a lot of thought and prayers to decide on the final design.

The picture by the waterfall was taken by me on one of the visits we had.  The other I received from Alex , she said it was after a men’s retreat in Portland you had attended, you look so happy and content.  Along with the waterfall we tried to pick out views that meant something to you.  The Pacific Ocean coast and of course, the forest, which we did explore in Portland and at home. You so loved to hike and explore everywhere.

The rocks along the top of plaque were done Nico and Anthony, and us adults too. We placed them on your birthday in April.  I know you are forever present in my daily life and do feel comforted because of that.  Rest In Peace my Son.

We are well into January of the New Year, we as a family made it through Christmas, it was very hard without you, my Son. Trying to get into some normal routine with this “new” routine that has changed all of our lives forever.  Many times late at night I remember how I could call you because of the time difference from Portland, and we did talk a lot late nights.                                                                                                    

We are now preparing your marker at the grave site.  I know you wouldn’t want it to be overdone, so we’re trying to put together a tribute to you sharing  the kind of man you were. Rest In Peace, my Son.

It’s hard to believe nearly 4 months have past since you been gone. It will be a very hard holiday season for us all.  I know we will remember all the Christmas’s that you were with us with very happy memories.  A few Christmas’s you couldn’t come home, but we alway spoke to you, and even past the phone around the table for all the family there to talk with you. This last one you were in India, but we looked forward to this year , now we only have the memories.  We will get through this year because we have each other to be with and share those memories.  Remember you are always in our thoughts and especially our prayers. Be at peace during this time Blessed Season. May your Memory be Eternal.

It now has been 2 months since your passing my Son. We had the 40 days memorial at church, where the Priests  pray for the souls of the departed, we were all there remembering and sharing our prayers.  This weekend we are going to place the Vigil candle holder at your grave.  Candles can be brought there and lit, and prayers can be said.  I looked at all the words often that family, friends and people I have never met have shared about you. Also received many from Portland that were not shared on this site.  I believe everyone you have cared enough about in your life, that you have comforted, encouraged, laughed with and prayed for will continue to feel your Presence.  I know I do everyday.  So my beloved son Jim, although you are not physically with us, all you shared on earth with anyone is being lived through us all in our own personal way. Be at Peace; May your Memory be Eternal.

Andy, Eric and I have returned from a brief trip to Portland.  As much as we didn't want to make the trek, we knew it was needed.  Entering your home I recall sitting with you, you laying on the couch and me curled up on the over sized chair.  We shared a lot that last time together, soon after you left for India.  

We were overwhelmed with sadness; thank God for all the dear Friends and neighbors that came in and out the two days we were there.  It was comforting to hear all the stories everyone shared with us about you, my Son.  Jim, you were and still are a very powerful force to many people, I hope you know that.  Rest In Peace , Jim

Anna and I starting working on the many cards and condolences we received.  While reading through them,  I was struck and comforted by all the words. I thank everyone from so deep in my heart, and only pray that you Jim realize how you were loved, and the impact you left on so many people, young and old. Be at Peace my Son.

It has been a week since we buried your body, but your spirit is all around me and many other I'm sure.  Alexandra sent me a song with you singing, i listen to it a lot , sometimes in the middle of the night the melody comes to me, and comforts me.  Our lives have return to "normal", whatever that is from now on. My dear Son Jim, you come to my mind many times  each day, and every time I pause, not believing you're not coming home. It helps me to do this, like I'm writing to you.  Love you my Son

We buried you today my Son.  This is the one thing in life a parent should not have to do. But there has been many of us living, having to go on without our children. My heart gone out to all parents that have proceeded myself and Jim's father.  May they all be in the bosom of God, and have peace.

Tonight was your wake 3-8. I don't know how many people passed by you, but everyone had a deep love for you. And all remembered you ever so fondly.  From grammar school through adult life all knew that you were special and was not going to live life in the slow lane.  I thought I knew you well Son, but there were so many facets of you I didn't.  You never boasted of your accomplishments, you did share simple things but not the hard work you did for so many, and the kindness you carried with you throughout your short life.  I have always been proud of you and your brothers, but I never realized how much deeper that pride could go.

Rest well and be at peace, and know you are forever in my heart and soul and many, many others.

Jim was born April 17, 1971 at Oak Park Hospital.

Grew up in Berkeley, Il.  Attended Proviso West H.S

Attended Univ. of Ill. for three years, then transferred to Loyola, graduated with a degree in History.

His accomplishments:

Working with students in a second chance school teaching computers, also help put together a small newspaper with the students.

Worked with elder people in a nursery home, helping with social and activities; worked with the dementia and Alzheimer's patients.

Traveled to Korea for a year to teach the children English as a second language.

Also quicks trips to Hawaii, Malaysia, Bali and Japan, and possibly other places we are not aware of.

Traveled around China and was in Tiananmen Square during Y2K

Returned to Chicago, became very involved in environmental issue.

Worked hard trying to let everyone know about GMOs and their effect on products. Also, along with others, started petitions to have products with GMO's labeled for the consumers.

Decided to move to Portland in 2002 , which was more active and aware of the issues he believed in.

He was involved in environmental issues and became very involved with the activist movement there.

Began working at Equal Exchange, a fair traded coffee, chocolate, tea company. Was also a board member for some years.

Jim traveled to South America to the farms that the coffee came from,

Hosted many farmers when them would come to see Equal Exchange in Portland.

Took a sabbatical to go to the Amazon for about 6 months.

Jim choose to do a Vision Quest, an American Indian ceremony where one first prepares himself with fasting and prayers for a period of time, when ready, goes up a mountain with nothing but a pad to sit and sleep on, prayer cards, without any food and water for 4 days.

Got the interest to go to India to continue his mediation practice and do yoga.

Remained in India one year, meeting all kinds of people from all over the world.

Worked in the community, helping to organize the office part of Ashram.

Finished up in Portugal, attending retreats, again meeting and sharing with many travelers from around the world.

Throughout his life, he always loved meeting people and hearing their stories.

He always wanted to help anyone in need.

He loved and was deeply loved by his family and friends, always wanting to express his love in his own special way.

Jim was a very kind, compassionate and caring man and will forever be in the heart of all who were blessed to know him. Love, Mom

Our brother lived such a rich live, his wealth was not in possessions it is in spirituality, experiences, study, reading, travel, friends, family and caring about others.  We will continue to share parts of his life when we are able too.