I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Jim through Lee, his father-in-law. I did not know Jim that well but my first impression was that this is a fine young man that any father would be proud to call his son.

Lee and I served together in the Navy, he and Nancy are dear, life long friends. I remember their daughters as infants, over the years growing up and how proud and happy they were with their beautiful girls. 

The joy that Jim brought into this family was obvious. When Lee & Nancy would speak of him, you could see the glow in their faces and feel the love he had helped create, he truly was a gift. 

My deepest condolonces to all the family for your loss, in his short time here, he has left a legacy of love and family that will live forever, we should all hope to do as well.  

Her hair was up in a pony tail,her favorite dress tied with a bow.Today was Daddy's Day at school,and she couldn't wait to go. But her mommy tried to tell her,that she probably should stay home.  Why the kids might not understand,if she went to school alone.
But she was not afraid;she knew just what to say.What to tell her classmates of why he wasn't there today. But still her mother worried,for her to face this day alone.And that was why once again,she tried to keep her daughter home. But the little girl went to school eager to tell them all. About a dad she never sees, a dad who never calls.                              There were daddies along the wall in
back, for everyone to meet.Children squirming impatiently,anxious in their seats. One by one the teacher called a student from the class.To introduce their daddy,as seconds slowly passed. At last the teacher called her name,every child turned to stare.Each of them was searching fora man who wasn't there.
"Where's her daddy at?"She heard a boy call out."She probably doesn't have one,"another student dared to shout.
And from somewhere near the back,she heard a daddy say,"Looks like another deadbeat dad,too busy to waste his day."The words did not offend her,as she smiled up at her Mom . And looked back at her teacher, who
told her to go on. And with hands behind her back,slowly she began to speak.And out from the mouth of a child,came words incredibly unique. "My Daddy couldn't be here,because he lives so far away.But I know he wishes he could be,since this is such a special day. And though you cannot meet him,I wanted you to know.All about my daddy,and how much he
loves me so. He loved to tell me storieshe taught me to ride my bike.He surprised me with pink roses,and taught me to fly a kite.We used to share fudge sundaes,and ice cream in a cone. And though you cannot see him.I'm not standing here alone."Cause my daddy's always with me,even though we are apartI know because he told me,he'll forever be in my heart" With that, her little hand reached up,and lay across her chest..Feeling her own heartbeat,beneath her favorite dress. And from somewhere there in the crowd
of dads, her mother stood in tears.Proudly watching her daughter,who was wise beyond her years. For she stood up for the loveof a man not in her life.Doing what was best for her,doing what was a right. And when she dropped her hand back
down, staring straight into the crowd.She finished with a voice so soft,but its message clear and loud."I love my daddy very much,he's my shining star.And if he could, he'd be here,but heaven's just too far.But sometimes when I close my eyes,it's like he never went away." "I know you're with me Daddy,"to the silence she called out.And what happened next made believers,of those once filled with doubt… Outside the window of that class two rainbows were painted across a clear blue sky. And a child was blessed, if only for a moment, by the love of her shining star.And given the gift of believing,that heaven is never too far.