Last month we went to fish lake on our annual trip. We learned how to perch fish and filet them. Perch are really good and make great tacos! You would love to perch fish, they were biting like crazy!

The last day before coming home we were out fishing and I though my line was caught on something because it just bent all of a sudden with no warning like I had the bottom. I picked up my pole and wow! what a surprise I got. There was a fish on the line, it was taking my line out and I had to fight like crazy to get it into the boat. It took about 30 minutes for me to get it in. Just as we got it into the net the line broke, lucky Ken had the net ready. It really did'nt fit the net and we had to stick it in a 5 gallon bucket to go to shore. Only his head fit in the bucket. The fish was 28 inches long and weighed in at 9 lbs 9 oz, I am sending you a picture. For three weeks I had a bruise on my stomach where I had the pole anchored and was reeling in the fish. Very EXCITING! Caught it on a pink whooly buger with a pink spinner, the best part was the lure was still in his mouth so I got it back!

Happy 60th Birthday Jim! I took you a balloon and some flowers out to the cemetary yesterday. Wish we could be together to celebrate, I would give you such a hard time about being older than dirt. lol

I have a big fish story to tell you about, so will send this on and write about the big fish!

Happy Birthday, Love your sister, Pam

Hi Jim,

Yesterday was Heidi's 9th birthday! She is such a beautiful young lady, I enjoy her so much !  Billy, Ken and I took her to dinner and she opened gifts.

In July Buddy went to doggy heaven, Heidi helped me so much to deal with his death. She talks about him and draws pictures of all of us together. When we picked up his ashes she said " isn't his urinal so cute". I had to smile and tell her it's called and urn and tell her what a urinal is.

We are going fishing on September 28th this year so I will be with you at Fish Lake on the day you passed. I will be thinking of all the good times we had together growing up, playing soldiers in the dirt, playing catch together, you taking me for my first ride on a motorcycle and of Mom yelling at us for it because I was 6 months pregnant.

Miss you so much, think of you often, wishing I could pick up the phone and call you. Will sign on later, bye for now.

Hi little brother! 
     It's been awhile since I logged on to your site. I was with you at Fish Lake on the anniversary of the day you left us. Can't access your site from there.
     I watched Heidi all summer, she is a very special little girl! We had so much fun! Ken an I took her to see Disney on Ice last week-end, she was so excited and had fun!    
     I saw Cara and Lexi on Halloween, they came to trick or treat. Cara is a lot calmer now and so loving! You would enjoy all of your little girls so much!
     Billy reminds me so much of you, he has the same smile, laugh and some of his facial expressions, I would almsot swear it was you!
     Linda has another granddaughter on the way, Carissa and Fred are having their second due in February. That will make 6 grandchildren for them.  
     Nic got married in July! You would of loved his wedding, it was at a ball field. After the ceremony the whole group bar b qued and just had a very relaxing day. They are so much in love, they came up camping with us and just could not stop smilling at each other. They lived together for 3 years before getting married married. You would like Dani, she is from Montana. Thats were her family all live now. I inherited two grandsons, Lucas 14, and Jacob 17. They are great boys and Nic has a special relationship with both of them. I will try to send a picture. Your three boys were all there, it was nice to spend time with all of them together!
     Well Jim its time for me to fix breakfast and get on with my day, I just wanted to start it by saying Happy Birthday to my little brother who I miss so much! My best friend Gayle passed away a week ago, so shes probably trying to find you to say Hi from me and give you a hug. Just grin and bear it! Ha Ha!

Love your sister Pam

Thinking of you today! Spent Friday with Heidi, she was out of school for Veteran's Day. We made some crafts, played dominoes, drew and colored pictures and made Veteran's day cupcakes. Heidi talks about her Papa almost everytime she is here, she misses you too.

I am going to Aunt Mary's for Thanksgiving. Buddy and I leave on Wednesday, will be gone for two weeks.

Will always love you little Brother!

Hi Jim,

We spent 10 days at Fish Lake and were there on the two year anniversary of your passing. I thought a lot about you and Dad while I was there, and wished you both were there fishing with us. Brody, Kens great-nephew caught a big one, I will post a picture of his fish.

It was so peaceful on the lake, I'm glad we put some of your ashes there, you will always be with me when I am fishing.

I have been dealing with depression the past few months and thoughts of you come to mind. It is a hard battle to fight. I put my trust in God and he helps me stay focused on things in my life that are positive.

Missing you Jim, rest in peace.

2 years ago you went away, you took your life you went your way.
The value you had here you could not see, the ones you loved now left to grieve.

I pray you are forgiven, God's grace you do receive for you were ill and not knowing when you left us all to grieve.

Memories now are all that we have, of the happier days of a husband and dad.

I'm sorry that you were hurting and I hope that you found peace. Rest softly now my darling because the pain that you had has now ceased.  

   I didn't know my Uncle Jim very well... We lived fairly far away for most of my life... but I saw him a few times after moving to Oregon. One time, he and Aunt Vicky took me and my husband out to eat for pizza at Pizza Hut, here in Florence. Uncle Jim stared at me for a while, then asked, "What is it that you call yourself?"
   I replied, "Luci?" I was unsure of what he was asking.  
   He half-smiled, then asked, "What color was your hair for your wedding?"
   I was confused, but answered, "Red."
   He laughed and explained, "When you were little, I called you 'Lucy' once, and your mother chewed me out. She said that you were not to be called Lucy because she didn't want you to grow up to be a loud-mouthed red-head." I thought that was so funny!

   I also remembed after Grandpa Thompson died, I had to stay at school because I had a test. I believed that I would miss his funeral. Then, Aunt Vicky called and said that she and Uncle Jimmy were going to pay for a plane ride out to the Seattle area so that I could attend his funeral. She asked me to keep it a surprise, and we pulled it off. I will always be grateful to them for giving me that gift. 

   On a silly note, when I was ten, Uncle Jim and Aunt Vicky gave me "gymnist Barbie" - which I thought was fantastic! I had been eyeing her for months! Thank you! 

   Thinking of you today, Uncle Jim. RIP


 

Yesterday was National Siblings day, I talked to Linda yesterday, but really missed not being able to talk to you, Last week I went to the diabetic doctor my A!C was only 7, I've really been working to keep it down, I missed talking to you that day, you always called me and I called you with our test results.

Linda now has 4 grandchildren. Carrisa and Fred had a little girl this morning. Her name is Emily Joy and she weighed 5lbs 14ozs. You have another one on the way, Matthew and Suzanne are having another girl. You always did want a girl. Heidi and Cara are two special little girls. I try to have them over once a month to play and have a craft time. Last time we did crafts and them Cara had to go home, but Billy and Heidi stayed and we went to see the falls.

Well little brother its time for me to go for now. I'll write again another day. Love You!

Happy Birthday little brother! I sure wish I could call you and tell you in person, but i'm so glad for this web site. I feel like I can talk to you. I know it's all in my mind, but it helps me feel close to you to look at your pictures and remember the good times we had growing up.

Last month we went fishing at Fish Lake and put the last of your ashes in the lake. It was a beautiful fall day with lots of red, yellow, and orange trees on the bank. We caught about 40 trout on our trip. I did not catch a big one, but the first fish I caught was when we came around the lake to the spot we put your ashes. Ken and I had to laugh. When we took Letha out in our boat on the 3rd day of our trip to see if she had better luck with us, she still had not caught a fish, we were coming to the spot and Ken said come on Jim, Letha needs a fish, wham, she caught one. Thanks for the entertainment!

Jim, today I went out to the cemetary and put some of your ashes with Mom and Dad. I'll bet that made them happy to have you close by.

Next week the rest of your ashes will go to Fish Lake with us on our annual fishing vacation.  Maybe you can help me catch the Big One!

It has been a year but I still miss talking to you. So many times I want to call and talk to you.

It still hurts that you left us, but I try to understand. I love you, always have and always will. Rest in Peace Little Brother, until I see you again, Love your sister Pam.

Your family all got together at Issaquah creek and said goodbye to you. We put some of your ashes in Issaquah creek where you liked to fish with Dad. We celebrated by wearing your Team colors, Go Hawks!

A few of us shared some of our memories, including Aunt Mary, and Linda who could not be with us.

After the Memorial we all got together at my house for chicken and noodles in honor of you.

Love you Brother!

Shared by Nicholas Folino

When I was about 11 years old Uncle Jim and Aunt Vicky took me to a Beach Boys concert. I was sitting between Uncle Jim and Debbie (Aunt Vicky's sister) when they announced a special guest apperance of John Stamos. Debbie started screaming and I jumped a foot out of my chair, she startled me. I looked over at Uncle Jim and he had tears in his eyes he was laughing so hard. We both laughed throughout the concert. Aunt Vicky and Debbie danced in the asiles to the Beach Boys music. I had a memorable time that day with my Uncle and Aunt. Love you Uncle JIm.

This was sent by Jim's sister Linda Small for his Memorial service.

As you meet today to remember Jim and share happy memories, please know that I am there in spirit. Memories of Jim will remain with us forever...don't neglect to share those things with one another.

You are all in my prayers to get through difficult days when you miss Him and wish you could hug him and visit with him. I know he was not himself the last few years but hang on to the good times. You all need one another, so build those family ties and hang together. Jim is no longer with us but we have each other. The days are short so make the best of it, build each other up with love and encouragement.

I am praying that each of you will truly know God and accept his gift of salvation for your life and serve Him. God's gift of eternal life requires belief, confession of sin and making Him Lord (Master) of your lives. I would love to share more with anyone who wants to visit. Christ is the only hope for eternal life and that is recieved His way and no other.

Good bye Jim, You were loved, and are loved.

Hugs to everyone,

Linda

Story told by Aunt Mary Gowen.

Jim and Pam flew back to Augusta, Kansas, it was in December. Jim brought me Bob, one of his Chihuahuas. I always referred to Bob as Jim Bob. Jim's health was bad at that time, he would stand at the patio doors and watch the temp drop. It was below 0 and still falling. We had a great week of visiting, laughing and reminising.

I miss our phone discussions about our grandkids. Jim we love and miss you. You are forever in our hearts, Rest Peacefully,

                                                                       Love, Aunt Mary

Story told by Aunt Mary Gowen.

My daughter Dana and grandson, Kollins have Jim's little pride and joy. Kollins will say "Grandma this is Shawna Marie Thompson, her daddy died and she come to live with us". Shawna is very well loved by her new family. I believe Jim would be happy for her.

Kollins is very gentle with her. He helps her up onto the couch and reads her stories from his favorite books. Shawna knows the routines around her new home, go potty, get treats. Didn't take her long to catch on to this one!

Story told by Aunt Mary Gowen.

When we (Aunt Mary) moved from Washington State to Oklahoma, Jimmy came to visit for the summer. The mosquitoes, and chiggers didn't leave a spot untouched. They found Pacific Northwest to be fresh meat, Jim would laugh when we told him that. The haying finished him off, all the dust, itching and heat. We had a big stock tank, the girls used as their swimming hole, Jim loved that at days end!

These stories provided by Aunt Mary Gowen.

As a small tyke his Mom dressed him in Buster Brown shirt and drawers. Jimmy had blonde hair and was a small little fellow. He was very active and I stress the active part. His Mom would comment, "he's all boy!".

When he was about 3 years old Grandma and Grandpa Burdick to him to Newberrys (variety store) in Coffeyville, Kansas. Grandpa bought him a toy gun. When they got outside the store Grandpa gave him his gun. Jim darted off scurrying down the sidewalk, with Grandpa on his heels. Jim ran about 2 blocks whooping and hollering and shootin everyone with his gun. Grandpa caught him, Jim was upset, with Grandpa, his fun was over.Grandpa did not get upset with him, he just laughed Grandma gave Jim the ole "you could a got lost or someone nab you". At 3 he was Grandpa's little Captain, and Grandpa used to call him Captain.

This poem was provided by Mary Gowen, Jim's Aunt

Our Memories build a special bridge when love ones have to part

To help us feel we're with them still,

And sooth a grieving heart.

Our Memories span the years we shared,

Preserving ties that bind,

They build a special bridge of love and bring us peace of mind.

This past week I have been working on a Memorial service for you. I've got to say it has been one of the hardest things I've had to do. I lost my Mother, Father and now my brother. It is so hard to say goodbye. We are spreading your ashes in Issaquah Creek where you and Dad would hike up and down catching those little fish. It is supposed to be a nice day and your whole family will be there to say goodbye. We are having a dinner afterwards with your favorite, Chicken and noodles, greenbeans and mashed potatoes. We miss you Jim, I understand why you gave up, but it still hurts your family. I hope you are resting in peace now. Forever Loved and Forever Missed.

Ken and I went fishing at Fish lake this weekend. We went over Bluwitt pass. When ever I passed one of the open areas along the road I thought of the time I rode with you to Jameison lake to meet Mom and Dad, we passed one of those open fields and I said look at the funny looking horses. I will never forget the big smile on your face as you said, " sister those are elk". Many times since I have driven by there and I always think of that day! 

I was watching the news today and they were talking about the lack of snow on the passes, and how upset the skiers were. This reminded me of the time you and Linda Davidson took me up to Snoqualmie to "ski". You and Linda (sister)  took ski lesson through the school and I did not. You wanted someone to take you up sking since you did not drive yet, I didn't ski but you assured me it was easy and you could teach me. Linda Davidson was practically born on skis so she vollunteered to go with us.

Okay, you guys took me to the top of the rope tow "bunny slope" and told me if I wanted to stop just turn my skis in. Mind you, no demonstration just verbal instructions. My definition of turning my skis in was to turn my whole foot so the skis crossed. This action did stop me, head over heels on the ground. I went down the slope, but fell 27 times going down. Getting up is not easy either.

Finally you guys decided to come and check on me. I was at the bottom, done with skiing forever. You guys could not understand why. I demonstrated my stopping technique and all you could do was laugh and laugh and laugh some more. What you meant was turn your ankles in so the skis were still straight, but not flat on the ground anymore. You talked me into trying again and both of you came with me. I only fell 3 times this time and had some fun.

The next week I was so sore from falling and getting up that I decided skiing was not for me. That was my one and only time down hill skiing. Many years later I took Nic cross country skiing. That's the only time I did this too. I decided speed was not for me. I will just keep my shoes on the ground. God gave me two good feet and I learned to walk just fine to get where I want to go.

Happy Birthday Jim.  We miss you. I got to spend a few days with Shawna. I can see why you loved her. She is as cute as a button. She is now an okee dog. Dana will take good care of her for you! 

We had no power here for a couple days. I'm glad it came back on before your birthday was over. I wanted to log in today.

My mom, Mary Gowen, may have some to add to this story......

It was the summer of '79 or '80, after we had moved to the farm in So. Coffeyville, Oklahoma, that cousin Jim came out during the summer to stay a few weeks and help out on the farm.  We had crop fields, pastures, cows, chickens, hogs, cats, dogs and CHIGGERS!  Poor Jim, I wasn't real old, but I do remember he was ate up with chiggers from head to toe.  Mom had him taking all sorts of baths with all different kinds of stuff in the water and we were coating him with Campho Pheniqe.  Oklahoma chiggers loves them some Washington people!  Cousin Jim was a trooper though, I remember him telling family back home and other relatives how chiggered up he was, but he would be laughing the whole time telling it.       

I remember when my family lived in Washington State, we would visit Aunt Reva and Uncle Bills house on many a weekend.  One weekend we were there, it was pretty cold outside so we were pretty were confined to inside the house.  I think I was around 6 or 7, which would have put cousin around Jim 16 or 17.  This one particular day Jim was in the kitchen messing around making or creating new food and drink items, so I figured I had probably better stick with him since cousins Pam and Linda were either not home or being boring.  We messed around in the cabinets a bit when Jim came up with the great idea of making some 7 up pop.

Let the fun begin.

Making 7 up wouldn't be real hard because it was just water and sour stuff with sugar.  When we had that mastered all we had to do was figure out the fizzy part.  I am not sure what we combined (maybe vinegar and baking soda?), but we had some fizz going on and by this time we had a complete counter mess with overflowing fizz.  Unfortunately, my Aunt Reva had decided to come upstairs for something and for some reason this mess Jim made (I had nothing to do with it ha), got him in some trouble.  Needless to say, experiments were over and the 7-up tasted really bad.  I can't remember what we did after that so it must not of been as memorable as being scientists. 

I have lots of stories I could share about my brother, here are a few. My first memory of my little brother was when Mom brought him home from the hospital wrapped in a yellow blanket. I got to touch his little hands and feet. Years later when he was five I got to hold those same little hands and walk him to school each day.

My memories of him as a toddler was that he loved to play cowboy, and wore his pistols everwhere we went, except church.

Jim loved to tease, and he had two older sisters to tease. He liked to collect snakes and tease us with them. One day the snake he picked up had babies in her mouth. He ran into the house to get something to put them in, and came back with one of Mom's saucepans. He proudly opened the lid for her to see what he had caught. She let out a scream, Jim and the snakes left quickly and the saucepan had to go in the garbage.

Jim liked to play dolls with us, his favorite was to take the doll's heads, arms, and legs and hide them from us. We spent hours playing together in the dirt pile with his army soldiers and trucks.

When I got my drivers license, Jim would talk me into taking him and one of his friends to the drive in movies on the week-end. He got jealous when I started dating and had someone else to spend my time with.

I had my first motorcycle ride with my brother, Mom was furious with both of us, I was 6 month pregnant at the time. It has been my one and only motorcycle ride so far.

Jim was there for me when I needed him the most. When our Dad passed just four months after Mom he stayed by my side and helped me with all the details. I know it was very hard for him, but he was my rock and we got through it together.

I will always be proud of my brother. He gave of himself to others. He was a volunteer firefighter for many years. He was a good father and very proud of his boys and later his granddaugters too.

The last few years we talked on the phone almost every week. The conversation would always start out, "Hey little brother, how you been?" or "Hey sister, how you been?'. I really miss those calls, I would give almost anything to hear his voice on the other end ot the line again. I will always miss my brother, but I know he was in pain and frustrated with his limitations. I hope he has found Peace. Love you Jim.

One of Dad’s favorite movies in the world was Dirty Dancing starring Patrick Swayze (Johnny) and Jennifer Grey (Baby).  The part he loved the most was when they would practice the big lift and Johnny would drop Baby in the water because she over corrected or just didn’t jump enough.  As most of you may know Johnny and Baby finally get it right at the end of the movie.  Dad every time he would watch that movie at that last scene when Baby is running up for the big life he would chant “Drop her!! Drop her!!”  We would all laugh at him and he would laugh with us because it’s a movie and no matter how hard he’d chant or how many times he would watch the movie Johnny just would not drop her.  That never mattered to Dad it was something that was fun for him to root for.  Every time he would finish the movie he would say “Well maybe next time he’ll drop her flat on her face.”  The music on this memorial page brought that memory to the surface for me although I know Whitney Huston did not have a song in Dirty Dancing, it just hit that cord.

Dad will be missed and loved as long as we all hold onto memories like this.  I may just have to go out and buy this movie as my token of him and his memory.