After many computer fails, this is the only picture I have with Jim. See him in the upper left corner? It was one of our SNJDO family planning meetings in 2004, possibly "Pumpkins at the Beach". I'm down in front........
Lunches when Jim came to the office were never boring, he was always bringing a laugh or a smile to all of us. I remember him collecting clothes and coats for the migrant families we would encounter every year when we did housing inspections. In the late 1990's he helped me to do a pilot program where we would let those farms whose housing passed with flying colors in prior years to self-inspect. He gave me a narrative template and checked if my observations were correct. When I became an investigator years later it was his guidance that helped me to do better investigations.
I used to think of him and Rick Lopez-Mena as the Skipper and his little Buddy. There used to be a photo album of earlier escapades at SNJDO (before I came there), I hope someone saved it and will share his photos in there. There were even pictures of you folks.
He was a loving and giving soul. Please make a toast for me or with me if I am invited at your future celebration of his life.
When I heard about Jim's condition and his declining health, I was sadden that our "Bud" was on borrowed time. The last time I saw him was in Florida for a Basic II training, the last before his retirement. The comforting words I can express is that he lived life to the fullest, he fought to be the best person he could be, and his passing makes us want to be a better person, making our own mark in life.
May he rest in peace in the arms of our Lord and a final verse:
Matthew 25:23: “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’
