Remembering the Best Brother a Girl Could Have

Dear Jim,

You were my protector, my champion, my advocate, my best friend, my “big brudder.” You were there to teach me how to tie my shoe, you walked me across the street, you watched over me and you held me when I was scared.

When I became ill, you were there by my side, you never doubted me, you always loved me. When friends abandoned me because of chemical sensitivities, you drove 600 miles to visit me. You were always there for me.

I know you were suffering so much for so long. I am thankful you are free of pain and agony, but I don’t know how to go on without you.

I love you more than words can express,

Your baby seeester

——————–

January 21, 1959 – December 21, 2011

Jim lived with unspeakable pain for many, many years. In the summer of 2011, he had major neck surgery, then quickly took a bad turn. He lived the last 5 months of his life struggling just to get to work and back home to bed. His poor body just couldn’t fight anymore and he passed in his sleep on December 21, 2011.

Jim was a “Harley Man.” He loved motorcycles, fast cars, go carts and dune buggies. He also had a gorgeous voice and loved to sing karaoke. But most of all, Jim was a family man. He loved his momma more than anyone or anything in life and he was extremely close to his sisters.

One of his favorite sayings was, “Always remember, Family First!” His Mom always told him, “You have the best characteristics any man could ever have and I call that “Tough and Tender.”  She was so proud of her boy and of the man he had become, he was her Rock.

Jim wasn’t just a “Big Guy” in stature (protecting his sisters), he was the one with the “Biggest & Best Hugs” and a really “Big Heart.” He was a very giving man who loved to help others. There were well over 200 at his memorial service and even more at his life celebration dinner. Person after person told stories of how Jim always put others first and was always there for them when they needed help.

Jim was the most wonderful brother and son to my mom. I am disabled with Multiple Sclerosis and Lyme Disease. We both also live with severe neurological reactions to the neuro-toxins in fragranced products, cleaners, paints, exhaust, etc. My brother (and my sister Debbie when she could) would often drive 600 miles to visit us when everyone else had walked away.

He will live on in many hearts forever! Over 200 people attended the memorial service and even more went to his Life Celebration Dinner. He was loved by so many! Story after story was told of what an incredible person he was, ALWAYS concerned about helping others over himself.

Jim was very supportive of the work that the Invisible Disabilities Association does to help others like his baby sister, Sherri. He traveled to attend the banquets with pride for what IDA was doing to bring awareness and support around the world. In addition, for nearly 20 years, he was a part of the local Toy Run, taking toys to children in the hospital in a parade of motorcycles and hot-rods.

We are thankful he is finally relieved of his pain and will see him again someday, but we can’t imagine life without him.

READ MORE STORIES

Big Jim’s Ride – My Brother’s Incredible Procession
Jim’s Memorial Page
The First Month Without My Brother
A Great Loss of IDA Founder and His Wife
Living and Grieving in Isolation
Providential Blessings in the Midst of Tragedy

I put together a video for the Memorial Service. Later, I re-mixed it to the one above and made copies for family and friends. The original one got hundreds of views.

 Isaiah 40:31

But those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.

Born to Be Wild by Steppenwolf

Get your motor runnin’
Head out on the highway
Lookin’ for adventure
And whatever comes our way

Yeah Darlin’ go make it happen
Take the world in a love embrace
Fire all of your guns at once
And explode into space

Like a true nature’s child
We were born, born to be wild
We can climb so high
I never want to die

Go Rest High on that Mountain by Vince Gill

I know your life
On earth was troubled
And only you could know the pain
You weren’t afraid to face the devil
You were no stranger to the rain

Go rest high on that mountain
‘Cause, Son, your work on earth is done
Go to Heaven a shoutin’
Love for the Father and the Son

Oh, how we cried the day you left us
And gathered round your grave to grieve
Wish I could see the angels’ faces
When they hear your sweet voice sing

Go rest high on that mountain
‘Cause, Son, your work on earth is done
Go to Heaven a shoutin’
Love for the Father and the Son

Just a Few Posts on His Memorial Page From Friends and Family:

Love you so much Uncle Fun! You were everything to me! U are the reason I am the woman I am today! You taught me things fathers teach there daughters! You protected me, stood by me & loved me unconditionally! You will forever be in my heart & on my mind as I look in the mirror & see pieces of you in me! I will never let you go! Holly Dee McNeil-Carey

Jim was one of those people who made you feel welcome. I knew him because of his mom, Carole, as well as IDA. We will carry on the work with IDA with him in our hearts. Nancy Stern-Jude

Jimmy Ju.:).. Oh how you touched my heart from the moment I met you… there was just something about you. I will miss you and love you always…..with all that I am… for all of my days. You were more amazing than you will ever know. Will meet up with you again…. and dance in the clouds…… Please visit me in my dreams. I love you Jim. Thank you for always listening.. for always being my accomplice in trying to solve the problems of the world….. memories of you make me smile. Rest in peace love. Cindi

I did not know Jim but I did hear a lot of good things about him through his sister, Sherri. I have been on IDA for a few years now and it was clear how much Sherri loved her brother. I was actually stunned when I had heard he passed away. Couldn’t believe it – My condolences to all family and friends. I am SO sorry for your loss. Sherri and Wayne, you are in my heart and my prayers. God Bless ALL Of You! Love, Kathy in California

To my big brother, not my half brother but my brother, … We will truly miss you… What can I say… Your life on earth was meaningful to everyone you touched… Big guy big heart… I love you big brother… I’ll never forget the look on your face every time I called you Jimmy!!! Especially as an adult… Go home and go rest… Love you. Chris Mitchell

I wish I had known him…he sounds like a wonderful man who left a great legacy. I am sorry as I know he has left a big hole in your family…may God give you grace, mercy and hope…..we do grieve, but not without hope! Love you Sherri,
Whitlock Family

Thanks to my brother Jim for taking me in even if not by choice. Thanks for watching me as a kid. You will truly be missed. Your brother, Marty

Jim was always needed, his smile and loving heart will always be cherished!!! To Jim, thank you for being a GOOD friend, always having that sparkle in your eyes when you smiled, I will miss your kindness and carefree spirit!! My heart breaks for you!!! I pray that you have found peace and love in the arms of JESUS. Jim you did give the best hugs!!! Sherri your brother had the kindest heart. He loved everyone……. and everyone loved him too!!! Sherri you are in our prayers…. much love…. My heart is breaking….. BIG HUGS MITCH!!!!!! XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXOOOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXXOXOXOXOXOXOXXOOXOXOXOXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX I will never forget you………… Renee Bonnell-Chason