How do you celebrate the life of someone who was loved and respected by so many, yet such a humble man in many ways. How do you honor the most honorable? This weekend we had the privilege of hosting a celebration to commemorate the life of someone very dear to us. Since he has passed we have tried not to talk about him too much because the pain of losing him is still too raw. He was my husband’s best friend, a mentor to our children, and beloved friend to me.
He grew up in rural Maine and never forgot his humble beginnings. His father valued a good education and moved his family to California when Jim was a junior in high school so his boys could get a better education. Jim left a high school of 100 students (Hamden Acamdemy) to attend Berkeley High with a student body of 2,000. This would seem daunting to many but Jim thrived becoming a football star and school leader.
From there he attended and graduated from UC Davis, worked for John Deere Company as a salesman, and went on to purchase his own very successful dealership here in the Salinas Valley.
We wanted the celebration and décor to reflect the life that Jim lived. I set the tables with burlap tablecloths and bright suzani overlays. The day began with sunshine a reminder of the light he brought into all of our lives.
Jim loved living in the canyon so I wanted the flowers to look like they were gathered from my garden (some were)
The food was catered by our good friends and caterers extraordinaire Portobellos
There were mementos of “a life well lived” throughout the house
Many people spoke at the celebration including my two children. Here are some excerpts from their (Colin & Jenna (I wish I had the text from the other speakers)) comments.
(Colin “Annie the Cow”, Jim and Jenna circa 1990)
“Jim was a gentleman in every sense of the word, and the kindest, most genuine person I have ever met”.
“He took pleasure in giving and did nice things for people because he enjoyed it” “On a scale of 1-10 Jim was a 12”
Jim with his older brother Joe and nephew Bradley at a 49er game
“Even in the last few weeks of his life; his focus was not on himself” “No one will ever touch as many people in such a positive way, but if we can all take just a little piece of Jim with us, we will all be better for it. Jim was truly a giant among men and we feel very fortunate to have had him in our lives”
Our “kids” said it so well. There is no need for Steve or I to say anything…it was a life “Well Lived”
On a lighter note Maryann from Classic Casual Home and I have gathered another group of fabulous design bloggers for another in the Project Design Series.
Cindy I don't know how I missed this post. It's really beautiful, All the details of the memorial and the sentiments shared really convey what a important person he was in your family's life. It was a lovely tribute.
Oh gosh….that made me cry. Beautiful tribute to the loss of your good friend Cindy.
Cindy I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family have given a beautiful tribute to this wonderful man!!
xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
Is it just me….or should we be doing tributes….with loved family and friends…and fabulous food. When they are still alive? I have often, maybe too often, wished they could see the love…the tribute…the pouring. So sorry for your loss.
You are so right Linda! We cooked many meals for Jim while he was ill. Although he could no longer come to our house, we took them to him. I am hoping he could see the love anyway!
Debra I am so sorry to hear about your mom. We tried to keep it upbeat but it was hard!! Thanks friend for your kind words!!
i am so sorry cindy, the loss of a loved one is deep and raw. my mom just died and we will have an event such as yours in june so was very interested to see what you did.
have a feeling jim was also a fortunate man……he had all of you in his life
hugs
debra
what a great loss…yet what a wonderful gain in life!
I can see WHY from your photos……….I especially love him holding a baby cow with YOUR KIDS?
Gorgeous tribute………
They were just babes then Elizabeth! If you can believe it my husband gave him the cow for Christmas!
Cindy, I am so sorry for you and Steve and your children. What a lovely memorial you had for Jim! Your flowers are gorgeous.
I'm so sorry Cindy. What a beautiful tribute this post is for him – he sounds like the kind of person we all aspire to be.
What a lovely tribute he would be so honored I am sure!
I think he would have Karolyn
Cindy,
Your tribute brought tears to my eyes. I'm sorry you, your family and all who knew this honorable man have lost such a friend.
Karen
Thanks Karen he absolutely will never be replaced…he was an original
I am so sorry for your loss. I have enjoyed reading about your wonderful friend. It sounds as though he also lived a life well loved.
What a wonderful statement…he was..
Beautifully written and so true.
Amen