Wednesday, December 11, 2024
Such a flood of emotions upon learning of Jim’s passing—grief for his loss, relief for his release from suffering, and appreciation for a life fully lived.
Jim's heroic struggle with MS was an amazing tribute to his indomitable spirit. Inevitably, his response to "How are you?" was, ”Fantastic. I'm doing great". He chose to live positively, not defined by his disability.
I always felt Jim was special—a kind of half-brother in the absence of a male sibling. He was the entrusted successor to operate our beloved farm, which was carefully planned and developed by my Papa, a homesteader, and my Mama, a refugee from the Crimea. After breathing the prairie air and feeling the prairie sod under his feet, Jim would often be moved to send me a note. ruminating about Papa’s love for the land and expressing gratitude for the opportunity provided to him.
Jim may be gone. but the legacy of his courage, integrity and kindness will continue to inspire our hearts.
Anne Adrian
