Tuesday, April 12, 2022
To me, he was my father. To mom he was the most handsome man alive, her honey. To others he was Jim, Jimmy, Uncle Jim, Grandpa, Pops and probably lots of other names not suitable for publication! At an early age, he was a wise ass. Often in trouble here and there until at the age of 18 he decided he would buckle down and graduate but alas it was too late. Principle told him "You can't come back, we're done with your shenanigans and we don't have to educate you any more!" Soon after, he met my mom, fell in love, went into the army and got married. At 24, he built his own house and by the time he was 30 had four beautiful daughters (I'm a little biased). Well, at least we can say we are good people. And, although my father was not always easy to live with, he was a strong communicator who didn't beat around the bush! Not even a little bit. I think that is a good thing, most of the time... There isn't a relative who did not benefit from having this incredibly talented and genius like man around. He has repaired, replaced, redesigned houses, furniture, well really anything you can think of that needed a little (or a lot) of work. He literally could build and create anything and overcome any mechanical obstacle in his way. I know there are many stories of anyone working with him amazed that he was able to come up with such creative solutions without even batting an eye. Although we were never allowed, not even for a moment, to be in his workshop, I knew magic came out of there. It was fun going through your tools dad, even if Ralph gets to play with them first!
My dad was a whistler, not just your average whistler. The kind you hear through the store and knew where he was at all times. As a kid I was embarrassed but also hoped I could whistle that way someday. Dad also played several instruments. Learning trumpet and sax in school, he taught himself the harmonica (also not to be touched), and the 3-level organ we had when I was a kid. He played after dinner and I never really realized how other houses may not have had that until I went out into the world. Pretty cool, Dad.
Oh, and yeah, he saved two kids from drowning. When a call went out that some kids had fallen overboard in their makeshift boat. Dad dove in (along with others) and was able to locate two of the boys. While he was not alone in this effort, he certainly changed the course for these 2 boys.
Many people view dad as the strongest of the family, and he was. Not letting me wear pants to school (I sneaked them anyway, sorry) and a not easy with a compliment-let's just say he was on a 'one compliment a year limit', Dad had the respect of all that he met. I think mostly because you knew where you stood with him and he respected your strength. So thanks for making your daughters the strong, confident people they are and helping the MANY people along your journey called life. I'm sure you were the blue orb in the room the other day.... thanks for visiting. Now go and enjoy the after party, you deserve it!
