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Always the teacher - answering questions
December 21, 2010
Always the student - a study in motion
December 21, 2010
Chris Hawkins
December 18, 2010
Dear Joan,
I finally found the photo of Jim and the poker guys, some of whom have predeceased him. They had great fun joking and eating and sometimes even playing poker. When our girls were little they served snacks and the guys would tip them which the girls thought was really terrific. They always wanted to be home on poker nights - As I retreated to read in a bedroom I could hear the occasional roar from the living room - usually Jim was the loudest. It is a fond memory.
Please know that my thoughts are with you in this sad time.
December 17, 2010
Jim was a good friend, an awesome coach and a fearsome competitor. We at Sierra College have wonderful memories of wrestling trips to COR, tough matches and the trips home with cooked crab, from Boccis, strapped to the top of the van. Thanks Jim for all you have done for wrestling!
Our thoughts and prayers to Jim's family.
John Horrillo and the Sierra Wrestling Family
Rich Spinas
December 16, 2010
Joan and Family, it was sad to hear of Jim's passing but was glad I had a chance to talk with him while visiting the Old Town block party on July 4th. He still had that "extra firm" handshake in which I always expected a pull in,leg tackle take down and pin. His big smile could always bring a smile to others. He was always a joy to be around. He will be missed by so many.
Arthur Jones
December 14, 2010
To the most loving Sylvia family,
To me, Jim Sylvia was the most farout, fantastic, outspoken, realist wrestling coach anybody could ever encounter in their entire life. Coach Sylvia treated me with the utmost respect. Every tournament I ever went to he was always the President of the Referees Association, and he was running the referees in Humboldt and Del Norte.
I made sure that any time I walked through the doors of any wrestling event, I would go pay my respect to Coach Sylvia.
Coach Sylvia always treated me like family. He always talked to me like a dad would talk to his son.I'll never forget the attitude he gave me on how to be myself. Every time I encountered Coach, all he'd do is laugh loud and be proud.
Your dearest friend forever,
Arthur Jones, from Hoopa
Pat Meyer
December 14, 2010
Dear Joan,
I was sorry to read about the passing of your husband, Jim. My condolences to you and your family. I didn't know him that well, but we were in Sweet Adelines for years and talked about our families a lot. May the Lord help you during with trying time. Sincerely
December 14, 2010
On behalf of the California Wrestling Hall of Fame Executive Committee of which Jim was a member, we share our condolences in the loss of a good friend.
Jim was to be inducted into the California Wrestling Hall of Fame in May, 2011 and he was thrilled to have been notified of this honor.
We will miss Jim. He was truly a gentlemen and a valued member of our executive committee.
Lynn Dyche
Director, CWHOF
Rick And Jackie Daniels
December 14, 2010
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
David Pacheco
December 13, 2010
Joan and Family,
I will NEVER forget all the bantering Jim and I had over the years. I particularly liked remiding him that I nor SCC had EVER lost to COR in wrestling. I don't think I ever told him I nor SCC ever wrestled them either. LOL. I am very fortunate to have known Jim. Roomed with him once or twice on trips as well. As sad as it is that Jim will not be with us as we knew him, he will always be in our memories and our hearts. We are so fortunate he had such a long and happy life.
matisse gholar
December 13, 2010
To Coach, thank you for the memories in japan. To the Sylvia family, thank you for sharing Coach. He was an amazing coach and a better Man.
Mark Martinez
December 13, 2010
Joan and family,
My heart goes out to each of you. Coach Sylvia helped shape my life and the lives of the many wrestlers he coached. With his help, I graduated from college, became teacher and a wrestling coach too. I will always carry fond memories of him and his antics both on and off the mat.
Maureen Slocum Bolton
December 13, 2010
Joan, Jon & Jan
So sad to hear of the loss of such a wonderful person who influenced and graced the lives of so many people. I count him as one of the major influences in my young life as a student & assistant to his wrestling program. He instilled too many things to list in my impressionable brain, things I will always be grateful for. Take care.
Lora Frediani Canzoneri
December 13, 2010
Mr. Sylvia was my Health Ed. teacher at COR in the Fall of 1971 when I was 17. I never saw him again, but I never forgot him. He was a very inspiring, dynamic educator. After almost 40 years, the positive impact that he had in my young life is still influencing me today. I wish his loved ones the comfort and joy of happy memories.
Ben Hawkins
December 13, 2010
Oh, Jimmy boy, what I would give to see your squinty-eyed smile and hear your giggle as we would pretend to wrestle one more time - both of us knowing full well that your protesting that this scrawny 150-pound weakling's attempt to pin you to the mat was a foolish impossibility. You were always a kind gentleman.
Moselle Ball
December 13, 2010
Dear Joan and Family,
I was very sorry to read of Jim's passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers. You and Jim had a wonderful long life together. During this healing time, those memories will be more precious than ever. Let all your friends and family help you. God Bless you.
Lila Bollmann
December 12, 2010
Dear Joan and family,
My sincere sympathy to you during this time of deep and profound loss.
May you find comfort in each memory of Jim.
December 12, 2010
Mrs. Sylvia, Jon, Joan and Family,
Please accept our most sincere thoughts and prayers at this time. There have been few people who have had such a positive effect on the world as Jim. Coach Sylvia will be remembered as a man respected for both his leadership abilities and his commitment to making others lives better.
Bill Morris
December 12, 2010
Our condolences to the Sylvia family at this sad time. It was my pleasure to teach with Jim at College of the Redwoods for twenty-two years and play poker with him at Hawkins' for almost as long. It was never a dull game when Jim was in it.
Bill Morris and Nancy Cornelius (Eureka, CA)
December 12, 2010
Joan,Jon, Jan & family, Our deepest condolences on the loss of your Husband & Father Jim. Our families lived on the same block on Pine Hill for as long as I can remember. I even babysat Jon & Jan when they were just toddlers. My prayers are with your family at this very difficult time. Respectfully, Polly Fuller & family ( Bollmann)
larry brown
December 11, 2010
I was a student in one of Jim's classes, really liked him.I would meet him on the street or in a store and he always said hello, a great guy.
" Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal."
Bill Hoopes
December 11, 2010
My condolences to you, Joan, and the Sylvia family at this sad time. I am very sorry for your loss. Jim will be sorely missed by his family and by so many in the community. I was fortunate to have known Jim first as my teacher at CR, later as a colleague, and then most importantly as a friend. When you get to surfers' heaven, Jim, waiting there will be your O'neil; the wave will be a Rincon right, warm and glassy and overhead, no one out except your buddies.
Keith and Peg Wheeler
December 11, 2010
So saddened by this news. Our best to Joan and the family. Jim will always be part of our memories of the early years of College of the Redwoods.
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