Jimbo, today is the 3 month anniversary of your death & I have yet to sign your guest book. I can not think of anything to say that I did not say at your service so I will put my written words that I read that day.
We became Jimbo & Dotties neighbors a little over 2 yrs ago. We immediately fell in love with the both of them & it was one of those relationships where you felt like you had known each other forever. Oh how so very lucky & blessed we became. Jimbo was, always so... Jolly Jimbo, we called him. I doubt there were very few days we didn't see & talk with them, even joining them for many special occasions, not just as neighbors but as dear friends. I remember one of the first things he ever said to me was I better not see you lifting anything during your move in, as he flexed his big muscles, & said that's what these are for!
We never know what tomorrow will bring or that any one of us will even be here, at least from this angle, as none of us are guaranteed tomorrow, and when a family member or a loved one dies, life as we knew it no longer exists. And this is certainly the case for Jimbo's wife, Dottie, who sits here today with a broken heart knowing of all the things she could have ever imagined this was never one of them. And the same for Jimbo's Mother, Tipsy, who also sits here as no mother should have to, and for all of us who were fortunate to have Jimbo in our lives & in turn in our hearts, all the way to the youngest one here, little 3 year old Kaia who comes every week-day & stays with me while her parents are at work, who goes to the window around 3:30 each day in anticipation of Jimbo & his bus returning home & waiting to hear the beep beep beep as he backs his bus in at the end of his work day all the while singing “The Wheels On The Bus Go Round & Round”, and still does this.... to this day and asks where is Jimbo & his bus? What do I say to all of you here today, who's highlight of the day is no longer? And especially to her who knows when something dies, and no longer works, all you have to do is get new batteries. If only it could be that simple.
As we all struggle to find new paths without Jimbo, find comfort in knowing he had a wonderful life. In helping Dottie with Jimbo's photos I was absolutely amazed at all their trips together, Italy, Germany, South America & all over the lower 48. I doubt there are many 46 year olds that have a photo album like his. My biggest amazement was the man never ever took a bad photo, every single one shows this big man with a big heart & an even bigger smile that are forever reflected in his pictures.
They say when someone passes they're in a better place. ......Jimbo I truly hope this is the case, however you were in a great place right here on Earth & I believe you are looking down & seeing all the broken hearts you left behind & how much love those hearts held for you and perhaps you are saying “What did I do?” Death is oh so very final. Unfortunately we can not turn back time. The past is the past & no one can change that, not even God. My hope & my wish is that all who knew you & loved you, each one in their own special way, will not let your death mar such a beautiful life & know we are all truly blessed to have known you & will remember all you were.
I would imagine we probably knew Jimbo the least amount of time as most, if not all of you here today. And knowing how much his life & especially his death has deeply effected us, we believe it's uncomprehendable the loss many of you must feel today, may you all find comfort in knowing time will heal what reason can not.
And now I will close with a poem..... author unknown
Not how did he die, but how did he live?
Not what did he gain, but what did he give?
These are the units to measure the worth
Of a man as a man, regardless of birth.
Not, what was his church, nor what was his creed?
But had he befriended those really in need?
Was he ever ready, with word of good cheer,
To bring back a smile, to banish a tear?
Not what did the sketch in the newspaper say,
But how many were sorry when he passed away.
May you rest in peace Jimbo
Charlie & Barbara Hill