James Bishop

Another year, and still, and still missing you.

And still, and still, and always, I miss you.

I miss you every minute of every day now and forever.

It has been some years since I last saw Jim. I’ve spent much time thinking and remembering since I learned of his death, and I realize that, during those years, not one week has gone by during which I did not say or think about something he used to say or do. And so much of what Jim said and did in addition to making people laugh, had a profound and lasting impact on those around him. One of his phrases in particular, though very simple, has been of great value to me and other people in my...

Jim is my former brother-in-law, co-worker, and friend. He was a big part of my life for many years. I cherished his wisdom and his kindness. Looked up to his knowledge and insights. I loved him very much. He was Uncle Jim to my oldest daughter, Holly, with whom he freely shared himself and his love. My sister once told me she will never forget the look on his face when he once cared for Holly and Zac...Zac was an infant and VERY high-maintenance. Holly was two and a half...Poor Jim....Zac...

A FEW MEMORIES OF JIM

Playing football on the couch down stairs and rough housing as kids. Jim was always the smallest (because he was 6 years younger than Gary and I), but he got so tough he often gave dad a nosebleed every time dad tried to wrestle with him.

Hunting with Jim. This was always a humbling experience because Jim could shoot better than anyone else in the family, even Dad. But we did have many good times hunting together.

Jim water skiing on...

Jim was a force at the Wild Animal Park, where I worked with him for several years. I always enjoyed the days that Jim was there, he would always have stories or jokes to ease the sometimes palatable tensions that exist in any workplace. I will always remember his kind and somewhat mischievous smile. I hope his family and friends find comfort and strength from knowing that Jim will never be forgotten by those who knew him.

You always knew it right away when Jim walked into a room. His stature, energy, and occasionally relentless sense of humor made his presence impossible to ignore. With his insightfulness, life experience and expansive knowledge on a wide range of topics, there were few dull moments in my time spent working with Jim at the Wild Animal Park. Worried about the economy? Jim would have a number of stock trading tips for you. Going camping? Jim could tell you where the best fishing was. Bothered by...

I met Jim in 2001 when I joined the Lake Elsinore Unified School District as a District Nurse. He was one of the first people to offer genuine friendship and professional support, and I have treasured that friendship for the past 10 years. Jim possessed that amazingly rare quality of being incredibly intelligent AND asolutely real. The consummate professional, he was also able to see the humor and irony in any situation, and seemed to always strike the perfect balance between the two...