James Himes

I extend my deepest condolences to the family and friends of James Himes. He was the heart of the CVM, and dear to every student, employee and faculty that knew him. I remember waiting for the letter that would eventually admit me to the DVM program. I saw Dr. Himes on the sidewalk and when he smiled and waved, I knew I had been accepted. The letter itself was merely a formality.

I hereby honor a great man, and an even greater friend to all.

My father, Bob Clements, and I extend our sincere condolences to the family and close friends of Dr. Jim Himes. Dr. Himes was an advocate and mentor for so many aspiring veterinarians. He knew just what to say and how to help, regardless of the circumstance. And you always knew he cared. He took me seriously, even as a 7th grader who wanted to follow in her dad's footsteps. We are all fortunate to have known him.

Celeste Clements, Class of 89

Dr. Himes was one of the most personable individuals that I've ever met. He always made one feel special with his amazing ability to remember a name and face even after just a brief encounter. I was fortunate to have met him 4 years before entering vet school as an employee at the CVM. He was always an inspiration - someone that was clearly dedicated to the people and animals in his profession. He will be missed.

How worried I was about ever possibly getting in to Vet School as an "older student" and after having been out of the college study mode for so long. But clearly it was not a concern for Dr Himes who counseled and encouraged me through the whole process. All through Vet school it was the same, he was always someone you turned to when you hit a bump in the road. I am forever grateful for his calm demeanor and encouraging, "no problem" attitude to life's challenges. He will always be...

Like so many other UF DVM alumni, I will miss seeing Dr. Himes at the various veterinary gatherings around the state. For many years, he attended our local association's student scholarship awards dinner in conjunction with our Christmas party. Yes, he did enjoy a good party always! He was all that everyone has mentioned: kind, cheerful, encouraging, generous-hearted, loyal, helpful... and he remembered everyone as a significant person. My condolences to his family and to those of you at...

I will miss Dr. Himes and my sincere condolences go out to his family. The world will feel a little smaller for a while. What a great mentor! He has set the standard for all of us to emulate.
Class of 1995

I met Dr. Himes in 1974 when I was enrolled in his undergraduate physiology class. Later, in 1976, he interviewed me for admission to the charter class. I will always remember him as one of the top educators and counselors that I ever met during my pre veterinary and veterinary education. He was the heart and soul of the CVM and a rare individual that comes along once in a lifetime. My condolences to his family. We have all suffered a great loss.

Words really cannot express the loss that our veterinary family has suffered; not only those of us that knew and loved Dr. Himes, but those future students that will never have the privilege to know him as a friend and mentor. He was always the first (and many times the last) person that we would see at social gatherings, and I know that his spirit will never fade. Thanks for the memories!

Jim was an amazingly warm and genuine human. The eyes are the window to the soul, and his eyes always showed his warmth, his caring, his intelligence, and...that impish glint. Always and for everyone. Just being close to him was a sigh of relaxation. One in a million. Thanks Jim. I share the warm thoughts and love of him felt by so MANY who enjoyed time at the UF Vet school.