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James Thistle Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for James Thistle
Sponsored by one of the many lives Jim touched and changed.
patricia thistle
February 8, 2016
Hi ï was just scrolling and found the write up of your dad . So sorry for your lose .ï have lost both my parent. was just wondering if we are related
Arthur Cohen
August 17, 2008
To the Thistle Family,
At a recent funeral for the 92 year old mother of a friend of mine, the rabbi pointed out that "too soon was always too soon." That is especially true with Jim's passing.
I graduated with Jim at BU in 1964 at the School of Communication. While most of us were "playing" at radio and TV broadcasting, many of us were in awe that Jim was already "doing" it.
With his death, we are reminded how fleeting life can be, and that it is important to live every moment to it's fullest. Jim did that.
Those that knew him, worked for and with him, and those students he inspired and mentored were truly fortunate.
Gloria Gibson
August 9, 2008
Dear Thistle Family -
Jim was a "jewel" of a man. Gentle but strong, full of ethics and even an occasional song. He was my mentor, my boss, and my friend. Long before I became a primetime news anchor with Maury Povich as a co-anchor in Washington, DC, Jim trained me at WBZ-TV, encouraged me to ask for raises at WCVB-TV, and supported my overall growth. I was doing radio in DC when Jim called in late 1974 and said let's talk. I owe my TV career to Jim. He brought me on board in early 1975, made me the station's Education and Urban Affairs reporter... and the rest is history! My sincere condolences to you and yours. What a wonderful gift we had in knowing him. Thank you for taking care of him, for us, over all these years.
Bob Ryan
August 7, 2008
Jeanne and all of Jim's Family,
I was very saddened to learn of Jim's much too early passing. Few of us in broadcasting and broadcast journalism have the great good fortune to begin their career under a warm, gentle, thoughtful manager who forever will change our lives. Jim was that kind of manager and person. I had absolutely no experience but plenty of luck to be hired by Jim as the meteorologist for the short lived 10PM news on Channel 56 in 1969. Arch MacDonald anchor, Natalie Jacobson reporter, Bill Wheatly reporter, Jim Thistle News Director. It has never gotten better but it has always been fun, thanks to the early support and guidance of Jim. We last chatted shortly after the loss of another great broadcast journalist here in DC cut of the same cloth. I can imagine the scene now. . .Tim Russert approaches Jim. . . "Jim Thistle, I heard you were coming. . .wanted to meet you . . .let's talk about journalism."
We all miss you but how lucky we were to know you.
Laura Cafarelli
August 7, 2008
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Charlene Bert
August 6, 2008
Jeanne and family,
First, let me offer my most sincere condolences.
It's taken me this long to sign the book because I've been at a loss for words, although Jim would be shocked at that!
Like so many before and after me, I owe my career to Jim. He was my mentor at BU, was responsible for getting me hired at WPRI while I was still in school and then, again, went to bat for me when I went to WHDH while he was at the helm. He was also a true friend.
I was so young that I was unaware at the time of just how lucky I was to be under Jim's direction. It would not be until much later that I would realize how rare a gem Jim truly was.
His principled integrity has permeated every part of my life and has since I was 18 years old. I have clear memories of sitting in his office while I was a senior at BU, panicked because I was going through a personal crisis and I wanted to assure Jim that it would not impact my course responsibilities. He didn't care about the schoolwork at all. He only cared about my well-being. He was amazing.
He helped steer my career path and wrote a recommendation letter for me back in 1987 that I STILL keep by my side to this very day.
Whenever I'm stuck in a tough situation where I have to make a critical news decision, I often think to myself...'What would Jim do?'
If I succeed even half the time, I consider myself lucky.
Like so many, I attended Jim's funeral. I was struck by the tribute to a man who has touched so many lives both professionally and personally. He was so much more than THE consummate journalist. He was THE consummate man.
Now, that's a life worth living.
We'll miss you...and will forever be indebted to you Jim.
Jeanne, I hope you and your children find solace in the incredible impact your husband/father has made on the planet.
How many people get to say that?!
Thoughts and prayers are with you,
Hubert Jessup
August 5, 2008
Dear Thistle family, My deepest sympathies. I was at Ch 5--in local programming---when he was ND. He made our News best in ratings while keeping BEST ethics. We worked together on Pope's visit and Walk for Hunger, helping it grow greatly.
"Tune, tune your harps, From every pain and sorrow free, All is well, All is well" 1848 N.E. Singing School
Bill Ketter
August 4, 2008
Dear Jeanne and family:
Jim was a special human being -- kind, considerate, thoughtful and always passionate.
It was because of Jim that I decided to join the BU faculty in 2002 as chairman of the Journalism Department. He urged me to get involved in training the next generation of journalists.
During our time together at BU, there was no closer colleague or adviser. I could always count on Jim to provide calm and correct counsel.
Jim was the best nuts-and-bolts television journalists I ever met. Always concerned about fairness and accuracy.
You have my heartfelt sympathy during this difficult time. The memories of Jim will live forever.
Sincerely,
Bill Ketter
August 4, 2008
To the Thistle Family -
Sending sincere sympathy in your loss. We have lost one of Everett's best!
Chuck and Camille DiPerri
Everett, MA
Rhonda Barnett
August 3, 2008
Dear Jeanne, Jim Jr., Debbie and Liz:
Jim's decency and humanity added so much to the world's good karma. I am grateful to have spoken with him regularly over the past year, trading stories about our cancer treatment experiences and reminiscing about old times at Channel 5. When I left the station, he gave me the best advice I ever received: Keep your head below the foxhole (didn't listen to this), and, when you don't like what you are doing, and you don't like who you are doing it with -- get going. I did follow this recommendation, however, and he was right on. Life is short.
Thank you for sharing Jim with the rest of us. I hope the wonderful memories you have will help you though the hardest times.
With love
Rhonda Hasday (Barnett)
Melanie Morris - BU Class of 2008
August 2, 2008
Professor Thistle will always be remembered as a kind, smart, gentleman who loved the news and loved his students. May God rest his soul.
Christine & Martin Anderson
August 2, 2008
Our deepest sympathy to the Thistle family.
Victoria Thistle
August 2, 2008
Jim, you will always be in my heart.How well I remember your typing away on the old clumsy typerwriter in the wee hours of the morning and taking a break to play the guitar.I'll never forget your teasing me and standing up for me thrroughout our younger years, you were truly SunnyJim, as we called you, the bright and shining star. I will miss you tremendously,with love your sister Vickie
Patti (Schaub) Perkins
August 2, 2008
Jeanne and Family: I was away when I heard about Jim's death. How incredibly sad I am for all of us who lost a truly good man. I worked with Jim at Channel 4 and caught up with him last year at BU. I always enjoyed talking with him about families, news, "the business", etc. He will always be to me the most respected person in television - and one of the nicest human beings ever! I know he is enjoying peace and happiness now and for him, I am happy. For all of you, my deepest sympathy
Richard Kauff
August 2, 2008
To Jim's Family,
I was so saddened to hear of Jim's passing. My family was blessed to know Jim. He worked tirelessly every year to organize the annual student scholarship event in memory of my brother, Dennis Kauff. I was honored that he invited me every year to his office to give some input into the selection of the scholarship recipient. I looked forward to those annual meetings. I thought the world of him and I could see that his colleagues and students did as well. My family will always be thankful to him for going out of his way to keep my brother's name alive and we will always hold a place for him in our hearts.
Kerry Laurenza(Puopolo)
August 1, 2008
Jeanne, Liz, Spike and Deb,
I write this with a heavy heart. I have just found out about Jim's passing and I am truly so sorry for your loss. So many childhood memories came flooding back to me of such happy times like the many trips to gloucester, ghost stories in the attic and hearing his great folk songs while he practiced his guitar. It has been years since I have seen any of you guys but these memories are forever a constant source of happiness. May God bless you all during this time of sorrow and take comfort in knowing that Jim is never to far from you. His smile will never be forgotten and his memory will always live on.
Kathryn Perry
August 1, 2008
After hearing the two speeches at the funeral Mass this morning, We've never been so honored to have known Jim. Our three oldest children grew up with his children & wenever realized how much he did & how respected & loved he was by everyone else that worked & knew him. We both know how much he will be missed by all.
Kay & Al Perry, Everett, Ma
THe Sandorse Family
August 1, 2008
There are few times in ones life when someone leaves us and in doing so creates a void that is inexplicably sad. Jim was a friend, colleague and mentor to many of us in the Boston Broadcasting field and we all feel that type of sadness at his loss. He has gone to soon. Our sympathy and prayers to his family.
Steve Bellacqua
August 1, 2008
Jeanne
I want to express my sincere sympathy to your and your entire family. My wife, who reads the Boston Globe regularly, told me of Jim's passing. She knew that I had mentioned Jim's name often when sharing some of our school day memories. A lot of years have passed by but some memories remain vivid reminders of good times and good people. I recall a weekend spent with Jimmy at his Aunt's summer place in Gloucester when we were 13 or 14 years old. Until then I didn't know that Miss Cunningham, the 1st grade teacher at the Deven's School, was his aunt. I think "little Victoria" was there that weekend as well. I also remember that neither Jimmy nor I had our driver's license when we doubled to the Junior Prom ("Evening in Paris"....remember?) so we had to take a taxi to Blinstrub's Village Nightclub in So. Boston after the dance. Jimmy wore a plaid tuxedo jacket. He was a showman and confident communicator even then. The old Deven's School, Blinstrub's and now Jim are physically gone but the good memories remain in my heart. Jimmy was a good school pal of mine and it made me feel good when I heard that he had married another schoolmate who I remember as real nice girl...Jeanne DiNapoli.
Thanks, Jimmy, for the great memories!
Roberta Vitagliano
August 1, 2008
Dear Jeanne and family,
I was so saddened to learn of Prof. Thistle's passing.
Our thoughts are with you at this most difficult time.
Roberta Vitagliano
Reservoir Medical Associates
Kevin Starr
August 1, 2008
Liz, Todd and Family,
I was so saddened to hear about your dad's passing. Although I never met him personally, I feel honored to have gotten to know his daughter and hearing all of the wonderful stories about him as a man, a father and a friend. Clearly your dad has made an huge, positive impact on the community and on other people's lives. He leaves a great legacy behind with all of the people he has touched. I am sorry that I couldn't make the services as I have been out of town, but want you to know you are in my thoughts and prayers. All the best.
Love,
Kevin
Janet (Doyle) Arsenault
July 31, 2008
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. May God comfort you in your time of sorrow.
JOSEPH RYAN
July 31, 2008
REGRETTABLY, I CANNOT MAKE THE TRIP FROM THE CAPE TO THIS EVENING'S WAKE, OR TOMORROW'S SERVICES FOR JIM.
SO, IF YOU WILL PERMIT ME, I WOULD LIKE TO EXPRESS MYSELF HERE:
I HAD THE PLEASURE OF WORKING WITH JIM AT WBZ-TV/4. THEN LATER, WHEN I JOINED THE BBI GROUP (7 MONTHS BEFORE THEY GOT THE LICENSE TO OPERATE CHANNEL 5 (WHICH BECAME WCVB-TV). BEING VIRTUALLY THE ONLY "LOCAL" IN THE NEW MANAGEMENT AT THAT TIME, BBI ASKED ME TO HELP THEM SET-UP THE NEWS & PUBLIC AFFAIRS DEPARTMENTS.
FIRST OFF, THEY ASKED FOR A RECOMMENDATION FOR SOMEONE TO RUN THE NEWS OPERATION. THE ANSWER WAS A"N0-BRAINER." THE BEST BROADCAST NEWSMAN-EXEC IN NEW ENGLAND WAS JIM THISTLE. (AT THAT TIME I HAD 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN BOSTON/NY AS A PRINT JOURNALIST AND TV WRITER.) JIM WAS THE BEST!
LATER, IN 1979, WHEN I STARTED MY OWN MEDIA & MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS BUSINESS IN BOSTON, MY FIRST CLIENT WAS THE KENNEDY FOUNDATION'S DEDICATION OF THE JFK LIBRARY. THE SECOND EVENT WAS SENATOR TED KENNEDY'S PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDACY ANNOUNCEMENT FROM FANEUIL HALL THE ONLY PERSON I CONTACTED FOR HIS PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE WAS JIM THISTLE.
MORE THAN A GREAT -- AND RESPONSIBLE -- BROADCAST LEADER, HE WAS A SENSITIVE AND CARING HUMAN BEING!
I AM SURE I JOIN A MULTITUDE OF HIS PEERS,FRIENDS AND, OF COURSE, FAMILY WHO ARE TRULY SADDENED BY THE LOSS OF THIS WONDERFUL MAN!
SADLY,
Joe Ryan
Jamie Pschorr
July 31, 2008
To an incredible instructor and mentor, Professor Thistle you sure are one of a kind and will be missed. To your family, please find joy knowing Professor Thistle is responsible for the success of so many people.
(COM '01)
Melvin and Diane Taylor
July 31, 2008
Be Still
Be still like the grass on a melancholy summer day
Be still like desert shrub.
Be calm and you will hear your loved one speak, in the stillness, in the calm, their love resounds.
If you are still this promise I make, you will hear the voice of your loved one helping you along your way.
Arnie Reisman
July 31, 2008
For the family of Jim Thistle: He was already sorely missed. One of the last of his breed -- honorable, courageous, responsible, intelligent. A news man with a conscience. When I was a 22-year-old at Columbia J School, I came to WBZ for a week of field work-study and found myself learning from the master-in-training. Jim was also 22 at the time. Amazing. Time to stop the presses for more than a moment of silence.
Bob O'Rourke
July 31, 2008
To Jeanne and family: My deepest sympathy on the loss of Jimmy......I had the wonderful pleasure of working with Jim when I was press secretary to John Silber at BU back in the 80's. I hired Jim to be "media coach" for John.....tough job! He was a gentle giant. My prayers and deepest sympathy.
Paula Lyons
July 31, 2008
Jeanne,
What I most want people to remember about Jim was his incredibly strong sense of ethics. Yes, news stories under his watch, had to be substantive; but they also had to be fair. I, of course, owe my 25 year television career to Jim, who gave me, a young woman with no TV experience, a job in major market television. The years I spent as a consumer investigative reporter resulted in a number of ethical dilemmas. Jim was an invaluable resource in helping me and others sort those out wisely and fairly. I am only sorry I can't be with you this week. Please know that I am there in spirit and in prayer because Jim was such a special, down to earth, honorable, fun and inspiring journalist and man.
July 31, 2008
Dear Jeanne,
Rick and I as well as Rick Jr. were very saddened to hear about Jim. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Rick & Patti Frauton
Malden, Ma
Sherry Skalko
July 31, 2008
Being a student and intern under Jim Thistle prepared me for the real world. My most vivid memory from his Newsroom Management class was when he told us we'd have to cut our "staffs" ... over Thanksgiving break. That was 18 years ago. That's the kind of impression he left. My sincere sympathy.
Paul Perry
July 31, 2008
To Jean (Mom), Liz, Jimmy and Debbie. It has been a while since I have seen you all, but your impact on my life remains. You are all a great family and it was great growing up with you all. I know how much you will all miss Jim. He really was a special person.With Love Paul & Family
Carol Hardy/Price
July 31, 2008
Jimmy...
so sorry to hear the terrible news about your dad. I didn't know him, and I haven't seen you in almost 20 years. I saw the name, and it brought back memories of Star Market, and you telling me that your dad worked for the Channel 5 News.....My heart and prayers go out to you and your family.
Paul Black
July 31, 2008
I am honored to be able to call Jim a friend, mentor, colleague, and the best damn News Director I ever worked for... or maybe with is more appropriate.
Whenever the big stories broke Jim would be right alongside the team in the field, next to the directors in the booth, standing over a writer looking for the perfect ending to close out the story or even bringing coffee for those long nights waiting for the polls to close and election results to come in.
When I left CH 7 in 1991, an unsolicited phone call and recommendation from Jim was responsible for the opportunities that have taken me around the world since then. Boston has lost an example of how good local TV news can be and we've all lost a good friend. My deepest condolence to Jim's family and all the many friends who will miss him.
Michael Reedy
July 31, 2008
Dear Thistle Family,
Our Thoughts and prayers go out to you. Mr. Thistle was an excellent man one I try to emulate. The Reedy's wish you all the best. His passing is truly a loss to all the people he touched.
frank shorr
July 31, 2008
everything in my professional life and so much of my personal life i owe to jim....he gave me my first broadcast job back in 1979 and signed me to my first contract at CH7...he brought me to Boston University and saved my life at a time when i needed his friendship...the third floor, and everywhere he travelled, won't be the same without him..to the Thistle family, our thoughts are with you...
Phil Levy
July 31, 2008
Dear Jeanne, Jim Jr., Debbie and Liz,
Jim was the best of the best and Jeanne and I will miss him. He was not only the genius of television news in Boston, he was a true gentleman and an outstanding person.
He was my mentor and I will always be grateful for all he did for me. Being in his presence was something I will always cherish. He hired me three times. First at WBZ-TV, then at WCVB-TV and then at Boston University. I owe my career to him. I looked forward to going to work every day when he was there.
The world and the television industry has lost a truly great person.
Robert Carroll
July 31, 2008
Dear Jeanne & family, I'm deeply saddened to hear about your loss. He has touched the lives of all who worked for him and with him over his many years in the news rooms of Boston. God speed Jim. Love and prayers, Bob Carroll, Retired,WCVB
Georgann (Birarelli) Marino
July 31, 2008
Dear Jeanne and family..... My dad still lives on Cleveland Avenue in Everett and I think of you very often. I hope you remember me from years gone by (high school). I am sincerely saddened by Jim's passing and certainly know how proud you must be of how highly respected he is....
Georgann (Birarelli) Marino
Nikki Moccia-Thain
July 31, 2008
Dear Jeanne, I am very sad to learn of Jim's passing and of your loss. Although many years have passed since we've seen each other, I have often thought of you and your family. My thoughts of you will now be more often and filled with love and light to lead you through the challenging days ahead. Please let me know if I can offer support in anyway. With love and blessings,
Nikki Moccia-Thain [email protected]
Nick Mills
July 31, 2008
Jim was the gold standard in broadcast news, and in journalism education. He was my friend, my college classmate, and the guy who brought me into the faculty at B.U. twenty years ago, which changed my life in many good ways. Jim was the most thoroughly professional newsman, and the most humanistic -- warm, kind, sincere and ethical to his very core. He will be forever missed and long remembered, not merely for his considerable accomplishments but for the man he was. My heartfelt condolences to Jim's family.
Jacqueline Calnan
July 31, 2008
Even now, over 30 years since I last worked with him, and in a career other than TV news, I still draw upon all I learned from Jim in the 70s. He gave me a start in the business at WBZ, mentored me through some incredible years at WCVB, and lovingly kicked me out of the nest when I was ready to move on.
Jim's wit, passion for the truth, energy and humor are gone from us now, but his spirit lives on in those inspired by him - especially his beloved students.
My condolences to Jeanne, and to all of the Thistle family.
Gonca Sonmez-Poole
July 31, 2008
Dear Thistle family,
I want you to know that your husband/father/grandfather was the reason why I entered the world of Boston television back in 1983. I was his teaching assistant at B.U. and he was the one who led me to an internship at Channel Five. He was a wonderful teacher and mentor and will never be forgotten by this former student who owes him the lifelong appreciation of the rights and wrongs of television news. Please accept my deepest condolences.
Robert, Maryann D'Ambrosio
July 31, 2008
Jeanne & Family...We are deeply saddened at Jim's passing but we are sure he will light up the world in his next gig..Our thoughts, prayers and love are with you now..
Mark Wile
July 31, 2008
Thistle.
Like a rock star, he is often referred to by only one name. But he wasn’t a rock star. He was just an ordinary man with extraordinary talent.
Jim Thistle was a great teacher, journalist, boss and friend. He didn’t play the games and he was not a typical leader. He led by example and he inspired us to be our best. Many of us will say this; He was the best person I have ever worked for.
I remember telling him that I would walk through fire for him and he said he’d walk with me. The very first time we met, he complimented my work. I laughed and said, “You and I are going to be great friends.” And we were.
There is a Native American proverb that applies to Jim.
“He is not dead who lives in the heart of another.”
I am profoundly sad today, but Jim Thistle lives in my heart until it stops beating.
Joe Day
July 31, 2008
To the family and friends of Jim Thistle - You know what we all knew then and know now at this sad time, that Jim Thistle simply was the best. Nancy and I share your gratitude for his life and your grief.
Joyce Rogers
July 31, 2008
I am truly saddened by the loss of Jim, a dear friend. We worked together at COM for 27 years. I will miss his always kind and caring thoughts, and his lead guitar in the COM band. Jim was a wonderful man who will be greatly missed.
Jason Pallante
July 31, 2008
An amazing teacher and a great guy. I'm a better person for knowing you, Professor. We'll miss you dearly.
Laurie Jacques - Guiod
July 31, 2008
Deb, Mike and the entire Thistle family - Words can't express how sorry I am for the loss of you're father. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Janyce O'Neil
July 31, 2008
Dear Jeanne, Jimmy, Liz, Debbie and Family-
Where have the years gone? Awhile back I received an e-mail from Jim filling me in on all your lives. How well you have done and how proud he was of all of you.
Most of all I heard about his wonderful Grandchildren. Jim with Grandchildren??? I remember doing wheelies with “little” Jimmy…...going on amusements with Liz and Debbie! Now they are parents and Jim and Jeanne are Grandparents? Holy cow!
Jeanne, how much he loved you and his family. How he loved his boat. How he loved
Getting a “scoop” and getting right in the middle of a location shoot and story. From Elections to the “Tall Ships” to the “Papal Visit” to “everyday news” he loved every minute of it.
Anyone who has had their life touched by Jim is a far better person than they would have been without him.
The “BEST” in the business and the most “LOYAL” friend there could be through thick and thin.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
Love always,
Janyce (Rose) and Jim O’Neil
The Caggiano Family and Staff
July 31, 2008
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Michael Thistle
July 31, 2008
Jim you were the best brother growing up a younger brother could ever ask for. Thanks for the support and guidence throughout the years. I'll see you in heaven soon.
Love Michael
Matt Connolly
July 30, 2008
Jim Thistle was - above all other things - a friends who helped people. He had a poet's heart and a strong imagination. He is a superb credit to the field of communication. His newsroom is now filled with angels. God rest you Jim.
Ron Gollobin
July 30, 2008
Jimmy was the most decent man I ever met. He was an inspirational leader and had within him much fun.
Jeanne, Helen and I share your grief at his passing. We will not see his kind again in our lifetime.
David & Jill Teixeira
July 30, 2008
to the Thistle family, our deepest sympathy on your loss.
I worked at WCVB and well remember his leadership. a great man!
our prayers to you during this difficult time.
Marc Hamilton
July 30, 2008
The many years that have passed and a career that I've long since left do not cloud the fond memory I have of briefly working with Jim. It was a privilege to experience that little bit of time with him. My prayers and condolences to all of his family.
Janine Keller
July 30, 2008
Heaven will now be blessed with a good man and a great singer. Thank you to Jim's family for sharing him with us. Janine and the IC children's religious education program.
Toni Thomas Correale
July 30, 2008
Jeanne, my heart goes out to you and your family. I cant imagine IC or Everett without Jim. He was in every sense of the word a gentle man.
My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
Carol Nashe
July 30, 2008
Jim will missed by the many that he touched, not only in his field but folks like me. He was very kind to me when I lived in Boston.
My prayers for his family.
george moynihan
July 30, 2008
to the thistle family: i remember jim when he started at 'bz in the 60's. he was very special then and i admired and respected his continued devotion to tv news as we knew it then.my prayers are with him and all of you. george moynihan,nyc/rockport,mass.
Joan - Jack Gaff
July 30, 2008
Jean, so sorry to hear of Jim's death. My deepest sympthays to you and children.
Tara Mergener
July 30, 2008
Professor Thistle was my mentor and my friend. I will never forget his guidance and support at BU and throughout every phase of my career. Always honest, fair and kind. I am forever grateful.
Howard Rouse
July 30, 2008
Jim's family, so sorry.....I had many great years working with Jim at 5, He loved those political remotes but I will remember him as a manager who was aware that loyalty was vertical and extended down as well as up. God's rest. Howie Rouse, Framingham
Judy Kelley
July 30, 2008
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Lou Conrad
July 30, 2008
I'm going to miss Jim. He was the BEST boss I ever had. Jim's biggest strength was simply showing by example. He always worked the hardest, raising the bar for everyone else. Jim not only stood by his people, he gave them room to grow. One day he called me into his office and calmly told me I would be WBZ-TV's first Executive News Editor (Producer). What a surprise. I just couldn't believe it. And he gave me a free hand. I think I only met with him twice to discuss the day's lineup. All of those who worked with you Jim will fondly remember you forever. Thank you for being one of the best TV people in the country.
Paul Rich
July 30, 2008
To Jim's Family: I worked with Jim at Ch. 5. He was a fearless prince as a man....a fierce tiger as a newsman. Someone who absolutely made a difference in everything and everyone he touched.
Jim Smith
July 30, 2008
Jim Thistle is a giant in the broadcast news business. But his greatest legacy is the kind of person he was.
Thank you for everything you did for me Jim. It was an honor to work with you. May God bless you and your family. Rest In Peace.
Cousin Linda Ruggiero
July 30, 2008
Jim, Dawn & Boys,
So sorry for your loss. My parayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Lisa Thistle
July 30, 2008
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Garry Armstrong
July 30, 2008
To Jeanne, Family and Friends: In a business where words flow freely and sometimes without due consideration, those words today are both difficult and easy. Difficult because Jim leaves a huge void in "our business" where ethics and sentiment are often seen as relics of a bye-gone era. The words are also easy because Jim was a mentor, compassionate friend and, easily, the nicest person I ever called "Boss" in over 40 years in television and radio news.
Garry Armstrong,
Uxbridge, Ma.
JIM Caruso (SAVIO)
July 30, 2008
JIM
I am sorry for your loss, i got to know your dad back in the days when you were a Savio student. He was a great man who accomplished allot in his life. I know he will be missed by you and your family and my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family at this time.
God bless.
Liesa Healy-Miller
July 30, 2008
To Jim's Family: So sorry to hear of your loss. I knew Jim when I was just out of college, working at BU. His energy for guiding young broadcasting students was so impressive. His passion for his work, his life, and his family was evident every day. God bless you and take some comfort in knowing how many people loved and appreciated him, just as you did.
Mary Piedade
July 30, 2008
Professor Thistle was my most memorable teacher, not only because of his unmatchable knowledge, but because of the rare genuine concern and compassion he exhibited toward his students. Professor Thistle's encouragement extended beyond graduation and the mere idea of him served as my main inspiration working in the trenches of television news--the industry he loved with a passion. My deepest condolences to his family. He will always be in my heart.
--Mary Piedade (former BU student of Professor Thistle)
Louise McDonald
July 30, 2008
Thinking of you at this very difficult time, love and prayers.
Candy Altman
July 30, 2008
To the Thistle Family,
We are so sorry to hear of Jim's death. He was a mentor to both of us, as he was to so many in our profession. We are thinking of you at this very difficult time.
Candy Altman and Joe Bergantino
Karen & Robert Clickstein
July 30, 2008
Our deepest sympathy goes out to you and the whole family. Jimmy was and always will remain a cherished family member. I am proud to call him my cousin. My favorite memories are ones of Jim singing and playing the guitar every Christmas Eve at his Mom & Dad's house.
He will be missed.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time.
Ed Andre
July 30, 2008
I am proud to have known and worked with Jim at Channel 5. He was a truly professional News Director and will be missed.
Burt Peretsky
July 30, 2008
I extend my sincere condolences to Jim's family. I worked with Jim at Channel 5 in my capacity there as Director of PR, and I very much admired Jim's integrity, drive, and talent. He was universally respected as a journalist, and he will be missed.
VIRGINIA kirlis
July 30, 2008
My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
Karen Zimmerman
July 30, 2008
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Sukey Ryan
July 30, 2008
I know God wanted Jim because he was such a good person, loved by all, great personality and love for his family. He is one person who will be greatly missed by all. Please look down upon us and guide us JIm.
Vincent Ragucci Jr
July 30, 2008
Dear Jeanne and Family: Our hearts are heavy at your family's loss. Jim will be missed in the community as well as in TV. We will remembr him for his accomplishments as an Everettite. I am proud to have known him. Our love and prayors to your family.
George Sullivan
July 30, 2008
Jeanne,
I am sorry for your loss of Jim. I remember him not as the great journalist but as a kind and supportive husband to you, a man with a great sense of humor and tolerance for the odd friends you collected through the years like me. I hope you and your family will find strength in your happy memories of Jim and cherish them.
Marianne Ciarlone
July 30, 2008
you will be missed, your singing voice at the 9 mass each sunday you where our "fearless leader" Jim. I will miss our songs, our harmonies.The tapes that you gave the folk group will live on,you "old saloon singer you " No more singing train wrecks, no more changing the words,the church will be silenced forever. love Marianne
John Thistle
July 30, 2008
From his earliest days there was something special about Jimmy. He leaves this world a better place.
With our love and prayers.
Bea and John Thistle
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Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
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Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
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What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
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Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
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Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
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The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
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Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
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Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
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How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
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