1946
2025
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2 Entries
Michael L. Nonini
June 2, 2025
Memories of a Classmate
The early 60s gifted me a memory that will forever be etched in my mind-riding on a float, feeling the excitement of the moment. I was positioned just over the rear tandem axle, with my classmate on the outside. Then, suddenly, a loud crack split the air as the lumber beneath us gave way. In a terrifying instant, my classmate went over the side, right in front of the moving wheels. Instinct took over-we grabbed each other´s arms, and somehow, miraculously, managed to keep him from going under the tires. For decades, we laughed and marveled at how he escaped with nothing more than road rash from the pavement and tires.
The 70s brought our paths together once more when my career led me into the tire industry, and a classmate needed my help. As fate would have it, a tire dealer was needed to help bring a new idea to life-a product called Garnetread. My largest account, Wyatt´s Tire in Eugene, agreed to help, and soon, Garnetread recaps were produced. Being young and full of ideas, we weren´t too concerned when the garnets did an excellent job of eating the expensive spider gears in the account´s Orbitread Machine!
The adventures didn´t stop there-his tires even found their way onto a State Police Cruiser for testing on an ice rink. We proved Garnetread worked wonders on ice. However, we also confirmed that when you add water on top of ice, traction disappears altogether. Proof? That cruiser going straight through the rink wall.
The 80s saw our lives take separate directions, but our friendship remained. We continued brainstorming, scheming, and sharing long conversations over the phone at least a couple of times a year.
By the 90s, our conversations turned to life changes and career shifts. Somewhere along the way, we ended up discussing my dislike of buying cars-a topic that, unsurprisingly, led us to talk about gold. The best moments, though, were spent reminiscing about our families, marveling at life´s twists and turns, and laughing about how lucky we had been. You know, just good, old-fashioned classmate stuff.
The 2000s brought visits to Phoenix, where our tradition of breakfast at Chompies began. A great place to cheat on your doctor, though my classmate never strayed from his commitment to healthy eating. With every meal came a good-natured lecture about my dietary choices, always ending in laughter and mutual respect. We would lose track of time, caught up in conversations about automobiles, boats, mining, helicopters, and the undeniable blessing of having beautiful wives who supported our adventures.
But perhaps the best moment of all came last year-the gathering of classmates to celebrate each other and the families we had built.
We are all going to miss Jim.
Marla Lower Wentner
May 25, 2025
Jim was a wonderful human being, and was my classmate in our Wallace High School Class of 1964. He was always interesting, energetic and kind to all.
I was lucky enough to see him and have lively conversation during our last reunion two summers ago. Walk softly and gently, Jim. You are at rest now.
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