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Jim Fleming Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Jim Fleming
Ann Freeman
November 5, 2006
I only met Jim in passing once on an airplane ride to Pheonix for the Fiesta Bowl. As a '77 UM grad, I remember Yama Yama from my days as a student, and always looked forward to seeing him on the sidelines. His exuberance and zest for the 'Canes were genuinely contagious; he could really get the fans going! He will be sorely missed.
Jim Robinson
August 23, 2006
I was reading the UM magazine yesterday and was shocked and saddened to hear that the UM family, and the Fleming family lost the "biggest mouth in the South". While he and I didn't know each other well, he was always outgoing whenever I ran into him, and always had a smile and a cheerful "hi" when we crossed paths on campus. He did more to change UM newcomers into UM family than anyone I knew. I am so sorry for the Fleming family's loss, as well as the loss of a true friend to the UM community. May God bless.
Jay Wilson
March 18, 2006
To Jim Feming's family,
I have been a fan of the Yamma Yamma man for as long as I can remember being a UM fan back to the 60's. I was fortunate enough to play for the Canes under Charlie Tate in the late 60's and early 70's for Walt Kichevski. No one could get the crowd gong any better than your husband, father, and kid but Jim Fleming. My son, Jim Wilson played on the National Championship team in 2001 and graduated with a BS and MBA in Biomedical Engineering. When I took him and his brother to the games starting in the early 80's, the Ibis and the Yamma Yamma man were our favorites. As former players and fans of the U, no one epitomizes the "Spirit" at Miami any better than your Dad. We will miss him at the games but we will always remember what he started for all of us as we share in the success of all of our Sports programs at Miami. Especially Football.
A Fan and Friend,
Jay Wilson
Class of '72
BBA Mktg
Yamma at the Peach Bowl
March 14, 2006
Yamma's Plate
March 14, 2006
Yamma's Cane Shrine
March 14, 2006
Patti Fleming
March 8, 2006
In Memory of a precious Bright Light that will never dim. My memories of me Dear big brother are forever etched in my heart as well as my soul. Jimmy and I shared a quiet bond known only by being the youngest and the oldest sibling in a large and wonderful array of personalities. Although we grew up in separate generations we shared a love that transcended the years. I will never forget his generous smile, his twinkling eyes and a laugh that could be recognized and heard from one end of our beach to the other. We love you so much dear Jimmy and will forever keep your memory alive. I am comforted by the knowledge that you are in Heaven right now with dear Dad telling jokes and laughing it up Big Time. I can just hear you two now...A Rabbi, a Preacher and a Priest walk into a bar.... God Bless you All. Patti
John Fenton
March 7, 2006
Jim and family,
It was an honor to spend time with Jim during last year's Peach Bowl Game and Parade. We will all miss the energy and enthusiasm and the love for our University that Jim displayed.
Tony Zeidler
March 6, 2006
I first met Jim during our school years 1964-68. As a fan of all UM sports I recall the contributions he made as cheerleader. We had some great victories over teams like Georgia, University of Southern Cal, and a 0-0 "win" over Notre Dame. Not to mention 2 OB victories over the gator. Jim was very much a part of those wonderful wins!
Later I met Jim several times when traveling to the Orange Bowl from my home in NY through the 80's and 90's. He was still the greatest Hurricane fan and hearing him lead the crowd broght back so many memories of my college years.
Finally I came back to South Florida and would see Jim at the games and other UM events. He was a tremendious representative of what a Huricane should be.
I want to send my thoughts and prayers to both his immediate and extended family. You can be very proud of who he was and what he will always be to all Hurricane fans.
James McCall
March 6, 2006
Jim,
You will be sorely missed ! I am glad that I had the privilege to meeting you when you were here in Atlanta.
James
ps. Tell Jerome we all said ,"Hi"
Paula Garfinkel
March 5, 2006
Dear Charlotte and family,
Randy and I were stunned to hear of Yamma's passing, and hold you in our hearts at this difficult time. Jim was a dedicated husband, father and friend who will be sorely missed. I will treasure the Fun Bunch memories we shared, especially the late nights on the beach with Mr. Buffett.
Joe Albert
March 5, 2006
I was shocked to learn of Jimmy's passing, from Student government to the paper to the football games to even the order of the arrow I will always remember Jimmy's paasion for the Canes, "Yamma, Yamma, will live forever, have peace and when you get to chat with St Peter, teach him a few cheers too....................
Craig On
March 4, 2006
Jim,
The University of MIAMI, the old Orange Bowl and the rest of the Orange and Green Nation will miss a great fan, a great person, a great man. Rest in peace, Yamma Yamma. We will miss you but never forget you.
And one thing we know for sure... GOD has just become the #2 MIAMI HURRICANE fan in Heaven!
"SKIT, SKAT...Now how 'bout THAT! ...LET'S GO CANES!"
Ron Saracino
March 4, 2006
Yamma, You were a great fan and always a pleasure to be around.
The Hurricane Family lost a legend
YOU WILL BE MISSED.
RIP
Ron Saracino(AKA:Phantomcanes)
Ray Ciafardini
March 3, 2006
I am shocked and saddened by Jim's sudden passing, but know that as of last Monday, heaven is a much more spirited place. To me, Jim will always be the true "spirit of Miami U".
DrTony Sabatasso
March 3, 2006
I have listened to Jim Fleming when we both attended the U during the dark and hard days at Miami..He was the greatest living example of the Hurricane spirit..I say SKit Skat How BOUT That..when I met Jim for the first time live he did the cheer..I Taped it! and on the spot he converted a "wanna be fan" to a Hurricane Fan ;Hurricane Betsy...I vow as of this writing to never ever let that cheer die..here's to You Fleming.. I said Skit Skat we'll be back!
ken mc mahon
March 3, 2006
Dear Charlotte and the rest of the Fleming family,
My heart and prayers go out to you and your family in this time of need. The world and our UM family has lost a very special person as well as the canes #1 fan. I personally will miss seeing and talking to him at every home and away game. #34 Jim "AKA YAMMA YAMMA" FLEMING U r spirit will always live on.....god bless
Henry Barrow
March 2, 2006
Jim was one of a kind. We shared many enjoyable moments together. Those moments are a treasure to me. While I was broadcasting Dolphins football I donated my time to announcing the Band of the Hour halftime shows at the orange bowl and Jim always seemed to be there. As time went by and our college days moved more to the distant past, I always enjoyed homecoming games and the chance to hug and chat with Jim. The last game of the past season was the last time I saw Jim. He was his usual self, exciting and caring. Remembering everything about me and my wife Sandy. Jim never forgot any thing or any body he considered a friend. Sandy and I treasure being a friend of Mr. Hurricane. Jim's love of the Band of the Hour and the band's love for him will not dissapear. He will always be in our heart. Jim...we will continue to shake that green and white, and when we do we will always think of you. Bye Buddy.
David and Donna Weston
March 2, 2006
Jim embodied the spirit of UM. As students and Alums, Donna and I looked forward to seeing him. He will be sorely missed.
Mike Ellzey
March 2, 2006
Though I never met Jim Fleming, I felt like I was getting to know him. I am good friends with his brother Jerry, who recently moved back to Florida to be with his brother and serve as his campaign manager for the upcoming election. I had occasion to talk to the Fleming boys on a number of occasions during the startup of the campaign. I think there was a higher purpose in Jerry's return to be at his brother's side. God Bless Jim Fleming's family and friends.
Therese Fleming
March 2, 2006
Dear Friends,
I followed my big brother everywhere, including to UM, where he earned the moniker "Biggest mouth in the South". If anyone ever embodied the Hurricane spirit, it was Jim. The world is much too quiet now. I have some great videos of Jim leading the cheerleaders on to the field, carrying the hurricane flags, and whipping the cane fans into a hurricane force frenzy. Everyone please join me in a final farewell, at the top of your lungs in Jim's immitable style *I said skit-skat, well how 'bout that!!!!"
John Dannelly
March 2, 2006
I was saddened to read the Herald obituaries and learn the University of Miami and Canes alumni had lost an extraordinary friend. He was a wonderful asset to the UM community. Although we were students in the UM School of Business at the same time I never met Jim. I earned my degree as a part-time evening student and did not participate in the traditional campus life of a full-time day student. But, like everyone attending UM games in the Orange Bowl, we enjoyed and loved our Yamma Yamma. When I took my sons, and years later my grandsons, to UM games in the Bowl, I always pointed to Jim on the sidlines and remarked "That is Yamma Yamma, he was a cheerleader when I was a student". And, when my South Carolina friends were in the Bowl for a Canes vs Gamecocks game, they were thrilled with the obvious joy and spirit of the "older cheerleader".
My thoughts and prayers are with the Fleming family. Canes fans everywhere share your loss.
John Dannelly
Robert Mann
March 2, 2006
UM Games will never - NEVER be the same. One of the longest traditions in our short history has come and gone. For those of us who were fortunate enough to have met Jim even briefly will always remember his love of UM football and life. My hope is that he and JB have found each other in the great beyond and that their cheers will be heard loud and clear. My wife and I will always be shaking orange, green and white - but now with a little tear and a remembrance of a wonderful man.
William Brickman
March 2, 2006
Jim will be a surley missed CANE. His passion for being a Hurricane and part of nothing but success and fun over the past 40 years will never be forgotton. Our sympathy and deepest respects for Jim's family. May he rest in peace as a Cane forever. Our prayers are with him and family.
Pedro Basnueva
March 2, 2006
Jim (Yamma)
You will be sorely missed. Our UM family has been left with an unreplacable void. Our prayers are with with Miss Charlotte and the entire family
Pedro.
CAROL MCBRIDE
March 2, 2006
I was very saddened to see the paper this morning listin the death of YAMMA YAMMA! Although we never met him personally, as a child I went to the UM games and watch George Mira SR play and remember seeing a guy cheering on the sidelines. Then in my grownup years we went to a few bowl games. One in particular was us vs whoever in the Sugar Bowl. We were all gathering at, I believe, Fritzells waiting to hear the new cheer from YAMMA YAMMA! I cried for your entire family. Please rest assured that on Sunday Mass I wouldn't be surprised if at the end of the mass The Priest says "In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, amen, YAMMA YAMMA, Our prayers are the you all. Love the McBride, Steele and Smaleck families
Sue Sponnoble
March 2, 2006
To Trez and Jim's entire family,
Deepest sympathy to Jim's family. He was a true gentleman. I will treasure our friendship forever.
Sue Sponnoble
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