James Gassaway

It's taken me a full year to begin to process this loss. Jim was such a great father-in-law to me and such a complex and amazing man. His love for his girls, his family and those he cared for was boundless and the universe is a darker place without him. In the intervening year since his passing, I have reflected on the time I was fortunate enough to spend with him, on the conversations we had in his shop at home, and on the laughs we shared. I will forever remember his smile, the sly look in his eyes when he was winding up to deliver a punchline and the giant, room-filling belly laugh he boomed out when the joke landed. There are too many memories to share here so I will simply say that I miss him dearly and that he will forever be a part of all of us who's lives he touched. God speed, Papa Jim. Love you forever.

Papa,

You were taken from us too soon. I miss your bear hugs, booming voice, and infectious laugh. Your unconditional love and pride in me and Rachel will always be a source of strength. Your larger than life presence, stories, homemade meals, hugs, and love live on through your family. We all miss you so much.

Your loving daughter,
Michele

This is a well written piece which truly reflects the Jim I had the pleasure of calling friend. Jim offered friendship during a dark spell in in my life and we ventured off starting solo operating machine shops at the same time. The "Expert Machinist" title is appropriate, I am grieving that we will not both be tinkering in our little shops during retirement. He has left quite a legacy with his family and in the machinist world. I will continue on training the next generation of machinists. Any apprentice I interact with will hear the stories of Jimbo!

"Jim, you were a special Brother! I am and will continue to miss our weekly Texas conversation on solving the "Nation's problems " It will always be hard to watch "Meet the Press " and "Face the Nation " without remembering you. I miss your closing words to me at the end of those calls. "Love you Sis " . Love and miss you Jim! Yvette

I truly love my brother and his spouse, Barbara. I look forward to meeting up with him again someday.

Miss you brother. You’ll be in so many peoples hearts forever. So many great memories!

Jim was a man who loved his family and showed it! He loved to tell stories and was very good at it! He had a memory like an elephant! You could listen to him for hours and not say a thing! He was interesting and entertaining! He was a funny guy,too! He and Barbara always made you feel at home when you visited! He also loved to cook! Seriously loved it! It was so good,too! He was a blessing to everyone! I thank God that he was my little brother and the wonderful memories he has given us! Joe and I will miss him very much! I loved him! See you in Heaven again my sweet brother! To the family, Barbara, we love you, you are our sister forever and the beautiful girls and their families, we can not wait to see you all again!!! Love you all!
Joe and Annette

Jim,was a great story teller and had a memory like an elephant! He loved his family and showed it! I loved listening to him talk! He was very interesting and entertaining! Jim was a great cook! He loved to cook! You could tell, he would tell you what he was cooking and explain each process as he did each step! He loved history,you could tell because,he was always reading! He also loved his music and knew everything about each person in the band and about each song! He was a funny guy! A fun guy! A man Joe and I loved very much! See you in Heaven, my brother! Thank you for being my little brother,you were a blessing from God!

Love and miss you and your big hugs, daddy. Rest assured Dave is still wrapping his arms around us.

- your peanut

Sending Love to Barb, Rachel and Michele (families) and all of Jim’s family in Texas.
I will miss this warm, funny, wonderful man that I have known as a cousin. Once Jim asked me if they had lighten bugs in Michigan with his Texas drawl. I said no we only have fireflies. I hope there are lots of lightnin bugs where you are. Grateful to get you in my life Jim.

I have lost the love of my
Life! I will forever miss You Jim!

One great dad and two not yet dads!

Thank you Barb, Rachel, Michele and David for these beautiful memories of Papa Jim. Jim’s love for Frances and Earl was so clear, and his firm conviction and sensitive masculinity are an inspiration to me. We miss him every day!