James McKenzie Laing

I was Jim's client contact for 9 of the 15 years he worked with Learning Strategies. Jim was more like an employee than a vendor. He never stopped at the receptionist's desk – just walked right in to my office. I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. We even named one of our office laser printers after him – “The Lainger” – it was called and will be called forever.
I fondly remember the “Cagney and Lacey” episode – my name for it. Jim hadn't returned my phone call for a day or two. So, two of us ladies from the office decided to go to his home and see what was up. Back in the office – Pete was calling hospitals trying to find him. He found him at the hospital. We were so relieved. Like I said – he was very special to us.
I have so many memories. He was such a kind soul and he loved you all so much. God bless.

I was one of Jim's print vendors for over 20 years. Originally Jim made the long drive over to St Paul to drop off "camera-ready art" and his handwritten purchase orders. Over the years as technology made that trip unnecessary, Jim came anyway, just to keep us on our toes. (-: Jim and I swapped stories and family news through the visits. He was so proud of his kids, grandkids and their accomplishments. He was one of the first to pay his printing invoices with credit card...banking those frequent flyer miles for trips to see his kids. He loved sailing and history and direct mail. His various plaid pants are legendary around here. He never had email or a cell phone, which would have been so handy when we were working together, but embraced technology after his retirement. Jim was a warm and wonderful guy and will be much missed by all who knew him.

Jim,

I regret that we couldn't present you with your 82nd carrot cake this year. I know you are in a better place now, however, full of carrots, cakes and all the other things you admire. Some of us aren't far behind you and hope to meet up with you again. You will be greatly missed in the meantime.

Jim Moffet

With a few days having passed since the last time I saw Jim at our weekly Friday lunch get-together at Maynard's, it's finally dawning on me that I will never have the pleasure of seeing Jim again. We shared lunch and coffee twice a week for the last 5 or 6 years. I always looked forward to those days, partly because I enjoyed Jim's great spirit in dealing with serious health issues, his great love and fun in talking about the good old days that we had as '49ers and after. He loved sharing his interest in and knowledge of Naval history from the time frame of the Revolutionary War through WWII. Jim had the courage to tackle the job of learning how to use his iPad in order to communicate with his kids and friends, as well as to surf the Internet. He did this in spite of having no previous computer experience - a task that most people of his age wouldn't have had the courage to attempt. Tuesdays and Fridays will never be quite the same for many of us without the presence of Jim. I think that he is in Heaven discussing naval strategy with John Clerk, one of his ancient naval British heros.

Hey Jim - don't forget your cap!

With fondest memories,
Dave Odell

Jim was a steady attendee at Fitness 19 and his calm presence and stick to itedness will be missed there. Great role model.

My condolences to Jim's family. I only knew Jim for a few years as part of the coffee group and our lunches at Maynards on Fridays. You had to love the guy with his wit and the ever present little notebook that I am sure he is reading to the good Lord as we speak.
Smooth sailing Jim you will be missed.
Dale

I will miss your good humor and curiosity that added so much to the old farts coffee sessions.