James P. Fahey

Jim was such a wonderful man who loved my grandma dearly. I will never forget his never ending smile, his sense of humor and how he always made me feel welcomed. I will miss you Jim. Have a Manhattan in heaven for me. Love Always Ashley Burns

My Uncle Jim (my mother's little brother) was the best, most charming, conversationalist I've ever known. He brought insight and humor into discussing virtually any topic, and his story telling was unmatched. And he also always took the time to listen, to take interest your life, a rare trait among extroverts of his caliber.

I can choose from a number of examples, but here's my favorite:

A number of years ago, when I was in town from Seattle for my little brother's wedding, I met Uncle Jim for drinks at a local bar a couple nights before the event. Among other interesting topics, (conversations with him were always layered and far ranging), I was lamenting the fact that I didn't have a date to the wedding. He promptly excused himself.
I thought he was just going to use the restroom but soon returned with the most beautiful woman in the establishment. He introduced her like he'd known her his whole life and proudly announced that she would accompany me to the wedding. He had apparently talked me up so much that she seemed a little disappointed that I wasn't a billionaire astronaut. But she spent the rest of her evening with us, mostly captivated, as I was, by my uncle's charisma. And believe it or not, she showed up at the wedding two days later and we had a blast.

I've never had a better wingman in this life and I'm pretty sure that will be true in the next life as well...