Jim Mortimore

Jim Mortimore

August 31, 1932

September 24, 2012

It's believed that many people see a bright light or a white tunnel as they pass on to whatever their next world consists of. It's unlikely our father saw a white light. Or a tunnel. Chances are he saw a marble-sized wooden ball with the number "1" carved into it. That's all he ever prayed for. When that small, well-worn "pill" fell into his fingers, he had in the palm of his hands first choice among duck blinds and a full day pass to the afterlife he enjoyed throughout his real life. Heaven to him - like so many other hunters - was little more than an hour away and you could arrive there without having to endure the inconvenience of actually dying. All you had to do was find a dirt road, lace up your boots, climb a mountain or load up the boat, pack up the decoys and head toward a sunrise that was still an hour away. Throw in your wife, your kids, some friends and a faithful Labrador and you had yourself a party. You had your own little heaven taken to a slightly higher level.

Jim Mortimore was born August 31, 1932 in Olathe, Colorado. He died September 24, 2012 in Verdi, Nevada. Between those bookends, Dad lived a life worth talking about. He moved to Sacramento when he was four and, in 1949, met a girl named Sheila at the Tioga Ski Club. They married in 1953 and within six years had four boys. An alumnus of the University of Colorado and graduate of Menlo College, Jim was an Eagle Scout, co-founder and past president of Reno Continental Little League, past president of Reno South Rotary, past president of Canvasback Gun Club, Shriners and Ducks Unlimited. For his kids and their friends, Dad built forts and basketball courts, packed ski jumps, pitched tents, baited hooks, told fibs, played pranks and made rafts from the behemoth tire tubes of behemoth trucks. He oriented our compasses toward all things wild and created adventures that are the dreams of every child.

But just as he found ways to sample heaven on earth, Dad was also blessed with the presence of his own personal angel: our mom. She's the picture of unconditional love and made so many of his moments possible. In July, Dad celebrated his 80th birthday with friends and his 59th anniversary with Sheila. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Edna, and grandson Andy. He leaves behind siblings Joel and Kathy, wife Sheila, sons Jeff, Craig, Scott and Kirk, a fine covey of grandkids and great-grandkids, and countless volumes of stories to be told.

A private celebration is planned. Special thanks to the caring staff at Saint Mary's and Vista Care and to the long list of people that Dad proudly called "friend."