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James Kaplan Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for James Kaplan
April 26, 2005
To My Beautiful Brother Jimmy,
I laughed with you
I cried with you
I sang with you
I played with you
I gazed at the stars with you
I shared the sunshine with you
I confided in you
I hugged you
I smiled with you
I danced with you
I feel so blessed and I cherished
every heartfilled moment with you
Love Always,
Louise
April 26, 2005
Jimmy,
Today is your birthday and we miss you so much. You are in our thoughts everyday and we feel your smile, your warmth and your love encompassing us.
Your Loving Family
Shirley Kaplan
April 26, 2005
Happy Birthday Jimmy
You are in our hearts always
Love,
Shirley, David and Sara
Shirley Kaplan
October 28, 2004
Go Red Sox! Isn't it ironic that they should win the World Series after Jimmy has passed and all those years he rooted for them and they did not win. I think someone up there pulled some strings. If I know Jimmy he is having a good time meeting all the sports figures from the past that are no longer with us. I like to think so.
Shirley Kaplan
August 22, 2004
Last night David's band put on a benefit show along with several other local bands in Ft.Lauderdale at a local night club. The benefit was in Jimmy's memory and the money raised was donated for research projects at the H.Lee Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida. The bands donated all of their proceeds and worked for free so that this could be accomplished. I am so proud of David and the other band members that they would honor Jimmy's memory in that way and try to do something positive that could lead to helping other people stricken with cancer.
Marilyn Dorfman
August 17, 2004
Dear Shirley,
The cousins got together this weekend in Boston and Jimmy was in all our minds and hearts. We think of you with love,
Maril
Deena and Len Segal
August 15, 2004
In Celebration of the Life of James Martin Kaplan
The Measure of a Man
Not "How did he die, but how did he live?"
Not "What did he gain, but what did he give?"
These are the units to measure the worth
Of a man as a man, regardless of birth.
Not "What was his station, but had he a heart?"
And "How did he play his God given part?"
Was he ever ready with a word of good cheer
To bring back a smile, to banish a tear?
Not "What was his Temple?
Not, "What was his creed?"
But, "Has he befriended those really in need?"
Not "What did the sketch in the newspapers say?"
But "How many were sorry when he passed away?"
Anonymous
Leslie & Bob Katzberg
July 23, 2004
To Jerry, Alison & the Kaplan family,
Jimmy sounds like he was a wonderful person, and you are all blessed to have had him in your lives. Although his time on earth ended too soon, he seems to have achieved all that is truly important in life and he will continue to share your love in eternity. Our thoughts are with you at this time.
Leslie & Bob Katzberg
Shirley Kaplan
July 10, 2004
I met Jimmy on a blind date set up by our friends Debbie and Steve. I remember telling Debbie how cute I thought he was and I remember her telling me not to keep beating him at ping- pong or he would never ask me out. Well I guess he didn't mind me beating him at ping- pong because we ended up dating for 3 years and being married almost 27 1/2 years.
I remember a funny story about the day we brought our daughter Sara home from the hospital. My hormones must have been kicking in pretty good as they often do when you are post partum. I started to cry and Jimmy asked me why I was crying. I told him I thought we might have taken home the wrong baby. He said rather upset isn't this the baby they've been bringing you everyday to nurse? I started to cry even more and said I'm not sure. She doesn't have her ID tag on. Jimmy was just about to call the hospital when he noticed that she also did not have on her baby booties which she had been wearing. He looked inside them and there was the missing ID tag. He never let me live that down. I remember leaving Jimmy with the kids
for the day when David was around 5 and Sara a year old. When I got home the house looked like a tornado had hit and the kids were dressed in mismatched outfits but they were all having a good time laughing and playing. Jimmy is a wonderful husband and father. Too often he would go without a new pair of shoes or a new suit and never once let us go without something we needed. He never wanted me to go back to work when the kids where small and took upon the burden of supporting a family on a limited income which was not easy. We were blessed in so many ways that money can't buy. We felt as long as we had each other everything else would work out and it always seemed to. I have known the Kaplans for over 30 years and they are my family. It is comforting to know they feel the same way about me. Jimmy will live on in all our hearts. The hardest thing for me is trying to think of him not being by my side for the rest of my life but in my heart I feel that he somehow will be. I know that when he looks down from heaven he will be proud of us and happy that we are going to go on with our lives.
Our family will never be the same without him physically here but the love will always be there.
Tiffany Joy Rogers
July 4, 2004
dearest uncle jimmy-
i thank you for enriching my life. your family values, gentleness, compassion and non-judgemental ways are gifts from you that i will always treasure. i hope that Burk and i can bring as much wealth to our family as you have to yours.
you accepted me throughout all my creative ways of life and i appreciate your true interest in wherever i was headed. i am continually blessed having all of the memories of you in my heart. you are missed deeply and cherished always. our family is different now, but forever richer to have had many wonderful days with you. may you only be in peace knowing you are surrounded by so much love.
to live.
to go.
to grieve.
to remember.
to cherish.
to love... always.
you are an amazing man. you have created a incredible family and with their devotion your legacy will live throughout each one of us until the day we join your side again.
all my love, your niece- tiffany
Wendy, Larry, Bobby, Bonnie Grant
July 1, 2004
We met Jimmy and Shirley when we were both newly married couples. I had just moved into our new house, looked out my window and saw Shirley lying next door in her backyard. I walked next door to introduce myself and saw she was pregnant for the first time.(I also wanted to start a family) Since that day our lives became intertwined. I was with Jimmy and Shirley during her labor with David, at his first check up, then came my son, then Sara, then my daughter. Our two families got to grow up and share all the wonderful moments together, birthdays, bar and bat mitzvahs, anniversaries, etc. Jimmy was a wonderful next door neighbor and a wonderful friend. I feel like he and the Kaplans are part of me and my family. Jimmy was very special and we will miss him with all our hearts and think of him daily. We love you Jimmy ( and all the Kaplans).
Bernie Leibov
June 28, 2004
As years go by we tend to take for granted the people we enjoy being with, talking to, working with and we tend to think of them as permanent fixtures and indistructable. But, the best plans of men sometimes get into trouble when God gets involved. We never know how much we'll miss someone until their no longer around. We truly will miss Jim. Jim and I had such great plans such great dreams. I know he was looking forward with the same enthusiasm as I had.
It would be hard not to have enjoyed working with Jim. His personality offended no one, it was easy to be his friend. I hope I was able to inject even a little happiness into his life as he always was pleasing to others. We miss him greatly and pray he is enjoying his well deserved place in Heaven.
Love Bernie
Cheryl & Hy Kranowitz
June 26, 2004
Dear Shirley, David and Sara,
When we think of Jim we recall all the fun times we had together. One story that stands out in Hy's mind is this one.
On one of their annual trips to Tampa Hy convined Jim to take a ride during lunch to St. Petersurg to get tickets to a Met exhibition game the next night. As they reached St. Petersburg the gas peddle on the car broke. Lucky for them they were at the top of a hill and at the bottom was a gas station. They coasted right in easy as pie. One problem, because the car was a rental, the gas station would not touch it. They called the rental company in Tampa and they would send a new car in a few hours. It was hot, they were hungry and had no where they could go. There was a small grocery store next to the gas station so they got a few things and made lunch in the car. They decided to start the car so they could put the air conditioner on. They kept the car running and the air conditioning on until the replacement car came, about 3-4 hours later. With nothing else to do,they devised a contest to see who could blow the most spit balls into the air conditioning ducts. This was not as easy as it sounds since the air was on and it was blowing the spit balls back at them. Hy honestly doesn't remember who won the contest but if they need a new event for the olympics they may have invented one for them. Finally the replacement car came. They rushed to the stadium and got tickets just before they closed. Oh yeah, they never got back to the client that day. Jimmy was a good friend and will always be remembered in our hearts.
Harry and Mary Ann Rekas
June 23, 2004
With deepest sympathy to the Kaplan Family. Harry and Mary Ann
Debbi Laatz (Harshman)
June 20, 2004
Dear Shirley, Sara and David:
When my dad called me to tell me that Jim had cancer, I could hardly believe it. He wasn't the type of person to get sick like that. I just assumed that he would get better. It is unbelievable to me that he died. I am so sorry.
He was one of those people who was just nice to everyone. He never got mad, and he always gave freely of his time. He treated everyone with respect. He was a soft spoken guy who just seemed to be completely at ease with himself and with life around him.
I remember talking to him on the day of his 25th wedding anniversary. You could just tell that he was still so in love with his wife and that his kids were his favorite people in the world. I had just gotten married and I remember thinking that I wanted to be 20 years down the road and still have what Jim and Shirley had.
Sara, I remember you at your Bat Mitzvah, or maybe it was David's Bar Mitzvah. You were dancing around and so happy. Your dad was so proud of you. I told him you looked like that girl in Karate Kid. It was just amazing that you used to be so quiet and here you were, this beautiful girl just whooping it up. He had tears in his eyes watching you.
I am so glad that I got to know and work with Jim. He was a great person, a total gentleman, and a kind soul. Plus, he was just so smart. Any computer question or math problem, you knew he had the answers.
I am so sad for you guys, but you know, you were totally blessed. You are so fortunate to have had such a wonderful man in your family. He touched a lot of people's lives and we are all better for it.
Debbi, Dave, Sara and Christopher Laatz
Heather and Jerry Grossack
June 20, 2004
We did not know Jimmy Kaplan very well from personal contact. We know him only from the admiring and respectful words spoken by his brother George and family. There is always a warmth and a heartfelt sincerety that comes from a Kaplan. We cherish knowing the George Kaplans and wish we had had opprtunity and the honor to know Jimmy Kaplan as a friend too. George,Meryl,Charlie,Ruthie,Shirley ,Jerry,Allison,and Louise
Jerry and I wish we could have stood shoulder to shoulder with you in Florida as you saddly said goodbye to Jimmy. We support you and share your grieving heart. Our deepest condolences to you all.
Jenifer Thibodeau
June 20, 2004
I am sorry for your loss...I have know to many people who have past away. To the family : Be strong!
GEORGE KAPLAN
June 18, 2004
6/18/04
My Dearest Brother Jimmy,
It has taken me a while to reflect back and to share some of my thoughts.
I suppose my love and bonding began on April 26, 1953. I was so excited to have a baby brother. A brother who would always look up to me, as I always looked up to my older brother, Jerry.
Jim, you being the baby, we all wanted to care for you. You were so cute all 9 lbs. 6 oz, sitting there in your baseball suit, cap on head, bat and ball in your hands. Well, you grew up to be the tallest of us all. Not only in stature, 6’4”, but in so many other ways too.
You grew up to be a man of great character, a kind person, a terrific brother, dedicated son, adoring husband and father and caring uncle.
As we both grew in life, we seemed to share a special bond. Our wives always said we were so much alike.
We shared many things together. I remember when you were about 9 or 10, me 17 or 18 and Mom and Dad were away. I was left to look after you and Louise. Well, a typical New England snowstorm occurred and during the storm, a tree fell across the driveway. I dragged this little guy outside, snow up to his waist, to help me remove the tree. We borrowed this huge saw and the two of us on either side of the saw, cut up the tree. We were outside for hours and you were so proud that we cleared the driveway so Mom and Dad could get back in. Years later, we laughed about that huge storm and the tree cutting experience only wishing we had an electric saw and a snow blower!
I recall another great incident around the time of David’s Bar Mitzvah, during one of our many trips to Southern Florida. You wanted to get David a basketball hoop and pole. We went from store to store to find the “perfect” one. We dragged it home along with bags of cement and tackled the task of installation. You questioned my ability to install the pole, pouring the cement saying – “Will this thing stay up?” I remember saying that the pole will be here long after us – I only wish that wasn’t so.
Jim, you were not only my brother, but also my best friend. As our lives progressed, we lived many miles apart but only a phone call away. We spoke often, almost every day. You always had time for me – whether at work or home enjoying your kids and family.
You were always into computers and finally convinced me to “get with the program” and buy a computer. Well, now it was my time to really look up to you. You became my “tech support” a special name I called you. I’d constantly click on the wrong buttons and you were always there to undo my mistakes – sometimes staying on the phone for hours – never complaining that I was taking you away from something that you wanted to do. I can still hear you laughing when I told you that one of my friends calls me to be his “tech support”.
I find myself wanting to call you Sunday mornings after looking at the flyers in the Sunday paper, to discuss all the “freebies” we could get!
I’ll miss our computer cribbage games we played on-line till all hours of the night. Then teaching my son Michael to play, so he could join in our competition.
I’m in sales, driving thousands of miles a year. What I’ll miss most during those long boring highway trips is shooting the breeze with you about sports, our kids and other brotherly stuff.
Funny how life is, here I always wanted a brother to look up to me and it was always me looking up to you – for your love, support, knowledge, your courage as an individual. I’ve learned from you, my little brother and my best friend, how to have courage, strength and understanding. How never be judgmental, be caring and to show kindness to all.
I was so very blessed to be with you during your final days. To tell you that “ I love you brother” and you, Jim, being able to tell me “ I love you too” along with that great smile.
Your spirit will live on forever with all of us.
“I miss you more that words can express.”
George
Richard Kaplan
June 17, 2004
My thoughts are with all of you at this time of loss . I hope the time of grieving goes by quickly as He would want it to, and life can go on for all of you, it won't be quite the same without him.
Love
Richard
George Ellice
June 17, 2004
Jerry and Alison,
We are very saddended to hear of your loss.Although we did not know James,we are sure that he was a wonderful person.Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this most difficult time.
Wendy and Jack Bellavance
June 16, 2004
Dear Jerry,
Sincere condolences to you and your family. Our thoughts are with you at such a sad time. Best, Wendy and Jack
JOHN TANNER
June 15, 2004
I thought of more things about Jim.
When I first moved to the Lauderhill area, Jim went out of his way to show me the quickest way home from the office. It was a zigzag route, and varied depending on the time of day (or night during tax season).
He gave me the name of his lawn service guy, and told me how much trash the trash people would take (as opposed to the amount in the guide). All just simple little things that made my life easier.
He didn't speak ill of anyone. Looking back, everyone else I had ever worked with had something negative to say about their relatives (especially in-laws). Not Jim.
Jim had a very dry sense of humor.
His nickname for me was Fred. I was coming out of my office, headed for the copying machine, in a hurry as usual and I almost ran over someone coming the other way down the narrow hallway, but avoided them. Fred was short for Fred Astaire, the dancer.
Gail and Bill Fioretti
June 15, 2004
We are long time friends of George and Meryl and the Kaplan/Daniels families. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you all and our hope is that peace will replace your heartache very soon.
Jim Miller
June 15, 2004
To Jerry & Alison:
Thinking of you and your family.
All my Blessings.-
Love-
Jim
Sandy Leibov
June 15, 2004
I am very saddened at the loss of Jim Kaplan, and my condolences go out to his family in the loss of such a wonderful person in their lives. Jim was my mentor. He was a wonderful CPA, as well as a friend and co-worker. During his last few months I was fortunate to have the opportunity of working closely with him. He loved his family and always spoke very highly of them. He never had a bad word to say about anyone. I will always cherish very fond memories of our conversations, and his guidance, and will continue to do my work as he wanted me to. Thank you Jim for giving me the gift of knowing you
Love, Sandy
JOHN TANNER
June 14, 2004
I worked with Jim at an accounting firm from 1985 until about 1993. In the whole time that I worked there, I don't think that Jim ever raised his voice, not once. Everyone else did - an accounting firm can be a very loud place especially during tax season.
Most of the staff went to Jim when we had an accounting problem. And he was always gracious enough to answer our questions. He had his own work to do, not just deal with us. He could have told us to go away, or close his door.
But he would explain things to us, not just enough to get rid of us, but enough to give us directions to do the job properly....the first time.
He dispensed advice like a kindly uncle. He might have four or five staff people a day come into his office for advice, plus dealing with the partners and their questions. I really don't know how he got any work done at all.
Everyone had tremendous respect in the office for him. "Run it by Jim," was an everyday occurence.
He was unusual in that he was both a tax guy and a financial statement guy. It is hard to keep up in one field, let alone two.
Back then, in the early days of computers, we sent out our corporate returns to Computax. The Computax people would enter the information we gave them and then send them back to us. With the deadlines we had, the input had to be right the first time. Nobody knew Computax as well as Jim. He was like the goalie, the last line of defense against a mistake. He saved me from embarrassment more than a few times.
We used to walk the mall for lunch, a group of us. We would eat a packed lunch and than a group of us would walk the Galleria Mall. Jim would sometimes stop at the Kay-Bee store and look at prices for something for David. Jim would look at the motorized cars in the toy store. I think he received motorized cars for his Bar Mitzvah in 1966. We would go years without buying anything in the mall.
We would discuss sports constantly. Jim was foremost a Red Sox fan and was always waiting for the inevitable doom whether it be Bill Buckner, Bucky Dent, Tony Conigliaro or Bob Gibson. He rooted for the team with unhappy intensity, knowing that they would ultimately let him down.
There was another fellow in the office, also a Red Sox fan, not as knowledgeable as Jim. There once was a pitcher for the Red Sox, Billy Rohr, who almost pitched a no-hitter in his first game for them in 1967 (In true Red Sox fashion, he never did anything else for them). Elston Howard, then a Yankee, broke up the no-hitter in the eighth or ninth inning. The other fellow insisted that Jim was wrong about his memory of the event. Jim let it pass and told me later that he was right. He would not let himself be drawn into an argument.
He also rooted for the Boston Celtics. He told me that when he was growing up, he would try to catch the Celtics playoff games during Passover. He cautioned me to give up playing basketball. "Once you are thirty, all you can do is get hurt." He gave up playing basketball when he had broken his leg playing basketball. I didn't listen to him and almost every Monday I came in with a basketball related ailment.
He loved the style of Larry Bird, and appreciated the work of McHale
and Parrish. When Len Bias, the number two pick overall in the draft died from an overdose in 1987, Jim was still upset about it years later.
Jim recognized the talents of other players, even of the Detroit Piston (I was a Piston fan). He liked Joe Dumars and admired the tenacity of Dennis Rodman (This is back when Rodman's hair was black). At the time, the Pistons were the "Bad Boys" and it would have been easy to label them just a bunch of thugs.
These are things that I remember that show Jim's ability to be objective and how even-tempered he was.
Wendell & Nancy Deer With Horns
June 14, 2004
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May your always remember the wonderful times you shared with your brother. God bless.
Simon and Hilda Rifkin
June 14, 2004
Our deepest condolences to Jerry, Alison and the Kaplan family.
Jeanne and Robert Wachtel
June 14, 2004
We want to express our heartfelt sympathies to you and your family for the loss of your youngest brother. As we have learned, you have to hold those to whom you love as tightly as you can for as long as you can; that is simply our common imperative. Our thoughts are with you.
Bruce Soule
June 14, 2004
To Shirley and the family. Perhaps I did not know Jim as well as I would have liked, I felt I knew him at least in some ways. We were together after all every day in the office for a few years. Many hours through a couple of "tax seasons". I want you to know that I thought a lot of Jim. He helped me tremendously with his tax preparation and tax review capabilities. His computer skills were superior to mine and he gave me many pointers. He made my life easier the years he worked with me and I will always remember that. I am very sorry for your loss and wish there was something I could say to make it better. You have two lovely and bright children which says a lot about a man and his wife. I will think of him often.
Barbara Amster
June 14, 2004
My very deepest sympathies to Jerry, Alison and the Kaplan family. It is clear what a well loved man he was and that he will be very missed. But how fortunate that he had such a wonderful and loving family.
Gary and Laura Brouse
June 14, 2004
Dearest Jerry, Our hearts go out to you and your family. They sound so beautiful. Your brother must have been a truly wonderful soul to create such love. May he find happiness in the house of the Lord. Gary and Laura.
Norm & Jake Sweeters
June 14, 2004
Jake and I send our sincere condolences to Jerry, Alison and the Kaplan family. We share your loss and want you all to know you are in our thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time.
Louise Kaplan-Rogers
June 13, 2004
This is with a tremendous amount of love from Mom, Dad, Jerry, George, myself and all our wonderful family:
To Our Beautiful Brother,
We are here to celebrate you Jimmy.
your song and the music of your life.
You are our joy, you are our happiness, you are the warmth we feel with your sparkling smile.
Jimmy, even though you are our little brother(I can't believe I'm admitting I'm not the youngest), we always looked up to you and admired your wisdom, your strength, your intelligence, your kindness and your gentleness.
Jimmy, you are so precious to us
you will always have such
a special place deep in our hearts
To our wonderful Shirley,
Jimmy adores you
To our spectacular David and our beautiful Sara,
You are Jimmy's music,
You are Jimmy's song...
I love you so much Jimmy
and yes I can hear you say:
"I Love You Too Sis"
Eleanor & Saul Nathan
June 12, 2004
To our friend George...our heartfelt sympathy. We know how much you loved your brother and how much you and your family will miss him. We hope the good memories and the love of your family will help you through this most sad time.
Eleanor & Saul
Shirley Kaplan
June 12, 2004
A poem Jim's brother George gave to me which says it all:
Heartache Overwhelming
Emotions Distraught
trying to piece together
this tragedy he fought.
The painful moments we share
with love binding us all
Each one here to lift if another
should fall.
Youth is so pure his innocence
unbroken words we all want to
will never be spoken.
A unique bond with us all that nothing
can break not anger, time
nor painful heartache.
Not to see you is horrid not to talk
is a shame but to lose you forever
we'll never do again.
Nurturing and caring love and
understanding we've each given
him from the beginning.
We can't give anything else
after love and material things
G-d lifted you to heaven and
gave you your wings.
Tina Weiss
June 11, 2004
Jimmy Kaplan was my brother-in-law, and in the 30 odd years I was lucky to know him, I never worried about my sister. Whatever happened, I just figured Jimmy would take care of it. I trusted his goodness as a person, his good sense and his presence of mind to see them through whatever life sent their way.
Knowing Jimmy was a privilege, he was a fine husband and father, and a real "mensch” of a brother-in-law. I couldn’t have asked for a better actual brother. My relationship with my sister is richer thanks to him.
I know his there will be times when his family will miss him terribly. They should always remember what a lovely guy he was. Then do something nice for each other, because that’s what he would want them to do. And put on ESPN, for him.
David Kaplan
June 8, 2004
On April 26th 1953 the greatest man I will ever know in my lifetime was brought into this world by my loving grandparents Ruth and Charles. Although he was the youngest of four he was often looked up upon by his Brothers Jerry and George, and Sister Louise.
He is the rock of the Kaplan family and always did for us before himself. But this past October when he was diagnosed with cancer it was time for my father to put himself first, for the first time in his life. I will forever remember the day he told me of his illness because it was the first time I ever saw him cry.
My father never before that day had a reason to cry. He was such a kind, gentle, loved, and well liked man with a smile always on his face. He never criticized or had prejudice towards people. He took great pride in his career as a CPA and was well respected among his peers.
At home he was the best father I could have ever asked for never too busy to spend time with me, help me with my problems, or sit with me in my room and talk late at night when I was stressed from my day.
As a husband he spent the last 30 years of his life with his one true love of which they were married for 27 years. Together they raised two proud children myself and my sister Sara.
There will forever be emptiness in our life time left by his passing but we continue to find strength from his love and admiration for his family that in our hearts he will still continue to flow inside.
So let us all look beyond the gray skies that cloud us today remember my father and celebrate his life in the best possible way. I didn’t think I would ever have to give a speech like this until I was near his age but as the saying goes “only the good die young” and we are all experiencing that today.
Mark Kaplan
June 8, 2004
A spiritual being superior to man in power and intelligence defines not only the word angel, but also my uncle Jim. I often wondered why the good people get taken away from us so early. That cloudiness has been cleared today. I now know someone whom God has chosen to help carry out his lessons of life.
As Memorial Day has just passed and we remember all of our fallen soldiers who gave their lives for this country, we must not forget to commemorate our loved ones, our personal heroes. Jim did not give his life like those men and women, but he gave his entire life. He did not miss one special occasion, many times hauling his family back to the northeast for Bar Mitzvahs and weddings. He always went out of his way to help his parents and siblings, most time putting their issues in front of his own.
I will never forget the many Hanukahs that my family spent together here in South Florida or the many times we watched old movies of Jim and his siblings growing up in Newton, MA. The films were of many joyful summer days watching my dad and uncle George swing golf clubs while uncle Jim and aunt Louise chased sparky around the yard. Or the winter movies of Jim’s two older brothers pulling him up a snowy hilly road, only to push him right back down again.
I don’t know what it’s like to be an uncle at 14 years old, but I always remember my uncle Jim telling me how cool he felt when his older brother had a son. Being the baby of four children he must have finally felt some relief that all the attention would now be diverted to a little guy in diapers. I always knew by the way that he treated me that he was going to be a great father.
I remember a thoughtful guy who knew he had limited time to spend with his nephews but decided to have them stay over his apartment and interrupt his date with his girlfriend. I remember a beautiful wedding ceremony, complete with tossed rice, to that same woman, Shirley. I remember a man who loved both his children with all his heart. He was always behind them in every endeavor. I remember an extremely intelligent human being that could answer any question without hesitation and give sound competent advice for any situation. I remember a man who had an immeasurable passion for sports. Although he was not blessed with the athleticism that his siblings possessed, his knowledge of sports currently and historically were surpassed by none.
What I will always take away from knowing this man is how to be kind and gentle towards others. How to be generous, putting others first. How to be nonjudgmental, letting others choose their paths by helping them get on their way. To me those few traits define a friend, and my uncle Jim was the best friend anybody could have. For that, uncle Jim, I would like to thank you.
Thank you for taking me to an empty Sunrise Theatre parking lot when I was 15 and letting my younger brother and I drive your car around in circles. Thank you for letting me listen to your Elton John albums. The songs Philadelphia Freedom and Goodbye Yellow Brick Road have been forever etched in my mind from those memories. Thank you for taking me to the Orange Bowl to watch the Miami Dolphins, oh yeah, and sitting behind Jack Nicklaus was pretty cool also. Thank you for giving me your 1958 published copy of Ian Fleming’s James Bond thriller, Dr. No, in which I still have to this day with it’s inscription on the first page “Jim Kaplan, 59 Hyde Ave, Newton, Mass. There are so many more things that I can thank you for but most of all I just want to thank you for being my uncle. To me you will always remind me of the ’72 dolphins, perfect in every way.
Nancy Legault
June 7, 2004
The Legault family would like to offer their condolences to the Kaplan family. Jim was a wonderful CPA and we will miss him greatly.
Deena and Len Segal
June 6, 2004
We are deeply saddend by Jimmy's untimely passing and send our deepest sympathy to Shirley, Sara, David and his very loving family.
Deena and Len Segal
Matthew Movens
June 4, 2004
When you lose someone you love is is very unfortunate and very hard. During these times things can be rough because that loved one that was there to guide you along isnt there to look to for the answers. But they are there, in times like these we should not dwell on the passing but celebrate the life of. James was a wonderful father and loving husband and a good man as I knew him. He will be missed by all, but we all know he will be by his familys side guiding them through life. He will be there to witness your acomplishments, and be there through the tough times. My heart and prayers are with you all.
Joyce Stewart
June 4, 2004
Jim was a very intelligent man and CPA, along with being a loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend. We miss his expertise and steady guidance here at Stewart & Associates CPAs. We offer our heartfelt love and sympathy to Shirley, David, Sara and all his family.
Joyce, Lesley, Rachel and Barbara
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How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
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Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
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What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
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Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
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The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor James Kaplan's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
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Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
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How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
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