When I think of Jim - I think, what a Genius. Capital G! I would always learn something deep and profound when he spoke - and he spoke with a casual, comforting tone. He was a person who was willing to teach, discuss and wonder with in conversation, BUT he wouldn't push it or have this need to feel heard. He had profound experiences that would blow your mind, but he could easily sit back and just enjoy what others were talking about. I'll miss just learning about him and the world he studied. He was a true world-renowned scholar and it's a shame we all will not have more time with him.
I also want to recognise Jim as a Father. I think he was the most stable, sane and sensible father figure you could ask for. You could say he was gifted children, not his biological own, but he was a constant source of support and love (in his own way that you could feel and count on). I know his family went to such great lengths to move mountains to take care of him, especially in the last two years. None of what happened is fair or right or how things should have gone - I hope there can be some peace (eventually) that everyone did what they could and fought like hell for him. Truly, that is love.
And Jim, if you're reading this somehow, we have a cat now. I wish I could hear your cat jokes or ask you about why a cat would adopt our family. You'd probably have some great story about how a tribe in Africa would look at this as some momumental life moment. Maybe that's what's happening! I miss you, Jim. Feel free to visit me in my dreams and not in person (I'll get too freaked out).
Love,
Jayme