Jimmy
An Ordinary Man, an Extraordinary Life
Jimmy was his name. Officially James which usually carries the nickname Jim, but neither fit. He was Jimmy.
“Jimmy” because he was a child at heart with an unparalleled zest for life.
There are those for whom zest for life is adventure. Hang gliding, surfing, sky diving, rock climbing.
Not Jimmy.
Zest for life in traveling the world. Mountains, beaches, historic sights domestic and foreign. “The Wonders of the World”.
Nope, not Jimmy.
Finally there are those who define zest for life as life experiences. This is the most dangerous from of zest as defined by John Belushi, Curt Colbain, Freddie Prinz, Michael Jackson, Robin Williams, too many more to mention, famous and infamous.
Gladly and definitely NOT Jimmy.
Jimmy’s zest for life was found in everyone he met.
It started with a handshake. He had an engaging smile that invited every new person into his life and sealed that engagement with his handshake. He looked straight into your eyes, which genuinely and silently communicated, “nice to meet you.”
He was happy to meet you.
If you weren’t convinced by the smile and handshake, the next few minutes would.
Jimmy made you feel as you were the most important person in his world. Whether you only met him once or spent years as a member of his family or a close friend, you felt loved in his presence.
Jimmy loved everyone he met. He wanted to know your story. He was easy to talk to, confide in even. He had a zest for you. You felt good with him.
How many lives he touched is not known, except to say.
All of them.
Jimmy passed at 47 from brain cancer. He lived an ordinary, albeit too short a life. He was an extraordinary man for the lives he touched.
Those with an unbridled zest for life, seem to leave us too soon.
Thank you Jimmy.
