A Journey's End

The Angels came to guide Jim home to Heaven on Tuesday, July 9. The boys, their wives, and Margaret were all there to release him lovingly into the arms of Jesus. Their hearts are aching but they are so very grateful that this long Journey has come to an end. The words thank you could never begin to express the gratitude they have to so many who have walked this Journey with them. They could not have done it alone and are so thankful that God blessed them with so many people who supported them and carried them along the way. God Bless you all!

Funeral services were held on Monday, July 15 at St. Michael Catholic Church, Sioux Falls, South Dakota.  The attendance and outpouring of support was overwhelming.  Jim had orchestrated the majority of the funeral services and it was truly a beautiful tribute to a life well lived.  


The following is a letter that was written by Jim's sons and shared at his funeral:

To all of our dear family and friends:

The words “thank you” could not adequately express the gratitude we feel for all of the amazing support we have received over the past 17 months.  All of the kindness and prayers are what sustained us during these difficult times.  God never intended for us to do the difficult things in life alone, that is why he gave us each other. 

Dad tried to instill the message of always giving your best into the minds of his children.  He told them that they didn’t need to be the star, just put forth your best effort and give the glory to God.  He often said, “Be the best version of yourself that you can be.”

Dad loved to laugh.  His dry and witty sense of humor made light of all situations.  He was quick to ease awkward and uncomfortable moments with a joke.  When he was with his brothers, they would often laugh so hard that they would be in tears.

As we have reflected on Dad’s life over the past couple of days, we were again reminded of his passion for his family and for life.  He was very selfless and always put others first, especially his family.  Dad worked two jobs for nearly 27 years sacrificing holidays, birthdays,   and anniversaries, in order to provide for his family.  While Mom was tirelessly running the boys from one activity to the next, Dad was usually working but he always made a point to be present for important events like games, piano recitals, school programs, graduations, or whatever the occasion may be.

Dad taught us many lessons but, the most important lesson was how to rely on God during life’s challenging times.  He not only showed us that prayer and a relationship with God are what will bring you peace, he lived it.  After Dad was diagnosed in February 2011 he wanted to share his journey with others.  He started a blog with the hopes of bringing people closer to God and to strengthen their relationships with Jesus Christ.  When people would ask how he was doing, Dad often responded, “living the dream.”  We were so privileged to share that dream with him. 

As dad’s disease progressed, he often listened to music on his iPod while he slept.  A song called “The Old Man” had particular meaning to him and to us.  We would like to share those lyrics with you;

The Old Man

The tears have all been shed now

We’ve said our last goodbyes

His souls been blessed

He’s laid to rest

And it’s now I feel alone

He was more than just a father

A teacher my best friend

And he’ll still be heard

In the tunes we shared

When I play them on my own

I never will forget him

For he made me what I am

Though he may be gone

Memories linger on

And I miss him, the old man

As a boy he’d take me walkin’

By mountain field and stream

And he showed me things

Not known to kings

And secret between him and me

Like the colors on the pheasant

As he rises in the dawn

Or how to fish and make a wish

Beside a fairy tree

I never will forget him

For he made me what I am

Though he may be gone

Memories linger on

And I miss him, the old man

I thought he’d live forever

He seemed so big and strong

But the minutes fly

And the years roll by

For a father and a son

And suddenly when it happened

There was so much left unsaid

No second chance

To tell him thanks

For everything he’s done

Oh, I never will forget him

For he made me what I am

Though he may be gone

Memories linger on

God I miss him, the old man

            Thank you to all who have traveled this journey with us.  Dad, your journey is finally over.  “Well done my good and faithful servant.”  We love you Dad!  Rest in Peace.