Jim was truly one of a kind! I appreciate that he was a great son-in-law. We had the same birthday so we got to celebrate together many times. He will truly be missed at family gatherings but I’m sure we will always remember him in our conversations. Rest in peace Jim!
Love you! Mom ( Patsy)

I fell in love with Jim as soon as I saw his picture hanging in the gym.I will forever be grateful for the laughter and for his friendship. I only knew him a couple of years, but in that time , he talked constantly about his family and made sure that I kept in shape! I told him I will always be grateful for my “body by Jim”.
He will truly be missed.

Christy and Amber. I don’t have the words to say to make a difference, but I hope you know that I pray that yall have everything you need to get you through this. My thoughts and prayers are yours.. I’m so sorry.

I met Jim late in his life when I was going to the gym. I needed a trainer who knew how to work my muscles without creating injuries. He was the answer! I learned that he was a scuba diver like me…then I learned about his history in golf ball diving. I already had a friend in that industry but I needed an introduction to someone who could put me to work. Jim and I developed a bond of trust and he set me up with a friend of his. He always kept track of me and I appreciated his open sincerity and valued his friendship. Fair winds and following seas on your journey to the horizon, Jim!

I met Jim at 24 Hour Lifestyle Fitness, he was a very nice guy and always very helpful with workout advice and/or a good joke. He will be missed dearly. Condolences to his entire family and Gid bless him.

There are people who leave you with memories… and then there are people who leave you with something that changes who you are. That’s who Uncle JR was to me.

When I was little, we didn’t have much. I was skinny, buck-toothed, bowlegged, had straggly hair, and I honestly didn’t think much of myself. I was shy and so insecure. But somehow, every time I was around Uncle JR, all of that just disappeared.

He had a way of making me feel like I was somebody.

He made me feel pretty when I couldn’t see it. He made me feel smart when I wasn’t book smart. He made me feel like I mattered. I don’t know if he ever realized what a gift that was to a little girl who didn’t think she had much to offer, but I’ve carried that gift with me my whole life.

One of my favorite memories was Christmas Eve when I woke up in the middle of the night. Mom and Dad were getting Christmas ready, and before I could wander in and spoil the surprise, Uncle JR scooped me up and carried me to the window. He pointed up at a bright light in the sky and said, “Look! There’s Santa!” I believed him with my whole heart.

Now I know it was probably just an airplane… but back then it was Rudolph leading Santa’s sleigh. Uncle JR tucked me back into bed, and I never knew until years later what he had really done. He wasn’t just saving Christmas for my parents… he was protecting the magic for a little girl.

Looking back, that’s exactly who he was.

He made ordinary moments feel special. He made people feel loved without making a big deal out of it. He had this way of building people up without them even realizing what he was doing.

These last months, sitting beside him every day, I got to see that same man. Even while he was fighting the hardest battle of his life, his heart was still with his family. He wanted everybody to know how much he loved them. He’d be the first one to tell you he wasn’t perfect. He knew he could be hard-headed and stubborn at times, but if there was one thing nobody should ever question, it was how much his family meant to him.

One of the last things he wanted me to share was the plaque hanging above his bed:

“We only have one life to live. Live it honestly, in the fullest, most loving way.”

Laugh when you can. Apologize when you should. Let go of the things you can’t change. Forgive quickly. Play hard. Take chances. Give everything and have no regrets. Life is too short to be anything but happy.

That wasn’t just something hanging on his wall. It was how he wanted to be remembered.

Thank you, Uncle JR, for seeing something in me before I could ever see it in myself. Thank you for making a little girl feel beautiful, important, and loved. Thank you for giving me confidence when I didn’t have any. Those are gifts I’ll carry for the rest of my life.

I miss you more than words can ever say. But every time I choose kindness, every time I make someone feel seen, every time I stop to enjoy a sunset, the water, or the people I love… a part of you is still with me.

Christy & Family…. I luv you all and I will always be here for you all!

I love you, Uncle JR. I always will.

Pam

Jim was my big brother. My dad was not always present when I was a young child and Jim had to step up. He helped our mom financially while in high school, holding down jobs while participating in sports. He was always kind to me, generous, patient and always willing to give me advice or just talk. Later in life, we would talk on the phone for hours about politics and I will truly miss him. Jim was a good person, and I love him very much. I’m grateful he had his wonderful family with him his last moments here on earth. See you on the other side, Jim. Love you, Ellie

So sorry to learn of Jim’s passing… my husband Drew Beline and I were friends with Jim for many years (1970’s) and had lost touch over the years. We were just talking about him this morning and decided to look him up. Then found this . Drew and Jim were diving buddies for many years We both have good memories of Jim … was there a funeral we missed ? If there is any upcoming celebration of life , we would love to be included… 321 299 6876 Jeanie and Drew Beline