{"id":6319,"date":"2009-12-02T12:57:28","date_gmt":"2009-12-02T17:57:28","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/horizonsmagazine.com\/blog\/?p=6319"},"modified":"2009-12-02T12:57:28","modified_gmt":"2009-12-02T17:57:28","slug":"to-those-who-knew-jim-chandler-bikaman","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/horizonsmagazine.com\/blog\/to-those-who-knew-jim-chandler-bikaman\/","title":{"rendered":"To Those Who Knew Jim Chandler (Bikaman)"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>I received an email from Bikaman@aol.com<\/a> today but it wasn’t what I expected.\u00a0 It read:<\/em><\/span> Good Afternoon Folks.\u00a0 Unfortunately, this is not a joke or one of Jim’s pranks. I wish it were. My name is Fred Padilla. I am a good friend of Jim’s which explains why I have the password to his computer and the key to his house. This email is going out to everyone in Jim’s AOL address book. Some of you already know this. For the rest of you… It is a very sad day for us. It is my sad duty to inform you that Jim passed away. It was either Sunday night or Monday. I found him yesterday at around 2:30 after concerned friends contacted me and informed me that nobody had heard from him for an unusual period of time. I myself was trying to reach him for over 24 hours and was actually planning a visit that very afternoon.<\/p>\n

He died peacefully in his sleep, apparently. The cause of death has not been officially reported yet but my guess is a heart attack. Certainly, we, his friends and family will miss him. In my opinion the world is a bit lesser now without him. We had some great times. He was always a good friend and brother. Always there to help in times of crisis. I feel lucky to have known him. If you have any questions, you can contact his daughter, Nicole at\u00a0 321-506-8768.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>As a skydiver for nearly 20 years, I’ve lost some friends to sport-related events as well as natural causes. It doesn’t seem to be easier one way or the other. One quote that I’ve unfortunately had the need for before is:\u00a0 “Do not despair at good-byes. Farewells are necessary if we are to meet again. And meeting again is certain, for those who are friends”.<\/em><\/span> I think that conveys my feelings accurately… as well as many others.<\/p>\n

God Speed, Bikaman… Till we meet again.<\/p>\n

— Fred<\/p>\n

Note: Fred created a memorial page for Jim at <\/em><\/span>http:\/\/www.c-horsesoftware.com\/pics\/memorial-web.jpg<\/a><\/p>\n

Andrea’s note:\u00a0 Jim lived around the corner from me these many years, he will surely be missed.\u00a0\u00a0 Below are the comments some friends made to this post:<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Reader Comments<\/h4>\n
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my name is Krista and Jimbob (as we always called him) was my step father for many years and in some ways i always felt he was my father. he baptized me when i was 12 years old. he influenced me in ways no one else will ever be able to. he was my hero! he was for real, funny, and so kind\u2026i love him and i will miss him greatly!!! i wish i could have seen him one last time..
\nI LOVE YOU JIMBOB!!!!!<\/p><\/div>\n

#1<\/div>\n
Written By micah798\t\t\t on December 2nd, 2009 @ 1:13 pm<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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I got to know Jim through Cat Channel\u2019s online community for cat lovers. He posted his wonderful family of cats, known as the Sunshine Rancho cats, Missy, Ole Gray, Taz & Zippi. He entertained us all with his incredible blogs about the adventures of his four pawed family members. We knew him to be talented, kind, caring, and generous in spirit and we already miss him. It was only months ago, Jim shared with us his excitement at his family and friends going all out for his milestone birthday. I posted a note to his cat\u2019s pages on Cat Channel as well as on CC news page as I know Jim was loved by the whole CC community. My heartfelt sympathies to his family and loved ones. Angel Jim is certainly in Heaven watching over all of you from above. Love, Sara of Stockton and her cats Fidel, Che & Tonantzin.<\/p><\/div>\n

#2<\/div>\n
Written By saraofstockton\t\t\t on December 2nd, 2009 @ 2:18 pm<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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I posted the following blog on the CC news page as Jim was well known and loved in our online community:<\/p>\n

Dear CC community! With tears we post our heartfelt sympathies on hearing this morning from Uncle Jim\u2019s close friend that our dear CC buddy Jim, Dad of the awesome Sunshine Rancho cats Ole Gray, Missy, Zippi & Taz, has crossed the Rainbow Bridge on his way to Heaven. It was only months before Jim was surrounded with family and friends celebrating a milestone birthday. We who knew Jim from his splendid tales of adventure with his Rancho cats knew what a special, kind, talented and big hearted man Jim was to all who crossed his path. We cry at the loss of a dear furiend and member of our CC community. We take comfort knowing that he died peacefully in his sleep and is certainly in Heaven, surrounded by kitty angels. We pray that his daughter, other family and loved ones are comforted in their grief. We are certain that between all who knew Jim and his much loved cats closely, his Sunshine kitties will be loved and given a new home as they adjust to the loss of their beloved Dad. Angel Jim, our Mom looked out in the night sky after midnight marveling at the light of a full moon and a brilliant star sparkling like a diamond up above. Now she knows you were just saying goodnight. We are lighting our altar candle this evening for Angel Jim and offering prayers for him, his Sunshine gatos and his grieving family and friends. As we wipe our tears, we do not say goodbye but hasta luego amigo ~ when our paths cross again. Love, Fidel, Che, Tonantzin & Mom Sara<\/p><\/div>\n

#3<\/div>\n
Written By saraofstockton\t\t\t on December 2nd, 2009 @ 2:20 pm<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Received From JanC just now:<\/p>\n

I\u2019m Jim\u2019s sister. I had absolutely no idea that he was ill so I\u2019m in a state of shock right now. Oh how I wish I had called him to say hi over Thanksgiving\u2026\u2026.but I didn\u2019t.<\/p>\n

I wanted to add a post to say how much I loved him & how much I\u2019ll miss him.<\/p>\n

RIP bro.<\/p><\/div>\n

#4<\/div>\n
Written By Andrea<\/a> on December 2nd, 2009 @ 2:48 pm<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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I think of Jim at Thanksgiving since several years ago I went thru a strict vegetarian phase. It began the day after Thanksgiving when I opened my refrigerator to see this giant turkey in there that I suddenly knew I could not eat. I called Jim and convinced him to take it from me. He was stoked, so we always laughed about that.<\/p><\/div>\n

#5<\/div>\n
Written By Andrea<\/a> on December 2nd, 2009 @ 2:53 pm<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Another post I have just received for Jim:
\n.
\n\u201cKeep on picking those strings stone fingers, till we meet where ever. Captin Fudgie\u201d<\/p><\/div>\n

#6<\/div>\n
Written By Andrea<\/a> on December 2nd, 2009 @ 3:03 pm<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Oh Jim you will be sorely missed by all your friends. I am one of the older ones that lived in East Natick. We were about 12-13 and used to skaate on big Jennings Pond. Went to school through High School\u2026Then met up again in Holliston. I remember when you had been in a terrible car accident and your jaw was wired shut and it was time for Thanksgiving at the Dillons and you put yours in a blender and drank it through a straw. You were always happy and full of jokes. You let Jon and I borrow your old 1954 antique Mercury to take on our honeymoon when we lived in Medway. That was only 31 years ago and seems like yesterday. I know you always had a great relationship with the Lord and know he will take care of you. Til we meet again.
\nAll our love,
\nJon & Shirley Dillon<\/p><\/div>\n

#7<\/div>\n
Written By Shirley Dillon\t\t\t on December 2nd, 2009 @ 3:04 pm<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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To Jim\u2019s family and friends,<\/p>\n

I came to know Jim via Cat Channel through his blogs about the \u201csunshine\u201d gang, Zippi, Old Grey, Missy and Taz. I always looked forward to reading about the gang\u2019s adventures. Jim had a great talent for writing the most amusing, entertaining blogs about his beloved cats and they always made me smile, no matter my mood or what I was going through. I always looked forward to his messages and I will miss them so very much. I was so sorry to hear of his passing and I hope those who knew and loved him will find comfort in knowing he went peacefully in his sleep. I only hope I will get the chance to meet him in Heaven someday and let him know just how much I enjoyed hearing from him. I am thankful to have had the opportunity through Cat Channel to get to know him and his wonderful cats and I hope Zippi, Old Grey, Missy and Taz will find new loving home(s) where they will be as loved and cared for as they were with their daddy, Jim. God Bless. ~Kelly, mom to Sylvester, Jinx, Angel Buddy, Max & Dex~<\/p><\/div>\n

#8<\/div>\n
Written By Kelia67\t\t\t on December 2nd, 2009 @ 3:24 pm<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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I met Jim thru the internet and I thought he was so cool, so kind, and so loved his Rancho cats. What a loss for our earthly plane.
\nSammie<\/p><\/div>\n

#9<\/div>\n
Written By sammie43\t\t\t on December 2nd, 2009 @ 4:29 pm<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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For Dadcat Jim, from \u201cDa Goob\u201d. You made my nickname so very special, you made all of us laugh and enjoy life. You have left a hole in our hearts, Jim, and you will be missed more than words can describe. Luv, Da Goob<\/p>\n

For Jim\u2019s family and friends: he was a very special man, a very special human being, who brought such joy and life to CatChannel. I know you will care for his furbabies, for they will miss him most of all. Sandy, Felicity \u201cDa Goob\u2019s\u201d Momma<\/p>\n

Until we all meet again\u2026..<\/p><\/div>\n

#10<\/div>\n
Written By FelicitySandy\t\t\t on December 2nd, 2009 @ 4:52 pm<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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It is indeed a sad, sad day for me. I could write volumes about Jim. Jim and I have been friends for about 25 years. I can remember Nicole as a little girl running around the house chasing her dad. Jim was a close friend and I spoke to him on Wednesday and wished him a Happy Thanksgiving. Jim and I had breakfast frequently and we had expected to see each other this weekend. I heart is heavy and I will miss my very dear friend. I will miss his lively conversation and gentle smile. Take care my friend until we meet again.<\/p>\n

Norm Hayden<\/p><\/div>\n

#11<\/div>\n
Written By profmoney\t\t\t on December 2nd, 2009 @ 7:14 pm<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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To Jim\u2019s Family and Friends,
\nThe Jim \u201cDadCat\u201d we all knew on CatChannel was wise, fun, a great storyteller, so much so that I actually picture him as the Native American storyteller, but surrounded by cats, not just children. We were blessed to know even this small part of Jim. Thank you for sharing him with us. He did a very special thing for me and my cats in the Irish Clan just a few days ago when we needed support – he reached out, unasked, a memory I will always cherish. I know this is not his favorite but I raise my glass of Bushmill\u2019s to the memory of a very special man.
\nOur Lord must have needed a very special Angel to have taken Jim home at this time.
\nAileen\/The Irish Clan<\/p><\/div>\n

#12<\/div>\n
Written By Aileen\t\t\t on December 2nd, 2009 @ 7:38 pm<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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My heart is heavy with the news of Jim\u2019s passing. I, too, knew Jim through a community of online friends called the Cat Channel. I knew from the start, Jim was extraordinarily kind with a heart as big as all outdoors, because of his love and tender care of his cats. First there was Missy, his beautiful Norwegian Forrest kitty. Then Ole Grey came to visit and Jim sat with him in the garage. Soon O.G. had his own chair, then wormed his way into Jim\u2019s house and his heart. Soon came Taz, and then Zippi. Jim entertained us all with his fabulous sense of humor, but I saw the serious side as well. He never sounded prouder than when the Biker Group did something for charity or reached out to help a friend in need. We all celebrated with Jim over the news of his recent milestone birthday. Godspeed his precious soul. I know the angels were there to surround him with love and comfort when he made his final journey. Mary from Atlanta, GA and her Ginger Spicegirl<\/p><\/div>\n

#13<\/div>\n
Written By GingerSpice\t\t\t on December 2nd, 2009 @ 8:15 pm<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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I was shocked to read that Jim had passed away. I knew him from Cat Channel and considered him a good friend. His stories about his furbabies always brought a smile to my face. I will miss him more than words can say. My deepest sympathy to Jim\u2019s family and friends and his precious kitties. I know that his family will take care of the kitties for Jim and find them good homes. I will pray for Jim and for all of us who will miss him. I know that I am a better person for having known Dadcat, Jim. Rest in peace my friend and I know that we will meet one day at The Rainbow Bridge where we will all be reunited with our beloved furry friends for eternity. Lisa and her kitties, Mittens, Minuette, Gypsy, Greycee and Angel Misty\u2026<\/p><\/div>\n

#14<\/div>\n
Written By Lisa Bogus\t\t\t on December 2nd, 2009 @ 8:23 pm<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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There isn\u2019t much that I can add to what others have already written about our dear friend Jim, known to most of us on Cat Channel as DadCat of the Sunshine Gang. He was such a wonderful, upbeat, funny and loving man and we will miss him terribly. He is now a member of the Angel Kitty Gang, and I know that he will be as caring to the animals in Heaven as he was to those on earth. If there is any way that I can help, any charity that I (or we) can give to in Jim\u2019s honor, please let me know. I pray that his beloved cats will be looked after because I know how important they were to him. Again, if help is needed, let one of us Cat Channel people know. We all loved Jim and any one or all of us would do for Jim what we all know he would have done for us. Goodbye, dear friend. I will miss you more than you will ever know! Godspeed, Kat and her Zoo\u2013Jesse, Anna, Miss Millie, Mai Lin, Sasha, KC, Mystie May, and Angels Mi Ping and Tiki<\/p><\/div>\n

#15<\/div>\n
Written By katlentz\t\t\t on December 2nd, 2009 @ 8:56 pm<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Another post from JanC:
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\nThis is one of my most favorite poems\u2026\u2026you\u2019re welcome to use it on that page for my bro if you so desire:<\/p>\n

God looked around his garden
\nAnd found an empty place.
\nHe then looked down upon the Earth
\nAnd saw your tired face.<\/p>\n

He put his arms around you
\nAnd lifted you to rest.
\nGod\u2019s garden must be beautiful.
\nHe only takes the best.<\/p>\n

He knew you were suffering.
\nHe knew you were in pain.
\nHe knew you would never get
\nWell on Earth again.<\/p>\n

He saw the road was getting rough
\nAnd the hills were hard to climb.
\nSo he closed your weary eyelids
\nAnd whispered \u201cpeace be thine\u201d.<\/p>\n

It broke our hearts to lose you
\nBut you did not go alone.
\nFor part of us went with you
\nThe day God called you home.<\/p><\/div>\n

#16<\/div>\n
Written By Andrea<\/a> on December 2nd, 2009 @ 9:36 pm<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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I am also a member of CC. We will miss dadcat Jim and his wonderful tales \u201cAs The Rancho Turns\u201d. We enjoyed each and every one. Ole Gray, Taz, Zippi and Missy have a wonderful home we hope that they always will. Jim loved his furbabies. This has been a real shocker for all of us. He was such a great friend to all of us. He was the one that brought many of us together as he introduced himself and the sunshine gang to new members. For over 2 years we have heard loving tales of the sunshine gang, those tales will be greatly missed. Our hearts go out to all his friends and family who knew him personally we know you have lost someone very special!
\nGod be with you all.<\/p>\n

Carla and The Georgia Gang
\nTabitha, Mr Kitty, Princess, Scooter, Mittens, Buttons (Angels June Prancer and Sally) and the rest of the gang Augusta Ga<\/p><\/div>\n

#17<\/div>\n
Written By Tabitha_Carla\t\t\t on December 2nd, 2009 @ 10:45 pm<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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I am another member of CC and knew and enjoyed Jim\u2019s wonderful stories and the antics of his El Rancho Kits..
\nJim was a wonderful friend to all and even though we
\nnever met I felt like he was like a brother\u2026we are
\ndeeply saddened by his passing\u2026we know how much you
\nwill all miss this wonderful man\u2026I hope that someone
\nwill take those four beautiful cats and give them a
\nnew home\u2026Jim you were an angel on earth, now you can
\nbe your loved one\u2019s guardian angel here on earth\u2026God Bless you all\u2026Carol the mom of Bandito and SuzyQ we live in the panhandle of FL<\/p><\/div>\n

#18<\/div>\n
Written By chache\t\t\t on December 2nd, 2009 @ 11:36 pm<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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i knew jim and the sunshine gang on CC \u2026
\ni can\u2019t tell you how upset and shocked i was on the loss of dadcat Jim\u2026i will miss his stories about all of his cats\u2026i had tears in my eyes as i read of his loss\u2026i hope the cats all find a new forever home together..we know how much they were loved..my thoughts and prayers are with your family\u2026sally katz..meeko & bootz\u2019s mom<\/p><\/div>\n

#19<\/div>\n
Written By kittykatz\t\t\t on December 3rd, 2009 @ 12:00 am<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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I knew Jim and The Sunshine Gang on CC. It always brought a smile if not a laugh to hear from him. Though I have never met him, I know he was a good, kind, fun loving person. I will miss hearing the stories. It would be nice to keep the cats on CC, not delete their pages, so we can all go visit them some times. I know he saw to it that they would be cared for when he was gone. God Bless and God Speed to a very wonderful man. Carol, Sugar, Easy, The Blues Brothers,Angel Casha, Starman and ALL of The V.I. Kitties<\/p><\/div>\n

#20<\/div>\n
Written By V.I.Kitties\t\t\t on December 3rd, 2009 @ 4:08 am<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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My heart is very heavy with the news of Jim\u2019s passing. I, too, knew Jim through a online friendship group called Cat Channel. He was there for me during my family\u2019s tragedies. He was one of my first friends here on this channel, he was always there for me and for all of his friends. His stories made me smile and I loved all of his \u201cFurr Babies\u201c. Not long ago I remember Jim saying he was getting ready his bike ready for a charity ride. He loved people. He loved trying to make a difference in people\u2019s lives – and he did. I always enjoyed him talking about his involvement in charities, causes and helping people. This is a very sad day and Jim, you\u2019ll always be in my heart – Cat Channel will never be the same without you. I will keep all of you in my prayers. May the Lord surround your family and friends with comfort and love. May the Lord be with you all. Good bye my precious friend.<\/p>\n

Laura, Mr. Jinks, Little Gilligan, Princess Mittens, and Symon.<\/p><\/div>\n

#21<\/div>\n
Written By Luv2icesk8\t\t\t on December 3rd, 2009 @ 12:10 pm<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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I don\u2019t know Jim as well as most of you; I had the pleasure of making his acquaintance when I was a Cat Channel blogger several years ago. I guess it was \u201cfate\u201d that brought the DIVA\u2019S Missy and Daisy; two Norwegian Forest Cats; together at Cat Channel and it was through them I \u201cmet\u201d Jim. It\u2019s been maybe 2 years now since I left Cat Channel, yet Jim made such an impression on me, that I never forgot him. Nicole, your dad\u2019s one cool dude; peace out and rock on Jim.
\nLaura & the tabbies of trout towne =^..^=<\/p><\/div>\n

#22<\/div>\n
Written By the tabbies of trout towne\t\t\t on December 3rd, 2009 @ 12:12 pm<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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As a child growing up in the 60\u2019s and 70\u2019s\u2026Jimmy Chandler was one of the \u201ccoolest\u201d guys I ever knew\u2026the fast..sharp\u2026cool cars\u2026the women\u2026the language\u2026he was my idol\u2026but then he grew up and grew into one of the nicest of spiritual men who apparently loved cats as well\u2026I am glad for that\u2026to know that his soul was soft and mature in the Lord and he was \u201csaved\u201d. God bless you jimmy chandler wherever you are in the universe\u2026how glad to know so many people loved you as do I\u2026.Vicki<\/p><\/div>\n

#23<\/div>\n
Written By renoadelaide\t\t\t on December 3rd, 2009 @ 12:45 pm<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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\u201cI will miss your sense of humor, I will miss your anecdotes about the Sunshine gang, I will miss our phone conversations where we discussed everything life threw at us, I will miss you Jim.\u201d My heartfelt sympathies to you Nicole and everyone else in Jim\u2019s family; your dad was a true friend to so many; we are blessed to have known him. Violet, Scottsdale, AZ Peanut & Skeeter too.<\/p><\/div>\n

#24<\/div>\n
Written By Violet N Girls\t\t\t on December 3rd, 2009 @ 4:21 pm<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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I met Jim through Cat Channel March 2008.This is the blog I left for his cat channel friends today\u2026TRIBUTE TO SUNSHINE GANGS DADCAT JIM\u2026.CELEBRATING HIS LIFE..\u201dRemember me with smiles and laughter, for that\u2019s how I\u2019ll remember you. If you can only remember me with tears, Then don\u2019t remember me at all.\u201d\u2026Many have registered on horizonsmagazine.com & left personal memories of Jim & SUNSHINE Gang on memorial page created by another of his dear friends, Andrea, entitled \u201cTO THOSE WHO KNEW JIM CHANDLER (Bikaman)\u201d. I hope all who knew Jim & his \u201cAS THE RANCHO TURNS\u201d kittehs will do the same. While we here on CC have his kittehs\u2019 pages as an everlasting connection, those who leave messages on his memorial page will leave a keepsake for his family and many friends..JIM\u2026BROUGHT LAUGHTER & SMILES TO ALL OF CC FAMILY EVERYDAY READING HIS WITTY HUMOROUS BLOGS..AS THE RANCHO TURNS\u2026HE DEFINITELY WAS ONE OF A KIND\u2026YOU COULD SEE HIS INTENSE LOVE FOR HIS FURBABIES.. OLE GRAY..TAZ ..MISSY & ZIPPI\u2026HE HAD A GIFT WITH WORDS & AN AMAZING ABILITY SHOWN THROUGH HIS CREATIVE BLOGS..HIS HUMOR BROUGHT SMILES & LAUGHTER TO THE CC COMMUNITY & THAT IS WHAT WE WILL MISS MOST ABOUT JIM.HE BROUGHT US UP WHEN WE WERE DOWN\u2026HE WAS A SWEET MAN WHO LOVED LIFE!..He was proud of his biker group & the work they did for charity\u2026I AM GOING TO FIND IT HARD TO BELIEVE THAT WE WILL NEVER RECEIVE ANOTHER BLOG FROM JIM & HIS KITTIES..EVEN THOUGH SOME NEW KITTIES HERE HAD NEVER MET JIM PURRSONNALLY.. THEY COULD ALL FEEL THE SADNESS & BLACK CLOUD HANGING OVER CC AS HIS OLD FURIENDS DID TOO..PLEASE KEEP JIMS DAUGHTER & FAMILY IN YOUR PRAYERS & PRAY THAT HIS KITTIES MAY STAY TOGETHER & BE CARED FOR AS JIM WOULD HAVE DONE\u2026WILL YOU ALL RAISE YOUR FROSTY BEVERAGE TO SALUTE OUR FURIEND JIM.?..UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN..REST IN PEACE\u20261939-2009\u2026NEVER FORGOTTEN & ALWAYS REMEMBERED..MAY THE WIND ALWAYS BE AT YOUR BACK JIM!..WE LOVE YOU!..Some people come into our lives & leave footprints on our hearts & we are never ever the same..That is what Jim has done to the cat channel community..To You Jim!\u2026Fondly remembered and sadly mised\u2026Nappy and Mom Brenda from Canada<\/p><\/div>\n

#25<\/div>\n
Written By bsharpe48\t\t\t on December 3rd, 2009 @ 10:08 pm<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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From FellsmereDEBBIE:<\/p>\n

We want to express our sincere sympathies on the loss of Jim. Todd and I rode our Harley\u2019s with Jim for several years back in the 90\u2019s. I hadn\u2019t been in touch with him for a while but still had him in my address book. We used to have a lot of fun with Jim. He\u2019s riding his big Harley in Heaven with all his kitty angels surrounding him.
\nGod Bless,
\nDebbie Cross and Todd Burdette.<\/p>\n

\u201cUntil one has loved an animal, part of their soul remains unawakened.\u201d<\/p><\/div>\n

#26<\/div>\n
Written By Andrea<\/a> on December 4th, 2009 @ 8:50 am<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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As I come to terms with the loss of my dear friend, 14 years worth of great memories come to my rescue and the tears slowly turn into a smile. Over the years Jim and I discussed everything from the behavior of sub-atomic particles to the sometimes unusual behavior of women. We invariably agreed that it was easier to understand the behavior of sub-atomic particles LOL. We\u2019d have a good laugh and a drink. Some afternoons (not as many as I would have liked) I would stop working early and ride my motorcycle to his house. There he would be\u2026 right where he wanted to be. Sitting in the garage with a frosty mug (also refered to as a \u201cJim Bucket\u201d) of his favorite beverage. A cigar in the other hand and one of the Sunshine kitties on his lap. Usually Ol\u2019 Gray as the others are inside-cats. Somtimes he was alone with the kitties, other times there were other friends there. He looked happy. He was happy. Next to him, his awesome Harley and his pickup truck. Among many other things, I\u2019m going to miss those afternoons a lot.<\/p>\n

A couple of years back, I owned a Ninja ZX6R \u201ccrotch-rocket\u201d which I had modified to be even faster than they already are at birth. He could often hear me coming from about 1\/2 a mile away putting that machine through the gears rather \u201caggressively\u201d. He told me on a couple of occasions. \u201cFreddy, if you kill yourself on that thing you\u2019re going to leave a big hole in my life\u201d. I\u2019ll never forget those words or the calm, sincere tone in his voice when he said them. Ironic\u2026 I now know first hand exactly what he meant.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s a picture to help you visualize him in that mode. Sitting with his Jim Bucket in the garage hanging out with friends and his cats. Just cut and paste this into your browser. Thanks Jan for the poem.<\/p>\n

http:\/\/www.c-horsesoftware.com\/pics\/memorial-web.jpg<\/a><\/p>\n

We often joked about how much that \u201cdash\u201d matters. That little dash between the birth year and death year. \u201cIt\u2019s all about what you do with that dash\u201d we used to joke. Thanks for sharing some of your dash with me brother. I miss you already.<\/p>\n

\u2013 Fred<\/p><\/div>\n

#27<\/div>\n
Written By FredP\t\t\t on December 4th, 2009 @ 10:27 am<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Through Cat Channel, I got to know Jim through his blogs through his beloved Ole Gray and Sunshine Gang. Ole Gray is a Russian Blue and so is my Peppermint. So it was cool to hear about his little Russian Blue. I am thrilled that the kitties get to stay together and have a loving home. He would be thrilled to know his kitties will be so well taken care of. I will miss his blogs. He lived a full life and touched the lives of so many people and kitties. As someone else from the CC said, he brought smiles and laughter to the CC with his blogs of tales of his beloved Sunshine Gang and Ole Gray. He will always remain in the hearts of those who knew him. I hope his kittie\u2019s pages remain up on CC, and I heard that his daughter, who\u2019s taking the kitty family into her home, may even add her cat to the CC. We look forward to that. We will miss him. Jane and cats: Peppermint, Snuffy, Sprinkles, Tippi, Tippi\u2019s kittens and all of our angel kitties<\/p><\/div>\n

#28<\/div>\n
Written By angelfish17\t\t\t on December 4th, 2009 @ 11:41 am<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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I can\u2019t add much more to what has already been said. Jim and the Sunshine Gang truly brought sunshine to every family on Cat Channel. It was a shock to learn he had passed away unexpectedly. Reading all the tributes to Jim brings tears to my eyes. Learning that he actually grew up\/lived nearby in MA when he was young brings everything full circle for me. He will be so missed. Our respect and condolences to Jim\u2019s sister, daughter and his family. Loretta and cats Shadow & Terry<\/p><\/div>\n

#29<\/div>\n
Written By Loretta\t\t\t on December 4th, 2009 @ 2:47 pm<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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I did not know Jim personally, but knew of him through Cat Channel. From his blogs, I could see that not only was he a very funny guy (I loved his stories of the Sunshine Gang\u2019s antics), but a caring one as well – from his love of his kitties to his delivering toys to needy kids. He will be missed at CC, and I wish to send my deepest sympathy to his family and friends. My prayers and thoughts are with them at this sad time. I have heard that his four beautiful furbabies will have a good home, and I hope that they will remain on CC. With a sad heart, Mary and Kitty Spanky-Jack<\/p><\/div>\n

#30<\/div>\n
Written By witchrose\t\t\t on December 5th, 2009 @ 8:21 am<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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I also, like many here, knew Jim only thru Cat Channel. I just told him on 11\/27\/09 how much I loved his humor and how he would always make me laugh, even when I was having a bad day. Mission Accomplished Jim, you\u2019ve made a lot of people happy and laugh. I am better just from having known you. I will definitely miss Jim\u2019s posts. I always wondered if the Rancho kitties were as bad as he said or he was just making us all laugh. Thoughts and prayers to his many friends and family during these most difficult days.
\nKaren, Timmy, Tucker and Bella<\/p><\/div>\n

Her Perception Upon Dying<\/a>
\nThe End Of Death As We Know It<\/a><\/p>\n

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