My good friend, Jim. I miss you already. I met Jim maybe in 2011. I was a local handyman and he called to schedule some work done on his house. His voice mail was self deprecating in true Jim style. He said something about being dangerous with a screwdriver. So we met and I began projects around the house. As we got to know each other, it was evident that we shared a common bond. We talked about life and struggle and laughed at ourselves equally. "We're all bozos on the same bus"...was one of Jim's classic sayings. Jim asked me a few times during that period if I had ever fly fished. I told him I had not but fished as a kid. I also remember telling him that I had so much going on that I didn't think I could fit it in...Ha! Shortly thereafter, on a day when I was working at the house, Jim said, "Hey Dave, I've got something for you." He came out of the house with several fly rods, flies, a vest, and some other gear. He told me he had some extra stuff and wanted to pass it on...He said if I used it great, if I didn't no worries. Well, now with all this stuff i just had to try it out. So began our friendship and fishing. I asked Jim to take me out and show me how to cast. We did this a few times till I had it down, then we started going fishing regularly. I loved it. It became a state of mind, of peace, and being outside...less about catching fish. I learned to tie my own flies and fish some new waters. One time, when I was fishing alone, I came upon another fisherman when I arrived at the parking area. We started talking and it soon progressed as we discovered things in common. When we finished our conversation, it was dark so I quickly stripped off my waders and threw my gear into the back of my truck. Nearing home, I realized that in my haste I had left the rod on the top of my truck. This was Jim's rod and reel that he had loaned me. I stopped the truck to have a look and it was gone. I traveled back the way I came but still didn't find it. The next day, I rode my bike along the route...nothing. I had to call Jim and let him know what had happened. I felt terrible. It was a very expensive rod and he had trusted me with it. So I called. When I had made it through the story, Jim said, "Ahh..forget about it! Don't worry. It was an old rod that got lots of use..." That was Jim. Nothing was more important to him then friendship...and human connection. Jim will always be with me especially when I'm out on the rivers fishing and having a cigar like old times. I'm so grateful for his friendship. Dave O