My very first encounter with Jim was in the Sierra Club tent at the Earth Day Festival. I was curious as to who our new volunteer might be... And there he was: a tall, calm, gentle soul with a serene way and an easy spirit! I instantly knew that he was going to be an exceptional friend and a member of the team! Though it was spring (or so we thought), the cold Michigan winds managed to keep us fidgeting on our toes that we may remain warm! Jim saved me from complaining the whole time by telling me about his children and how truly proud of them he was, of the time they had recently spent hiking and the love they shared for nature. I remember thinking to myself, "he must be an exceptional father!" There was simply something about his peaceful ways that filled me with hope for this planet. It's not often one gets that feeling, and certainly not while thinking about the environment! You should have seen us when we discovered the beverage tent and were finally able to get our numb fingers around a hot cup of coffee! Boy, were we jumping for joy!!

What touched me the most in knowing Jim was his participation during the illness of an elder group member. When we called for a meeting to discuss how we may take turns and visit, I was surprised to see Jim take part, as he was new to the team and didn't know the member well. But that did not stop him from being present for that member, for taking time and visiting to read to him at the nursing facility, and for creating some of the best conversations with our friend during that difficult time. It meant so much to all of us, and we knew then: he was not only a team member, but also part of the family.

I feel such gratitude for the chance to know this Amazing human being and wish he could stay longer with us on the planet he loved so dearly. He will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. May his peace circle back to encompass all who are grieving his departure.~*

Thank you all for posting your memories and pictures of Jim.   I picked Jim to be my partner and father of my children with good reason! My heart sings with each memory! 

Felice

James was such a smart, witty, and fun guy! I enjoyed working with him and have so many fond memories of him. I loved the stories he would share about his family - he was a great family man and his stories proved that. He knew something about everything! One thing James and I had in common was our morning oatmeal ( he was more dedicated to eating it every day than I was). We loved to discuss how we prepared and his love for steel cut oats influenced me to embrace them as my new favorite. 

Sending my prayers and condolences to the family! 

My sincere condolences to this wonderful human's family and friends. I need some as well, as I am very, very saddened to hear of the loss of this Good Man. I worked with Jim for over 4 years at GVSC STS Engineering. He sat in the next cube behind me. We were on the same vehicle team. He was the absolute most polite, considerate, thoughtful, intelligent, witty, helpful, jovial, and supportive coworker, and person, that anyone could ever want. He was always willing to give me a helping hand if I needed something sorted, solved, stacked (mathematical stack ups), or just to go grab paper for the printer that separated our cubes.  If he ever asked for help from me, I was right there, feeling honored that he would actually ask, as he never liked to bother others.  He was a very hard working and conscientious employee and was always worried about getting his work completed, done well, and turned in by the suspense dates. I also think that he was one of those people that would literally give you the shirt off of his own back to cover yours. The many photo's here are exactly what I would have expected to see, and they brought tears to my eyes. We shared many laughs, as well, he had a great laugh, and I loved hearing of his travels, of his wife's rowing, and of his children's endeavors and triumphs. 

To his wonderful young adult children; always remember that his smile is your smile, and a beautiful smile it is. You will smile again, and the world will be better for it.

I wish for the Peace and Blessings of God to all.

We are all creatures of this great earth -- Interconnected in ways beyond understanding.  

Take elephants.  So big.  So strong.  And yet, when a member of the herd passes, even the mighty strong elephants mourn.  They gather around, extend their trunks, and gently touch the tusks of their fallen friend.  It is their ritual.  It is how they heal.  And yes . . . it is sad, it is beautiful, and it is sacred.  

So maybe what I am trying to say is that the world doesn't expect you--Jim's loved ones--to be fine with this.  Each person who loved Jim needs to BE how they need to BE.  Mourn how you need to mourn.  And know that you are thought of with tremendous love and supported in your thoughts and memories of Jim.

Our thoughts are with the DeSautelle/Jurasin extended families and others whose lives were brightened by Jimmy’s presence.  

For me, my sister Kelly captured his spirit when reflecting back this weekend on a visit to Lake Superior when Jimmy looked around, smiling and said “That’s nice, hey”