I just learned of Jimmy’s passing, i am so very sorry for you and your family. I am Jimmy’s birthday buddy. Our mom’s shared a hospital room when we were born.  We went to school together as well.  My heart goes out to you.  The condolence messages to you are so heartfelt and the posts Jimmy posted on FB over the years show what a wonderful life you had together.  You are in my thoughts and prayers.

My deepest condolences to you all. I worked with Jim at the Marion Gerrish Community Center in Derry, NH for just over a year. He was an amazing man with such a deep love for his children and his partner Leanne. He would talk about his family all the time! I was happy to meet his son & daughter, whom he spoke so highly of, he was so proud of his children! I remember him telling me about the various animals that his kids would bring home.  Jim would work in the evening, looking forward to his drive to CT to spend his weekend with Leanne. He was so happy to tell me when he was moving to CT because he would be with Leanne everyday! Jim was honest, kind, and just a good human being. He will be missed. I am so sorry for your loss.

Dear Leanne,

My deepest condolences. Although I have never met Jim, I’ve always felt the love between you two when watching your class recordings and seeing you share the precious little moments from your daily life with students. Such a beautiful thing that hundreds of students were positively impacted by those loving stories and thank you for sharing them with us. Thinking of you during this difficult time.

Youli

Sincerest condolences ... Jim was a good human ... may his memory be a blessing 

My dear Leanne,

I am so sorry to hear of Jim's passing! I met Jim only once and he was so nice and genuinely kind that I remember him very well. The two of you looked so happy together.  Please accept my condolences. You and your family are in my toughts and prayers. 

The love you and Jim shared could not have been more obvious. And the way you both share your love and kindness to others was and remains invaluable. Throughout the countless interactions I've had with Jim, what I remember most is his smile.  I'm grateful I got to have those interactions with him, and thankful for his help in VITA. For the many times you both gave me a ride home, thank you. 

A couple weeks ago, I recall walking into VITA without a hat. I have been growing out my hair and have been a bit hesitant to not cover this awkward stage of a hairstyle. I'm not sure what it was that made Jim comment, but he stopped me on my way in and complimented my hair. A small action, but it meant the world to me. 

I cannot imagine the pain you and your family are going through, but my heart goes out to you all.

Leanne, we are so sorry to see that you lost your husband.   We are thinking of you during this difficult time.  Our very best to you.

Lin and Cliff Nelson

Dear Leanne,

I am so sad to learn of Jim’s passing. Though I never had the chance to meet him, I could tell he was special because your eyes always lit up when you spoke of him.  I earnestly pray that you and your family find comfort during this time. 

With love,

Ricki Livingston

Leanne, 

I am so sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences to you and your family. 

Todd and Laura Kravet

We are so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. All of you have our most heartfelt condolences. Jim was a great brother-in-law to have. He was kind and warmhearted and always willing to help. His love of family was readily apparent to anyone that knew him. The world would be better off if there were more people like Jim in it. He will be missed. May your memories of him give you peace and comfort.

Tom and Gloria Walsh

Leanne, when I read that email I was deeply shocked and grieved. I met Jim about 2 months ago, and those brief conversations with him already gave me a very deep impression. Losing such a nice and kind person is a great loss for you and this world.

I hope you will overcome this difficult time and if there's anything we can help you with, please don't hesitate to tell us.

With our deepest condolences,

Ruidong "Williams" Ye 

Leanne-I am so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. Although I only talked with him once or twice, I do remember the numerous times you and I talked about him over the years-he certainly was a wonderful individual. Please know that Jim, you, and your entire family are in my and Pris's prayers. God bless. 

Dave Papandria

Oh, Leanne - I am so deeply saddened to hear of your loss!  I did not know Jim well, but I know he was a kind, gentle, and loving man - and he adored you.  I am sending prayers to you and your family, and I know you will find the strength to carry on!

Suzanne

I think I've started to write this and deleted a million times, because I don't know how to properly honor Jim, and you, and the history. Leanne, I have witnessed your life, as you have mine. We've been forever friends since we were 8 years old. I love you on a cellular level. I am so deeply shattered for you. I met Jim when you did, many years ago. Hanging out in the Armory hallways, cleaning our M-16s together, rolling our eyes together about whatever drama was going on, cracking jokes together, and bitching about mess hall food together. Fast forward, and a lot of life in between, I was SO happy when you found Jim again all  those years later- and for the first time since I've known you, you were actually COMPLETE. I guess I want you to know that not many people really get to experience that type of pure love, and you did! I loved Jim, he was an amazing person. I can remember everything he did for John and I, I can remember all the times we spent with you both, I can remember randomly running into him at Walgreens in NH a few years ago, and how his face LIT UP when he saw me, and how much I loved seeing him. I have LOVED everything you created together. I have loved your LOVE. Jim was special, and like no other. One of the best people I've ever known. I love you my friend, and I am so heartbroken for your tragedy, and I know there is NO way to make it better or easier. Just know I witnessed you and Jim, as did many. And you together- your energy together was impalpable,  and I've been witnessing it for decades, even going way back....whether you were together or not... And I love you both.

Leanne–I don't even know where or how to start, because Jim was just plain awesome... He had a smile that reassured you, that told you everything was going to be more than okay. A laugh that lit up the room; an insatiable curiosity about the world around him; and a dedication that moved mountains. I saw all those things in Jim just from four years of VITA–just from getting to crack jokes with him, bust on him (and you!), and hear about his exploits. I can only imagine all the other good he brought into the world–and that he left in it. My sincerest condolences, Leanne; I'm sending love and prayers your way. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to support you during this difficult time. 

Dear Leanne:  I am terribly sorry for you and your family.

With some hesitation I write this because I didn't know Jim very well but would like to honor him. I had the wonderful opportunity to meet Jim about 3-weeks ago. It is interesting to reflect on what he chose to converse about in our interaction - what was important to him and what made him happy. In that 2-hour conversation,  I learned his children/grandchildren are dear to him. His children/grandchildren made him very active (spoken with a huge smile on his face). He mentioned his neighborhood. That they are friendly neighbors that let him use their tools/equipment anytime and he was wholeheartedly grateful for that because it sounded like he could build anything! His humbleness and kindness. He talked with me and the students the whole time I was there. He developed a brilliant intake system in my volunteer position and he truly didn't realize how great it was. Most of all, Leanne. I learned his life-long love story with her and that they met when Leanne was 18! In the few instances I saw Leanne and Jim interact it was strikingly clear their love and respect for each other and gave me hope for this world. Leanne and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. 

Dear Leanne,

I want to express my deepest condolences. It's truly heartbreaking to hear of Jim's passing. Though my interaction with him was brief, our encounter in the copy room left a lasting impression. Jim's kindness and warmth were immediately evident during our brief conversation. Losing such a kind and nice person is undoubtedly a significant loss for you and loved ones.

During this difficult time, may you find strength in the memories of Jim. If there's anything I can do to support you or assist in any way, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Best,

Wei

Dear Leanne,

Linda and I are very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time. 

With our deepest condolences,

Mark and Linda Caplan

Dear Leanne, I am so saddened and shocked by Jim's passing. Even though I only talked to Jim a couple of times briefly, I felt his kind nature and was warmed by his smiles. You were always so happy and excited when talking about Jim and the numerous things he did for the family, just like the beautiful obituary describes.  Memories of Jim will be cherished and everlasting.  

Hugs and love, Sunny

Dear Leanne,

I am deeply sorry for your loss. Please accept my sincere condolences. Sending my love and strength to you and your family during this sad time. 

Jackie