This news really broke my heart. Growing up, I always asked my mom, (Uncle) Jimmy’s sister, to tell me stories about her childhood—where she grew up, what it was like being part of a family with six kids, and about her five siblings. I remember her always talking about how close she was to her older brother, Uncle Jimmy. She would describe how fun, kind, and loving he was. She said he would bring home wild animals and was never afraid to pick up any reptile he found. She also said he had the most beautiful blue eyes, which could spot the smallest things—the coolest treasures, no matter how tiny.
She told me he was always the kindest and best big brother. When he turned the attic into a cool bedroom, every night, after hanging out with his buddies, he’d stop and make a sound on the outside of her wall to let her know he was home safe, so she could fall asleep without worry.
By the time I was about 7 or 8, I begged my mom and dad to take me to Ridgewood, NJ, to see where they all grew up—the Davis family home. I remember my dad (also from NJ) joking that I was "one of the only people he knew who would ask for a vacation to North Jersey!" But they gave in and planned the trip. I wanted to see the woods where she told me they always had adventures, making forts, the beautiful streams she described, the “dog lady” who lived there, Van Dyk’s, and the Davis family house. I was so excited when I learned I would be staying with Uncle Jimmy and Aunt Patty!
On the first day, Uncle Jimmy asked me what I wanted to do, and I said, “I want to see the woods!” He took me to explore several of their woods, streams, and creeks around town. I remember stepping on what I thought was grass, but it wasn’t, and I ended up right in the creek. He chuckled and said, “Well, now you know not to make that mistake again. The best way to learn is from experience!” When we had explored all the woods, I told him my mom always said he was the best at finding and catching animals. He said, “Well, now we’re going to the plant nursery.” I thought he wanted a new plant, but it wasn’t for plants! I quickly realized it was to find and catch huge frogs!
He was everything my mom had described to me: a kind and caring person, a really cool guy with a love for nature, and someone who enjoyed adventurous walks (walking to get ice cream is something we don’t do much in Florida! lol). He made that NJ trip one I’ll never forget.
From catching frogs in NJ to hikes up sacred falls in Hawaii (where Uncle Jimmy had to talk me through my tears and fear of falling down the mountain and into the waterfall, since the path was half washed away, haha), to visiting us in FL (and being at my graduation), and all of our family memories in between- Uncle Jimmy always made an effort to show how much he cared. He always had the most positive vibes, wanted everyone around him to have fun and make memories, and had a special magic about him that made you feel important when you were with him. The news of his passing breaks my heart, but I also find peace knowing he’s reunited with his dad, his mom (Grandma Kitty), and his younger brother (Ricky), and my brother (his Godson), who looked up to him and loved him so much. While we are grieving down here, I know Heaven is a little brighter and happier now.
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