Jim and I were partners looking for witnesses for the "Air Balance" investigation. The next day we were told to report to the court room of Judge Prentice Marshall. The ACLU was accusing us of violating an injunction  they had placed against the INS so we were facing jail time if the Judge agreed with them. Marshall asked AUSA Gubbins if we had "probable cause" to arrest potential witnesses. Gubbins said "yes" and Marshall dismissed the complaint.  In the elevator afterwards a couple of ACLU punk lawyers harrased us. Jim told me to remain calm and not respond to their remarks. Good advice as I was about to physically retaliate. Jim and I that night looked for more witnesses and capped the evening off with a 6 pack of beer along Lake Michigan.  

Jim was in Chicago when I entered on duty in March, 1972. I was a GS-5, he was a GS-7. We shared similar interests and partnered together quite a bit. He was good on the street and we had some good times. Once in Humboldt Park, on the north side a group of illegals took off through the park. They were quick but not quicker than the G car as Jim took off through the park on the wide sidewalks with the siren blaring. We had the northern border Patrol cars with big engines and sirens. They came green and white and we had them painted for $29.95. We went to gun shows and there may or may not have been an accidental discharge in he and Jan's apartment one evening. It wasn't him and Jan was asleep-I think. We patched the hole in the wall. When I came to Omaha as the OCDETF agent he was the DD. We went to more gun shows and shot. He was the smartest person I knew and had a great sense of humor and wit. He was a good and decent man and we talked a few times over the years but never got together which I regret. Rest in peace old partner. You will always be in my remembrance.

Jim was my best friend and one of the few people I stayed in touch with after retirement. My deepest condolences to his family.

I heard of Jim's passing earlier in the year but had, until now, been unable to find the memorial site. He was a good man. I worked for him in the early-1980's in Chicago, and later knew him as a manager in other federal offices. I feel lucky that I was able to connect with Jim briefly a few years ago and reminisce about the good times. I'll always remember that almost mischievous smile he'd have as he was about to deliver good news to his investigators. May he Rest In Peace.

Jim was a true friend, wise, caring and thoughtful. I loved him and I will miss him.

Jules

Jim was such a kind, thoughtful, caring man. I will miss our visits over a coffee and catching up on our families activities. Jim was a dedicated public servant and a friend to all he met. He will be sorely missed and never forgotten.

My wife, Linda, and I first met Jim about 3 1/2 years ago when we moved from South Jersey to Denton to be with our grandkids. We grew up in Chicago, so we had some immediate stories to share with Jim. He took us under his wing and became our unofficial Texas greeter.

Within hours, he had texted us a list of favorite restaurants for us to visit. He was always a very reliable guide on places for us to go and never steered us wrong. He was the very epitome of the term "gentleman," always kind and generous with a great sense of humor. His empathy and sharing were always welcome.

Later, I discovered that we shared a common bond in shooting sports. Jim and his friend, Joe, took me to my first Texas gun show at the Will Rogers Center in Fort Worth. I was a bit uneasy at navigating the 800+ tables before us, but about half way through, we all seemed to be wearing out at about the same rate. Jim just smiled and said, "Well it's about time for lunch, " and off we went on another culinary adventure .

--Dave MacDonald

I worked for many very smart and competent people at INS, but Jim stood out as a person who I would describe as brilliant. This no doubt accounted for his swift rise within the organization. He also had a sensitive side, which I witnessed personally as his subordinate in Chicago in the 1980s when I had a significant health-related challenge. In more recent years when a novel I wrote was published, I was honored to receive an unsolicited review of the book by Jim that was perhaps better written than my book. His thoughtful and kind remarks, coming from a person I respected so much, meant a great deal to me. Jim was truly a gifted man and will be greatly missed.