So sorry to hear this… he always was my motivation to keep strong and working out. So young and active. I have known him from Cisco gym from when gym used to be in building 6.. more than 20 years…he was  always working hard on teaching good workout techniques, he was so passionate about it. May you rest in peace dear Jim 🤗❤️💐

So sorry to hear Jim left us. Jim stayed a few days with me when he visited Norway. We had so much fun throwing discus, preparing food, a lot of food, and working out.  A few years later in 85 we met in Frisco when I had a vacation in California to drive Highway 1 and visit Hjeltnes in LA. Jim was such a nice guy and I have so many really good memories of our time together.  RIP.

I first met Jim back in 2009, when I started working out at Building Q. At that time, most of my interactions with him were brief—usually just asking where my trainer was. Honestly, I was a little intimidated; he reminded me of those no-nonsense high school teachers in India that you don’t want to bother unnecessarily.

Fast forward to 2021, after COVID, when I returned to the gym. Many of the trainers and friends I had worked out with were gone, and Jim was the only trainer available. I began working with him, and in those first weeks he set clear expectations: no small talk, no chit-chat, no counseling sessions. But over time, that changed.

Jim and I grew into real friends. He would share stories about his weekend biking adventures, and I’d ask him for advice on choosing bikes for my son. He had a dry, sarcastic humor—especially about music—and he kept the gym spotless and organized. If you noticed kettlebells with hairbands, or wipes always restocked, that was Jim. Building Q was like his home, and he treated it that way.

We often talked about language, culture, and travel. He told me about his trips to Japan, Germany, and beyond, though he never really explained why he traveled so much. Then one day, after nearly two years of training with him, I mentioned that my son was disappointed about not making the track and field team. Jim asked what event, and when I said discus, he casually revealed that he had competed in the Olympics. I was stunned—I had no idea. He even showed me how to throw properly so I could teach my son, who later made the team in his final meet. That moment meant the world to us.

Jim never bragged about his accomplishments, but he gave so much to his clients—support, wisdom, and friendship. In my case, his impact reached even my family.

I think of Jim’s passing as his final win against cancer. He didn’t want to prolong suffering with treatments; instead, he chose to keep doing what he loved—training his clients and saying goodbye in his own way. In fact, just a week before he passed, Jim was still in the gym, coaching and encouraging us. That’s how I’ll remember him: a champion, a mentor, and a friend whose strength and kindness will stay with us long after.

Rest in peace, Jim. You’ll always be part of the Building Q family.

I feel so grateful to have known Jim over the past two years. From the very beginning, when I was hesitant about starting at the gym, he made me feel comfortable, accepted, and enough just as I was. He celebrated every achievement, no matter how small, and his encouragement gave me confidence I didn’t know I had. I will always remember his gentle kindness, his goofy jokes and dances, his love of music, and even his habit of keeping the gym in order. He brought laughter and lightness into the hard work, and I will miss him deeply. Though our time together was too short, his support and warmth will always stay with me.

Like all who knew Jim, I’m shocked and deeply saddened by his passing. He was a BIG man in every good sense of the word. Nearly 50 years ago I had the great pleasure of training with him and co-teaching a world history course with him at Cupertino High School. He was not only a superb athlete, but a very talented young teacher. Although Jim ultimately took a different professional path, he made a difference in the lives of many high school students. He was liked, respected, and admired. I will miss his quick wit and easy laugh. Jim was truly one of a kind.

It was a pleasure working with him at Plus One for these last seven years.  I will always remember his love of music, his corny jokes,  and his knowledge when it came to fitness.  We will miss you Jim.