GoingGoingGrimes: In Memory of my Extraordinary Friend, Jim

May 28, 1955 - August 21, 2006
Cherished son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and extraordinary friend to me.

Graduate: Washington University, St Louis, Economics, 1977 Studies completed for MBA, George Washington University, DC, 1982
JD, American University, DC 1985
Member of the New Jersey Bar Association 1985 - 2006
Lifelong resident of New Jersey

Jim had an enviable and impeccable sense of style and charm and an incredible command of the laws of New Jersey.
He is remembered as a brilliant criminal defense attorney.

He defended many unpopular people, but treated each one with dignity, respect and compassion. He always felt there must be SOMETHING he could do to help them.

Politically, he was an avowed liberal and would have loved this election year. He didnt have an opinion about Obama yet--but he was anxious to see if Al Franken would win in Minnesota.
We used to argue politics--and we were on the same side!! It was really fun.

Sometimes--with nothing better to do, we just sat around and watched movies (he always got to choose) or watch Court TV--he would have an opinion on both the prosecutors and the defense attorneys.

We both loved reading mysteries. When a new Carl Hiaisson came out in hardback, I used to have to pre-order two at Barnes and Noble's--since neither one of us was capable of sharing--and we each wanted to read it first. It was a little tough ordering only one Nature Girl after Jim died.

Jim was an accomplished musician--French Horn and piano. We would go out dancing on Saturday nights--to a live combo of some sort. He was usually critical of the musicians' arrangements of the songs--but he always ordered dessert before he just "had to leave". ;)

He adored his family and leaves his love of life for his 3 nieces and 2 nephews to perfect. I wish he could see them now--

He was just darn fun every day. Everyone should have at least one friend like him.

The song released last year: WHO KNEW by PINK--could have been written for him.
Here are some of the lyrics and some pictures of him.
**********************************************************************************

You took my hand
You showed me how
You promised me you'd be around
Uh huh That's right
I took your words And I believed
In everything You said to me
Yeah huh That's right
If someone said three years from now You'd be long gone
I'd stand up and punch them out
Cause they're all wrong
I know better Cause you said forever And ever
Who knew

Remember when we were such fools
And so convinced and just too cool
I wish I could touch you again
I wish I could still call you friend
I'd give anything

When someone said count your blessings now 'fore they're long gone I guess I just didn't know how
I was all wrong
They knew better
Still you said forever
And ever
Who knew

I'll keep you locked in my head
Until we meet again
And I won't forget you my friend
What happened?

Jim made my time here in New Jersey an adventure to remember.

We were exceptional friends to the end.
I went to the cemetery today and left a geranium from my balcony garden,
He used to comment that in August, the geraniums were so big--he couldn't see beyond them!