My Father-in-law lost his battle. He went peacefully with loved ones in attendance. I believe that he is in a better place. No longer hurting snd able to walk again. As gruff as he could be, he will still be missed.
My all time favorite experience with him:
My in-laws came to visit in the Fall, shortly after we moved to Knoxville. He and I went to play golf. It sprinkled on us through the first 15 holes. It started raining harder on the 16th hole. Players were leaving the course. He asked if I wanted to finish the round, of course I did (no lightning). It was raining so hard by the 18th hole that we could barely see the golf balls. We finished and were totally soaked.
We get back to my house, get showered and dry. Then my wife asks if I still plan to go to Neyland to the football game? I say of course, Tennessee is going to beat Georgia. Wouldn’t miss it. She looks to her Dad. His response was what the hell, why not! I gave hime an Orange and White poncho that was really long (I am 6’ tall) it barely passed his knees at 6’7”.
We stayed for the whole game. Tennessee crushed Georgia 38-13 before 106K screaming Volunteers.
He told the story of that day repeatedly over the years. He always ended it with the statement: “The driest that I was that day was while I was taking a shower!” Then he and I would laugh because that was true.
I will miss Big Jim.
Thank y’all very much for your prayers.
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