Monday, January 18, 2010

Good Bye Jim.

My brother, Jim, age 49, passed away last Tuesday after a 6 week battle with stomach cancer. He died peacefully, surrounded by his wife and children, his mother and 5 siblings. We sang hymns to him in the minutes preceding his death. It was a spiritual experience I shall never forget. Jim was courageous and fought a good fight. He testified in his last days of the importance of attending the temple. He had made a goal to go every week during the 2 years of his son's mission, and now we will have to help him achieve that goal. He also testified of the importance of loving those around you, then loving them a little bit more. He inspired hundreds to live a better life. Jim, we love you lots and will miss you so much!

Jim takes control of one thing he can take control of and shaves his head before chemo takes his hair.


Jeremy shaves his head in support of his father.


All the siblings gather round his hospital bed at the Huntsman Cancer Institute.


Hospice transporting him home.


Grandma sits by his bedside untiringly; he calls her his "angel mother." He is wrapped up in the quilt I made from him from Grandpa's jumpsuit fabric.


His missionary son arrives home from Mexico to say his good byes. In his 5 days back home he was able to have one day visiting with his father in a completely lucid state of mind, received counsel from Apostle Hales at their home, stood at his father's bedside while he passed away the next day, helped make funeral arrangements the following day, spoke at the funeral the next day, and flew back to his mission the last day. The timing was really quite miraculous.


Jeremy and Daniel paying their respects to their father. Ryan's worn baby quilt hangs on the casket, as well as the new one made from Grandpa's jumpsuits, and the "ugly quilt" made by Grandma that Jim loved.


Saying good bye is difficult.


Graveside Dedication.


The "Family Tree"

5 comments:

Jenn said...

Peggy-
Sorry to hear about your brother. Your family is in my prayers. I'm glad you were able to see him once more, and that his son was able to see him as well.

-Jennifer Dangerfield

Aubony said...

We are so sorry for the loss of Jim! I look at those pictures and wish we could have been there. He was such a great person and we will miss him!

Dan and LaVon said...

A Beautiful tribute to Jim by you, a sister who loved him unconditionally. You are in our thoughts.

Heather and Scott said...

Very nice!

Burk Family said...

Peggy, that was lovely. I am so sorry for your brother's family and all others he left behind. Thanks for the post- it helps me to remember how precious this life is and not to take my healthy body for granted- with or without my holiday pounds still attached.