The Celebration of our father's life, memories, and legacy.
None of us can genuinely prepare ourselves for the loss of a parent, and we are no exception. Losing our father is one of the most challenging hardships we've had to endure. However, this process has also reminded us how lucky we all were to have a father like Jim. Without his love, encouragement, and tenacity for life, none of us would be the men we are today. Every day he served as an example of how we should live our lives, and we are eternally grateful.
Our dad was challenging to sum up in just a few words, but some that come to mind are courageous, funny, loving, fair, and determined. He loved his family fiercely and always made us feel safe. He took responsibility seriously but also knew the importance of play and relaxation.
Jim came to this country as an immigrant from Panama when he was just a young boy. He adapted to his new home immediately, excelling in school and even skipping a grade due to his aptitude for math. He attended Oakland Tech High, where he participated in the school's wrestling, swimming, and football teams.
He later went on to serve his country in Viet Nam, bought a home, raised his family, and did so with a hunger for life. He worked harder than anyone I knew growing up, toiling long hours and picking up whatever overtime he could to support his growing family.
He also attended college on the GI Bill at night and still found time to participate in the local bowling league. He even ensured that we held our annual "survivor style" backpacking trips each summer, where he taught us to put one foot in front of the other, even when we felt we couldn't go on. A lesson that served us both on the trail and in life.
Our dad was also adept at nurturing the natural talents in his kids. For me, that included fostering my love of reading and learning. When he was attending college, my dad would often gift me with books from his assigned homework. He exposed me to the works of Steinbeck, Faulkner, Orwell, and many other greats, despite some thinking I was too young for the subjects and ideas contained in those texts. Nevertheless, my dad understood the importance of the lessons those books taught.
He loved music and exposed me to Jazz, classical, and R&B through his record collection, which we often listened to on his vintage hi-fi equipment while sitting on the floor in our family room.
I still remember the rainy afternoon when he handed me my first copy of "Time Out" by Dave Brubeck and told me to give it a listen. Now, whenever I play that album, I am instantly transported to that moment so many years ago.
He opened a million new worlds for me.
As one of my father's friends told me upon hearing of my dad's death, "Your father was a man's man. A true friend and excellent co-worker. A man of patience and genuine concern for everyone that had the pleasure of knowing him."