Big Blue Huddle

Quote from: pagan43 on April 13, 2023, 10:35:15 PMI haven't posted in a dogs age. I just lurk around and read everyone else's posts. But, reading about Jim's passing has inspired me to log on and write.

I used to have season tickets, and faithfully attended the BBH tailgate parties hosted by Ed and Sam. One of the highlights of the season was the one game each year that Jim hauled his old butt down from Maine. I always considered it a special treat to have Jim hold court during those hours spent feasting and talking Giants football. I always felt like this was the real Jim; He was our friend but he would be exactly the same guy no matter where he was, who he was with, whatever the occasion. He was exactly that: Genuine.

I first met Jim in Albany, at a Giants summer camp. Back when they still had two-a-days. I was struck by how old he was. As long as I've known him he was this old dude, recalling players who put on the big blue jerseys way back before I was even aware of football. He was this amazingly charismatic old bull, full of the stories that make up a life. Amazing stories, told very well.

My wife and I took a trip up to Acadia Nation Park about eight years ago to celebrate the centennial of it's founding. We met up with Jim and Marie on our way home, and they were incredibly gracious and welcoming to their friends from Pennsylvania. They were proud Maine folk. Glad to see us enjoying their amazing home state.

If you check out the YouTube video that Ed posted on page 3, of he and Jim clowning around at the tailgate, as Tyrone Powers and Gary Cooper (an homage to their love of classic films), you will see Cyndi and I make a cameo as Olivia deHaviland and Peter Lorre. I remember that silly moment like it was yesterday.

Jim was a devout Catholic. When the end finally came to him, I am absolutely certain his spirit was ready to be welcomed home to the place made for him by the Lord. I simply have no doubt.

I cant believe he's gone.

Great post Dave. 

I don't know where to begin when it comes to talking about Jim and how I felt about him.  So forgive me if I just ramble on a bit.

I also met Jim at Albany training camp.  God those were the days.  I miss them so much.  I met many new friends at Albany that I still consider close friends.  Jim and I hit it off right from the start probably because we both were a bit long in tooth and we had a reverence for vintage old school New York Football Giants. He loved the Giffer and I was obviously a big Red Webster fan. Another thing we had in common was that we were both Civil War buffs. Buff meaning that it was an interest of ours not that we were any sort of expert on the subject.  One thing that would always bring a smile to Jim's face was if you brought up Joshua Lawrence Chamberlin and the 20th Maine and their role at Little Round Top.  Jim was very proud of his Maine heritage.

Jim also liked his beer.  Especially Shipyard brews.  He often treated me to one of Shipyard's 12 bottle sampler packs when we got together.  Shipyard used to have an ale named after Joshua Lawrence Chamberlin.  It may have been Jim's favorite.

My family was so honored to be able to call Jim friend.  My wife Cindy, son Adam and his wife Lindsey, my daughter Wendy and my sister Pat all knew and loved Jim.  This man was special and I don't throw that word around. When I say special I mean it.  The last time I saw Jim was a couple of years ago when we were at Portland for a wedding and Cindy, Pat and I met Jim at DiMillo's Restaurant on the Portland waterfront. It was one of his favorite places.

There is much more I could say about Jim but I think I will just finish by saying how sad our family is about his passing and we send our very best wishes and condolences to Marie and the rest of Jim's family.  Jim I miss you my friend. Rest in peace.

Sorry to see this.  He lived a long life.  My thoughts are with his family.

It is something which make my heart ache. And what may have been the cause of Jim's death is both a painful reminder of my brother's earlier this year and what also could be thought to have been God's mercy.

Praying for his family and all the BBH community.

May you Rest in Peace.

Brian @bighitterdalama ordered flowers for Jim's service from "Your good friends at the Big Blue Huddle.

Quote from: Ed Vette on April 18, 2023, 05:58:34 PMBrian @bighitterdalama ordered flowers for Jim's service from "Your good friends at the Big Blue Huddle.

For those of us that would like to share in the expense of the flowers, @bighitterdalama do you use either Venmo or Apple Cash? I'd like to help, and I'm sure others would as well.

Quote from: Sem on April 18, 2023, 07:39:10 PMFor those of us that would like to share in the expense of the flowers, @bighitterdalama do you use either Venmo or Apple Cash? I'd like to help, and I'm sure others would as well.
[/quotes]

I ordered some too but would still like to contribute to Chris. Just need a Venmo or Zelle info

Quote from: Sem on April 18, 2023, 07:39:10 PMFor those of us that would like to share in the expense of the flowers, @bighitterdalama do you use either Venmo or Apple Cash? I'd like to help, and I'm sure others would as well.

Hey Steve. No worries; I made the arrangement as from The Big Blue Huddle. I presently I do not use Venmo or Apple Cash. Instead, perhaps a small donation to a local animal shelter?

Quote from: bighitterdalama on April 19, 2023, 06:28:40 PMHey Steve. No worries; I made the arrangement as from The Big Blue Huddle. I presently I do not use Venmo or Apple Cash. Instead, perhaps a small donation to a local animal shelter?

OK, thanks Brian, I'll look into doing that.

RIP, Jim.  You're one of the best!!

Ugh. Well this stinks. I would have attended the funeral had I seen this sooner. Jim and I got together a few tines and had developed a friendship, and then Covid happened so we didn't get to hang out as much. I am very sad.

Sorry to only be seeing this now, but rest in peace Jim.

RIP, haven't been on in a while so just saw this today.  Never met him but he always seemed like a very nice man.

Quote from: bighitterdalama on April 19, 2023, 06:28:40 PMHey Steve. No worries; I made the arrangement as from The Big Blue Huddle. I presently I do not use Venmo or Apple Cash. Instead, perhaps a small donation to a local animal shelter?

Done. I made my donation here: https://www.hsppr.org/donate/

Thank you for doing this for us!!