Big Blue Huddle

If any of you members would like to send a sympathy or mass card to Jim's wife Marie and his family, send me a PM and I'll give you the address.

I just now saw that Jim has passed. Like others on here, I never met Jim but have an idea what kind of man he was.
He will be sorely missed.
Rest in Peace, Jim.
You are in our prayers.

Go peacefully, Jim. Thank you for a job well done and a life well lived. And thank you for being a true friend. Until we meet again someday.

Several people mentioned about Jim's funeral arrangements. I felt a bit funny calling so I sent an email t o his daughter about the funeral and the like. I just received this reply

Hi Lenny,

  I was going to contact you.  We just arranged the funeral a couple of hours ago.  His wake will be Wednesday, April 19th from 5-8 PM at Dolby, Blais & Segee funeral home in Gorham, ME and his funeral will be Thursday, April 20th at 10 AM at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Gorham, ME.

Blessings,

Beth


Since someone mentioned sending flowers, I have asked her if that is OK or if would she rather have a donation made in Jim's name to any particular organization. If and when she answers, I'll post it.

 I have really held back my thoughts about Jim and his passing as I really needed a day or two for this to really sink in.
 My friend Dan put up some eloquent words and I fully agree with them all, but for myself.

I have met many posters on this board and have corresponded with many others for years. I consider many of them friends, but then there was Jim. Jim was a friend, but he was more than that to me and also to my wife. He was what people throw around--good friend, but to me, he was that and more. Our friendship went way beyond BBH and the Giants. Maybe we have known each other for 15 years or so. We met when he came back to Long Island to visit some relatives and I suggested meeting up for lunch. At this first meeting, he brought some Giants memorabilia and we hit it off instantly and have become, and remained good friends ever since. I have tried to go up to Maine every year or so and when we do, we always took a day to visit Jim and Marie and they warmly welcomed us into their home each time. We watched games together and whenever we went Jim always insisted on taking us out to dinner and always picking up the check. He did insist on one thing, that we pay the tip, and always informed me he was a big tipper. When we were at his house, he used to take me up and proudly show off his entire movie collection and then his great trove of Giants memorabilia. I can still see him standing there holding the one treasure that he absolutely loved, his signed Frank Gifford jersey.
We shared many happy moments together and many sad and troubling ones. There were many times Jim used to call me at all hours about something happening on the board and I had to talk him down but the next day we always laughed about it.
Jim had family in the Midwest and used to go out to Kansas every year to attend the College World Series. When his great-granddaughter was born he couldn't wait to show her pix off to everyone and anyone.

He was truly one of a kind. My good friend and I will miss him terribly.

Thanks for listening.

Quote from: Ed Vette on April 13, 2023, 09:54:59 AMIf any of you members would like to send a sympathy or mass card to Jim's wife Marie and his family, send me a PM and I'll give you the address.

Is there any way that we could export this thread into an email or something so we could share everyone's posts and thoughts with his family?  A mass or sympathy card is nice, but those are just pre-written words.  What people typed here was from everyone's hearts and may provide some comfort to his family.

Quote from: ViewFromSection129 on April 13, 2023, 04:51:51 PMIs there any way that we could export this thread into an email or something so we could share everyone's posts and thoughts with his family?  A mass or sympathy card is nice, but those are just pre-written words.  What people typed here was from everyone's hearts and may provide some comfort to his family.

Rich and I have discussed that earlier today. We will certainly get the messages to Marie and her family at some point.

That was very touching Len. Thanks for sharing.

RIP Jim.  It's funny that of all posts leading into games I always thought his weather post stood out the most.  Everyone's kind words definitely show the man Jim was. 

I 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.

I asked Jim's daughter, Beth, what would be appropriate if anyone wanted to do something for Jim funeral or just out of respect. She replied today:

Good Morning Lenny,

  People are sooooo nice, aren't they??!!!! My Mom wishes, because Dad would ALSO wish it, that instead of flowers we would appreciate it if people donate to their Parish, St. Ann Catholic Church in Gorham, Maine or to Catholic Charities.  Dad was VERY active at the parish and also Catholic Charities in Portland, Maine.

Blessings,

Beth 😊

Lenny,

  I just saw that people can go to DolbyBlaisSegee.com the funeral home  to see his obit

Beth  😊

Quote from: LennG on April 14, 2023, 05:31:15 PMLenny,

  I just saw that people can go to DolbyBlaisSegee.com the funeral home  to see his obit

Beth  😊

Thank you, Lenn

For those of you who didnt know Jim V like some of us did--I respectfully suggest you check out his obituary.  You  will then see why we are eulogizing the Giant of a man that he was

He was special--he was genuine--he was remarkable--he was true to his beliefs--we were blessed to have him among us

Dumpster Dan

I am not on here that regularly at the moment (work being done on the house and the normal life grind) so I am a bit tardy.

Many, many years ago when I first found my way on here as a Brit looking for a place to discuss the Giants Jim was one of the first to welcome me.

He has been a constant presence. Through thick and thin (including thoughtful and solicitous messages as I recovered from my severe illness). Always forthright. Sometimes irascible. Often funny. He touched all our lives and that will endure.

It feels a little strange posting now and knowing he will not pop up in the thread. Even his absence is a presence.