Mother's Day

Mother's Day - those very words mean so much more to me then I think they ever did when my kids were little. I miss Jim so much and wish he could send me a card or make a phone call to tell me, "I love you, Mom." Julie and I were together today - spending time with Julie and the Grandkids fills me with joy and soothes my broken heart. I thank all of you who have sent special messages and called, it means alot to me that you think of me and share your love.

Joanne (Jim's MOM)

Weeping Cherry Tree Blooms in Jim's Garden

Friends from where I work gave me this beautiful weeping cherry for Jim's garden last year. The tree bloomed last week, isn't it just lovely!

Joanne (Jim's MOM)

A Day of Remembrance - April 11, 2009

Many of Jim's friends either contacted me or dropped by on the anniversary of Jim's death, April 11, to let me know how much they love Jim and miss him. We had a beautiful weather day - just as Jim would have liked. Jim's girlfriend, Angie, came from Las Vegas and spent a long weekend with me. It was wonderful to have Angie here. Jim's first girlfriend from high school days, Lisa, stopped by with her mom as well. The high school buddies - Zach, Will, Chris, Tony, and Tim were here....no place else they would rather be then with Julie and me..... Pictures were pulled out and stories were told. We lovingly placed the multitude of beautiful garden stepping stones in Jim's memorial garden. Thank you all who participated in this ceremony of remembrance. I so appreciate and love each person who stopped by, called or sent me a message on April 11.

A message from one of Jim's friends in Las Vegas

It's been a year and there hasn't been a day that passes by that Jim hasn't been in my thoughts. I hope everyday that you and your family find justice for Jim. I still remember the last conversation I had with Jim. Again it was like 3am, he was excited to tell me that he was planning on coming back to Vegas and wanted to get together. I told him sure we'll do lunch or something, I had to cut the conversation short, told him the baby had been keeping me up and I was tired. Little did I know this was the last time we'd talk. I miss him so much. I know this was a difficult month for you and your family I hope things are getting better. I have two little ones myself and could not imagine if I lost one of them. I check the website regularly hoping to see that there has been a development in the case. I read all the comments and have found comfort in knowing how much people loved him and have gotten to know him even more through the stories that all his friends and family have shared. I am grateful for the privilege to have known him, shared moments with him and to have had the chance to call him my friend. Mylah

Happy Birthday, Julie

My other most precious child is having her birthday today. Jim would have sent her an inappropriate card and she would have loved it and shared it with me. We would have chuckled at his 'bent humor'. He would have been delighted to have found the perfect card. Jim is now our guardian angel and I know he wishes Julie a great day. Keep looking out for us, Jim ....we both need you.

Happy Birthday, Julie
with much LOVE,
Mom and Jim

Messages from some of Jim's good friends ~ He was definitely loved..

i think of jim all of the time. i keep the program from his funeral on my mantle, i keep the t-shirt you gave me folded up right beside the program, and i constantly listen to the "doors" and think of him.please don't forget that i truly miss him and would always like to know when special stuff like this goes on...your friend malcolm

Sorry it took so long to get back to you. Although I won't be able to attend the get together for Jim, he will surely be on my mind. This tragedy hit me pretty hard, and I'm shocked that no news has developed regarding the case. I can only imagine how tough this past year has been for you. Jim was an amazing person and a dear friend who had the uncanny ability to make me laugh. I think of Jim all the time, especially when I hear a Doors song or see a chicken tender from Burger King (he loved those!).I don't get back to Michigan very often these days but next time I'm there I would love to meet up. I have some great stories about the times we had together as well as some pictures you would enjoy seeing. If there is ever anything that I can do for you, let me know, I'd be more than happy.- Ben

Hi Joanne,Thank you very much for thinking of me. Jim and I were very close for a long time, and I have countless fond memories of my time spent over at the Westlawn house. One that comes to mind right now is of when you caught Jim and I playing Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on the Nintendo while wearing tinted ski goggles at some dark hour of the morning... It was long past our bedtime, and you were not pleased. Ha! I suppose now would be a good time to say thanks for opening up your home to me and making me always feel welcome. Looking after all of us was no small task, and you were definitely a second mom to many of the kids in the neighborhood, myself included.Unfortunately, I am not going to be able to make it back to Michigan in time for the 11th. Otherwise, I would definitely attend. Jim has been on my mind a lot in the last year. It would be wonderful to see you again and look through old photos and tell stories. Despite not being able to make it, I will certainly keep Jim in my thoughts on the 11th. Thanks again for thinking of me. It means a lot. And all things considered, I hope you are well.All the best,Karl

Dear Joanne,Jim and I weren't close friends in high school, if we hung out it was usually with a group of people. But we did hang out a fair amount the summer between 8th and 9th grades. One of my good friends is Jennifer, Josh's girl friend. However, Jim was always someone I thought fondly of. He had an amazing smile and an even warmer heart. He was someone that was always nice to people and sometimes in high school that was hard to find (especially in guys). When I heard of his passing I felt that I needed to be at his viewing to pay my respects to someone who truly deserved recognition. I also wanted you to know that your son made an impression on me and others. In fact, many of my other friends that I still keep in contact with who live out of town were shocked and saddened to hear of Jim's passing. Jim was someone who EVERYONE I know liked. I hope you feel some happiness in knowing that he was well thought of by many of us, even if we weren't close friends of his.I can't imagine the pain you must feel with the loss of Jim. As you know, I have two little boys who mean the world to me. I can't imagine losing one of them. My heart aches for you, just thinking of how you must feel. I hope you find the person(s) responsible for Jim's death and I hope that he/she is punished for his/her actions. -Lynsey

MISS you Jim!!! - from Jim's cousin Tami

I will never forget the surreal phone call one year ago. I still have a hard time believing that it was true. One year ago..... How can such a sweet, kind caring person be taken away from this world. What cold, callous HEARTLESS being could take him away? They do not deserve to take another breath. Jim you are TERRIBLY missed. I look at all the pictures that I have of him on a regular basis. I will NEVER forget that silly spring horse that he loved so much and the sounds it made as he rode it everywhere....or his Big Wheel. I will never forget the sweet smile and those eyes. That curley blonde hair he had as a baby.......SOOOOO cute. Going out for pizza.....just cheese please. Getting joy from simple things..... Jim we were not close in our "adulthood" but that did not take away from the heartwarming memories/feelings we all shared. I cannot imagine the sorrow your mom and sister feel daily. If I lived closer I would HUG them tight and tell them that we will all meet in heaven! I feel he is looking out for us! Thank you Jim for being you.....it was an HONOR and PRIVILEGE to be related to a "gentle" man such as YOU!I LOVE YOU!!!Cousin Tami