So unexpected... You were the first person I really clicked with at the dragon... Hell of a good guy and and even better driver with a crazy fast car... You will be missed. Keep an eye on me from up there big guy

Love,
Shawn

(Someone else will explain this id rather not)

 

Shawn contacted me today with news that isn't easy to hear, nor to express.

Jim passed away earlier this morning. The exact specifics are unknown to me, but I do know that he was found in the drivers seat of his Crossfire. Jim loved his Crossfire, he's one of the few people that I know who has every part in the Needswings Catalog. Including the electric cut-out exhaust that would move people out of our way. His forum name is BigKid and that's exactly what he was. The man just lit up like a child on Christmas morning anytime you mentioned the word Crossfire. Wearing that big grin and Titleist ball cap he'd sit down and go over the entire history of the car and every part he had on his car. Not only would he talk your ear off, he'd do everything he could to help you out. Such an amazing man that we have lost today.


Please keep Linda (Flying Turtle) and his Family in your thoughts and prayers. Shawn (Easley15) will post the funeral arrangement specifics as soon as he has them.

 

The more I think of my talks with him, the more shook up I get. I remember telling him, "On a Dragon weekend, we are all big kids."
In return, all I got was that smile of his.

 

Such a great guy and great friend you will be dearly missed... Keep an eye out for me BigKid...

Love,
Shawn

 

This is very sad news to hear. Jim will certainly be missed. I enjoyed visiting him each time we were at the Dragon.

 

I'm so sorry to hear the terrible news...I had met him one time...what a "Crossfire" guy... Betty and my prayers go out to his family...Rest in Peace BigKid...we love you...Carl and Betty

 

Condolences to Linda...I'm just in shock right now....Jim was a super super guy...can't say enough good things about him.......

 

I'm so saddened by the news.
Jim was a wonderful friend and I enjoyed every opportunity to spend time with him
I got a call from Nick (thirteendog) awhile ago and since then I've been on the phone calling others to let them know
The list is endless, he had so many friends here.
I'll never forget at the Dragon meeting on Friday night Fall 2010 when he presented me with a portrait of my Crossfire painted by his daughter.
It was painted from a photo of my car at the Fontana Dam.

I also had the pleasure of spending a weekend with him when he was near Chicago.
He was here on the weekend of 9/11 and we drove my Crossfire downtown to Chicago and cruised along Lake Shore Drive
Then we went to the skydeck atop the John Hancock building
It was on the date "9/11" and we were the only ones up there that afternoon.
Then on Sunday he came to my house for the afternoon to watch some college football and eat some lunch.
He was a big hearted guy that would do anything for anyone if he could
What a great loss to the community here
RIP my friend as you will be dearly missed

Gary

 

Like everyone else here, I'm deeply saddened about the news. He was an absolute gentleman, Kim and I both thought the world of him. I've had the privilege of seeing him at multiple Dragon events and remember when he presented the painting to Gary... that was a special night indeed.

If there's any comfort, it's knowing he's in a better place. Jim knew the Lord and I know he's watching over us right now, and will be smiling down from heaven as his Crossfire brothers and sisters meet up next weekend.

RIP, my friend. We were blessed to have known you.

 

God rest is soul and comfort his family and friends. Jim was a man's man and a woman's champion. He will be sorely missed.

 

Jim, here's to the winding "heaven"bender you now travel... Rest in peace my friend.

Linda, you and your family have our deepest sympathies and heartfelt prayers.

 

I'm lost for words, Jim and Linda were great friends of ours, Jim and I always seek each other out atf the Dragon meets , to talk about the crossfire cars and other cars, I'm just lost now, my prayers go out to Linda and the family, God got a great man today, the Dragon meets will not be the same without big kid,

 

My first run up and down the DRAGON was with Jim. Praying for Linda. Celebrating his home going.

 

So sorry to hear, my condolence to Linda and family. RIP Jim.

 

This news comes as a complete shock! Hard to believe such a great guy has passed on. We express our deepest sympathy to his wife, Linda, and respective family members.

 

So shocked when I got the call. I'm at a loss for words to explain what he meant to me.....and to the group. Godspeed Jim!! And to Linda and the family........all my prayers are for you tonight.

 

RIP Jim and my condolences to Linda and the rest of his family. I'm still in a little shock from this terrible news.

 

I am so shocked, My friend Jim, we raced together here in Fl, we had runs together at the dragon, we spoke on the phone just a few days ago,, I will miss him very much, my condolence to you Linda, our payers will be with you. jim


R.I.P. Jim we will all miss you very much,

 

I've lead some of my most memorable runs with Jim. On one I got the chance to drive his car. No idea how he drove that thing. Barely touch the throttle and it was gone! I never lead him anywhere. I just held him up.

 

Jim was one of the most welcoming members of the Crossfire Forum.
More than a forum member, Jim was an amazing man. Although Kyle and I only had the pleasure of getting to spend time with Jim and Linda during the dragon meets he and Linda went out of their way to make us feel welcome.
There are so many things I could say about Jim but none more so than to say that he was an amazing man, friend, and treated everyone like they were family.

God speed Jim.
Kyle's and my thoughts are with Linda during her time of loss.