Very sad and shocking news

[Flysmallie]

Sad deal. I never met him but enjoyed his reports. Seemed like a good man. RIP Jim.

[Hammer time]

Great guy, was lucky enough to fish with him once this spring.

Makes me realize how precious our time here is.

RIP and God bless you Jim.

[WoundedOne]

I had the pleasure of meeting and fishing with Jim 2 years ago on my birthday at lileys. We happen to be both staying there and just got to talking and sure enough OAF came into conversation. He will be missed RIP Jim.

[nxs]

Never got to meet Jim but really liked to read his posts. Know his family and friends are going to miss him big time. Prayers for him and his family and friends.

[denjac]

Met Jim once in joplin and again at oaf gathering this spring. Very sad news indeed.

[Unimog]

Never had the pleasure of meeting him in person but enjoyed reading all he had to say in here. Hate it when things like this hit close to home.

[Bill Babler]

Had not seen the post. Denny texted me this morning while I was on my guide trip. Really had a hard time keeping it together, My wonderful clients asked if I needed to go in. I told them that Jim would never have permitted me to quit on a morning of fishing. "NEVER IN A MILLION YEARS."

For the past several years, Jim and I have spoken at least once a week, sometime more. He would call me with a tip or to let me know how he was catching them, even without me asking. Jim would have gladly given me any location on any lake he had regardless if he was fishing them or not.

Never anything but praise and never any controversy, always a true Ozark Gentleman.

If I had a $100 bucks for every time he asked me to go fishing or asked Phil, I could pretty much just fish without clients for the rest of the year. Always gave me baits or would call and tell me he did not want to bother me, but he was catching some really nice fish either here or there and if I needed them, to hustle my clients right over to them.

Jim was working at upgrading his equipment and doing a really good job of it. He was also working at getting his Federal Guide ticket. I will tell you now, he would have made a good one. As all the people that fished with him knew. Jim was the kind that if it came to him or you catching a fish, he would always be more tickled if it were you.

Jim had been fishing lately with a young lady and he was proud as a speckled pup to take her, just enjoying himself like crazy as she caught really nice fish. I can see that big smile now.

This entire board including the Table Rock board will never replace him, and Jim will be in my heart as someone that made me a better person for knowing and being around him.

Dear Friend Jim, you will be remembered and will be sorely missed, Rest in peace Good Friend.

[dtrs5kprs]

Had not seen the post. Denny texted me this morning while I was on my guide trip. Really had a hard time keeping it together, My wonderful clients asked if I needed to go in. I told them that Jim would never have permitted me to quit on a morning of fishing. "NEVER IN A MILLION YEARS."For the past several years, Jim and I have spoken at least once a week, sometime more. He would call me with a tip or to let me know how he was catching them, even without me asking. Jim would have gladly given me any location on any lake he had regardless if he was fishing them or not.Never anything but praise and never any controversy, always a true Ozark Gentleman.If I had a $100 bucks for every time he asked me to go fishing or asked Phil, I could pretty much just fish without clients for the rest of the year. Always gave me baits or would call and tell me he did not want to bother me, but he was catching some really nice fish either here or there and if I needed them, to hustle my clients right over to them.Jim was working at upgrading his equipment and doing a really good job of it. He was also working at getting his Federal Guide ticket. I will tell you now, he would have made a good one. As all the people that fished with him knew. Jim was the kind that if it came to him or you catching a fish, he would always be more tickled if it were you.Jim had been fishing lately with a young lady and he was proud as a speckled pup to take her, just enjoying himself like crazy as she caught really nice fish. I can see that big smile now.This entire board including the Table Rock board will never replace him, and Jim will be in my heart as someone that made me a better person for knowing and being around him.Dear Friend Jim, you will be remembered and will be sorely missed, Rest in peace Good Friend.

Bill that sums it up for a lot of us. It was a tough evening last night. Can only hope we all would be remembered as well.

[rangerman]

Dtrs5kprs made a comment just a day or so ago about not knowing when our last fish would be caught or something to that effect. Really sets in now. I didn't know Jim other than pm's exchanged. He seemed like a class act and my thoughts are with his friends and family.

[slab slinger]

Awful sad news. SRJ will be truly missed. Never got the pleasure to meet Jim but always wanted to. Just PM him the other day can't hardly beleave his passed on. Had plans taking him crappie fishing next spring in trade for some bass advice. I'm still shocked by the news and my go out to family and friends. I will miss his posts and level headed aproach on the site. Wish I could have met him.