GMG and I attended the event held at James’ acreage high overlooking a beautiful river.
All his extended family and close friends were there. Included were those of us who only knew James since the Scamdemic.
Lots of stories of his life.

There were many poster boards of photos of James from his youth to the present.
James was quite the accomplished person. Self-reliant and a true deep thinker.
I never knew his amazing life story and travels through Europe, the Middle East and Asia over 40 years ago.
He even passed through Iran before the Revolution.
A man of few words but when he had something to say it was profound.

James had an amazing orchard of grafted apples and pears. He was very knowledgeable. I was a lucky recipient of some of the fruit.
Most of the harvest was given to the local Food Bank and of course friends and family.
Stories of his generosity to strangers were related.
A very kind and generous man.

He stood his ground during Covid and refused to fall victim to the insanity around him.
That was the James I first met after Fully introduced us.
A man of conviction.

He would never ask for help. I had to beg him to allow me to clear 30 trees on the steep slope overlooking the river.
They were blocking the view from his observatory. James knew all about the night sky but could not use the observatory the way it was. At the time I did not know he had an advanced Cancer diagnosis. He kept it to himself.
A private man.

On my weekly or more frequent visits to James in Hospice, I got to know more about his life.
He was one of the last Railroad Signal Specialists in Canada who knew the old ways of communicating via the tracks.
When he retired from CN, he suddenly became in demand and worked on lucrative contracts all over.
He explained to me how it worked. I bet most of us here did not know how they communicated over the tracks.
An intelligent man.

His son mentioned how James would pack everyone up in the vehicle and go off into the woods and hang out.
He taught the kids about nature. He did not like killing bugs or other living creatures. House spiders would be gently scooped up and taken outdoors to continue their life. He studied the world’s religions and took the best teachings from each one.
A spiritual man.

As James got closer to the end he quoted many bible verses and was prepared for the next life.
He saw visions that he would relate. He saw angels and other people from his past.
He was at peace with God and his life.
He passed a contented man

We will miss James but he lives on in fond memories and his family who are equally special.
Rest in Peace James.

(When I have time I will post some sayings that James kept in his wallet)