when I was 21 i moved from a big city to a small town. I thought at the time that i knew most everything, but there was still more to learn. I went to work for a man named jim E. ,to learn what he could teach. Although I never saw him drunk, never once, he had the reputation of town drunk. there was evidence to support that conclusion.
I wasn't learning as fast as I thought i should,became frustrated, and moved on. Jim was reputed to be one of the best in the business,, but I wasn't learning fast enough, so I quit. after all Jim was nothing but a drunk, a small town, north of somewhere , soft spoken southern drunk.
More than 20 years later, Jim was consulted on a job of mine, and one of the highest complements i ever recieved was when i discussed my attack with him he said "well, that's what I would do"
It was then that I learned that Jim was a korean war marine, medal of honor recipient,"bravery and exemplary duty under fire"
When jim returned home, within a year he lost his wife and son in an automobile accident. He wasn't present, wasn't driving. it just happened.
Jim was never the same. to the end of his life he was active in his church, and despite his reputation, an exemplary man. Goodbye Jim
J.O.M.
