I was heartbroken to learn recently of Jim's passing from his mentee at APG who was reaching out to various contacts Jim had tucked away over the years. Of course, after the anguish of the first few minutes, the conversation turned to what remarkable mentor and friend Jim was and will always be to so many he impacted during his way-to-short life. I met Jim in 1989 while working for a development company that sat - fully engulfed in flames - on the balance sheet of a failing bank. Fun stuff. Suffice it to say, the 27 year old Yankee in a bow tie I presented as the new operations manager of two large PUDs in the Triangle Area must have looked like chum in churning seas. Jim was one of my first acquaintances outside of work and my first friend in the area. He was generous with his time, his acute knowledge of the area and markets, and he added a characteristic spiritual element that made that chapter in my life a complete and important part of my greater journey. In later years, we stayed in touch and I could tell how Nancy was a blessing and a pillar in his life. Jim also befriended my nephew and godson when he transplanted himself to North Carolina. And, in the full-circle nature of things, I imagine he was as profoundly impacted as the young mentee who contacted me only a week ago. I thank God for Jim and I send my deepest condolences to all those who loved him while embracing gratitude for his friendship and enduring impact on my life.
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