I was so saddened to learn just today that Jim has gone ... but he is with my brother, Terry, now. They were good friends. New Years Eve 1968-into-69 Jim, stepped up to ease my pain of being stood up, and we double-dated the night away with my brother and his date. I was forever grateful he was willing to share that night with me, the little sister of his friend, my brother. I recall my mother telling me he converted an old country school house into his home at one time, as he kept in contact with my mother after Terry was killed in Vietnam in '69. Jim took my sister's graduation pictures ( nice work), and he was a good and kind friend to the Rexroats on 32nd Street. I will now tuck my memories of him in there with the best of my youth. Loved you, Jim.
Debra Rexroat
April 14, 2016
I was so sad to hear the news of Jim's passing. We had lots of great times together in the late 70's and early 80's. We met through a mutual friend that worked at Nissen. When Jim got his job at HB Fuller in Minneapolis, we lived together for a time. We lost touch through the years but I have many fond memories of the time we spent together and I know he will be greatly missed by many.
Please accept my heartfelt condolences.
Debbie Kopischke
October 5, 2015
I wish to give my heart felt condolences to Jim"s family and friends. Jim and I were friends in high school. Jim had the gymnastic skills, I had a Plymouth Barracuda and we spent many interesting nights on first avenue. After traffic became light Jim would do some gymnastics down the center line while I had the music coming out of the Cuda. During one of those evenings Jim met a girl from Jefferson and Jim asked her out on a date. She wouldn't go unless it was a double date with a friend of hers. So Jim and I met them for our date. As it ended up I married the girl who was my blind date and Jim was my one of my groomsmen. Jim also bought my Cuda when I went into the army in 1969.
We kind of lost touch with each other after that, which was my lost. Jim was truly a great friend who enjoyed life.
John Long
October 4, 2015
Sarah and Dave...
Dave and I were so sorry to read of Jim's death. We were so lucky to have Jack and Betty as friends and thus got to know their family. They always looked forward to visits from their children and would love to see the family grow. So glad you had that family picture taken last year. Dave and Marie
Dave and Marie Gibbens
October 2, 2015
First, my condolences to Jim's family and friends. I remember him as a greatly spirited guy from the school year 1968-69 when he lived across the hall in the Rienow II (now Slater) hall at the University of Iowa. I always enjoyed his humor and energy and what I remember as his dedication to being a gymnast. Jim created one of the best memories from that year in this way: his sense of daring and adventure and dislike of Frank Sinatra led him to crawl out our 4th floor window, walk along the ceiling level air conditioners from third floor, and enter the room of another dorm resident who had gone to class and left his Sinatra album playing loudly on repeat. Jim took care of the problem, and returned to his room via air conditioner stepway. When the other dormie return, and found his door still locked, music not playing, and his Sinatra album in pieces between the sheets of his bed, he was dumbfounded. As Jim's friend, I held this secret venture for a lifetime...but it's a tale worth remembering and telling, and reminds me of what a really fun person Jim was during the U of Iowa years of our friendship. Bless you Jim and family
Robert Campagna
October 2, 2015
We are sad to hear of Jim's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. Jim was a good friend to all, and we were fortunate to have enjoyed his friendship in Cedar Rapids during his years at the Nissen/Universal Corporation. Thanks for all the wonderful memories Jim....you will always be remembered.
Ron & Dagmar Munn
Ron & Dagmar Munn
October 1, 2015
Jim, you were my friend. I loved you kid. Thanks for all the wonderful memories., especially the flying.
The Porsche ride two months ago was exhilarating.! White knuckle exhilarating .
You went down fighting and living life to its fullest till the end.
I am blessed to known you. Also your parents and your siblings. That one time at the Long's dinner table when your Dad, Jackson said of he and Betty, " We're so old we don't even buy green bananas any more". stuck with me.
Rest in peace Jimbo,
Harve
Harve
Harvey Hop
October 1, 2015
It is with great sorrow that we learned of Jim's passing. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family. Jim was a wonderful friend and we will always cherish the great memories of knowing Jim and being part of his life in Cedar Rapids. He will always be remembered in our hearts.
Ron & Dagmar Munn
October 1, 2015