Here's to Jim!

An old coworker of Blain's passed away recently and Sunday evening we celebrated his life with his widow and many, many of his friends and family.  He was the kind of guy who made friends wherever he went.  He was so down to earth, generous and full of fun and life.  He was a wonderful example of a life well lived. 

He loved kids and they loved him and ours were no exception.  I was told that he used to go home and tell his wife "Lindseyisms", as he called them - funny stories about our beautiful, one of a kind daughter.  He even had a picture of our 3 kids on his refrigerator. 

So here's to you, Jim!  I only met you a few times but I'm honored I did know you.  As Blain said, if I'm half the person Jim was then I know I was a good person.

Jim meeting Carley for the first time

Flag at Half Mast in Jim's Honor

The kids dressed up for Jim's celebration party

James Keith Thornhill "A Tribute to Jim" 1937 ~ 2011 To know Jim is to love Jim. His legacy will be the vast number of people whose lives he touched, from family and friends to co-workers, golf buddies and the wait-staff at any place he frequented. Karen would say he was a "Razzle", but that was just Jim and he was the party wherever he went. Still working hard at 73, Jim had just submitted retirement papers and was looking to play more golf, if that was even possible. With a recent knee surgery he was in top shape on the course, smacking it straight and long. Ever the proud dad, he never missed a chance to brag of his children, from California to Washington D.C., and their accomplishments. Jim was straightforward, honest, hard-working, kind and very simple in his wants . . . his sweetheart, golf, cheap beer, his dog, Leo, family and friends. He loved to escape the cold winters with trips to Maui and it's beautiful golf courses. Jim could always be counted as a calming voice of reason, knowing when and where to give advice and when to keep his mouth shut. He was a shining example of what a man could and should be, and a fine patriarch for his family, especially his four grandsons who adored their Grandpa Jim.Jim was born in American Falls, Idaho. He attended Idaho State College then moved to California where he worked at Ambassador College. He later became Garner Ted Armstrong's personal assistant giving Jim opportunities to travel the world. One of Jim's most memorable trips was to Brazil with his son, Alan, and brother-in-law, Bart. There is no end to Jim's talents - a singer, diver, ski instructor, evan a circus clown. It is amazing to think about the vast number of people he met in his lifetime and left his mark - from US presidents, international presidents, country ambassadors, foreign leaders and celebrities, especially Stevie Nicks, Karen's best friend, who was able to share many memories including concerts and time in her home in Hawaii. A special thanks to the entire staff at the Old Mill Golf Course and Salt Lake County Parks and Rec, especially Leslie, who will sorely miss him. Jim is survived by his soul mate and best friend, Karen Jean; his four children: Trinide and Kevin Gaston, Alan and Jennifer Thornhill, Amy "Amo" and Todd Etherington, Jill "Bob" and Matt Briggs; four grandsons, Mitch, Owen, Quin and Dylan; best furry companion, "Leo" Leopold; brother, Donald Merritt Thornhill; sisters and brothers-in-law: Saundra and Dave Fowlks, Joanne and Bart Knaphus; nieces and nephews: Jami and Pat Shanahan, Jeddi and Ron Wagstaff, Tyler and Toni, Kris, Bryan, Jan and Brick, Nicole and Philip, Warren and Nicoel, Kori, Lizz "Headphones", and countless close friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Merritt Koons "Buster" and Josephine Frodsham Thornhill; neighbors and parents-in-law, Paul W. and Helen McAffee Smith; sister-in-law, Shirley Thornhill; brother-in-law, Michael Smith; son, Troy Smith. In honor of Jim's life, a celebration will be held Sun., May 1, 2011, 5:30 p.m. at the Willow Creek Country Club, 8300 S. 2700 E., Sandy. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity, drink your favorite beer, and play a round of golf. He'll be waiting on the 19th hole for Lee, Rob and Joe . . . My sweetheart ~ I will miss my "morning" love notes (not one missed in 25 years), my Friday flowers, but most of all, your hugs. Om Si Ram 21.