Lost my best friend today

A wonderful man, James Johnston Reid, passed away today.
My dearest best friend, Jim...he was the brother I never had.

I've known Jim for 25 years, and from the first, we were best buds, we spoke the same language on cars...I've just never known anyone else like him.

Jim was kind, ethical and good. He loved to work hard, and if he said he would do something for you, he made sure he came through.

Jim loved 1961 Lincoln Continentals, just as I do. He loved early electric cars, like the Baker, the Detroit, Rauch & Lang, and Waverley.
He could talk to anybody about most anything. He tried to read the Wall Street Journal everyday, and though he wasn't a know-it-all, he knew a lot.

He understood and shared my affinity for station wagons, and was genuinely interested in my crazy projects...always supportive instead of discouraging.

So many people loved Jim, and it's because he knew how to be a true friend. True blue. He was the best friend I could have ever asked for. Irreplaceable. I will miss him always.

Jim got the dreaded ALS early last year, and it quickly took a toll. But it never incapacitated him. He could still walk, use his arms, and even drive!
His speech was most noticeably impacted, he was in hellish pain, and lost lots of weight. But he was independent right until today.

Jim died with his beloved sisters and brother by his side. I know he is finally out of pain, and is in a better place.

Rest In Peace, My Friend.

David

edit: He's a pic of us on my 34th birthday in 1996.

 

David

I am so very sorry to hear of your friends passing.

It is really hard to understand "life" some times. It just seems so unfair and when something like this happens to someone who is so special and such a big part of your life you can't help but feel the pain to the very core.

As you said, at least he is no longer in the pain he has endured over the past year or so. And he knows he was much loved and respected and his passing was graceful and he was surrounded by loved ones.

You are in our thoughts and prayers David. And so is Jim - wishing him safe passage to the next step. Lets hope it includes '61 Lincoln's and some shop space for his good buddy David when that time happens a long time off.

Take care,

Barry

 

My condolences Wix, sorry about your friend

 

I'm sorry to hear of your loss. My condolences.

 

Sorry to hear about your loss, David. Loosing a very good and close friend is hard.
Have to admit I had to search the i-net for ALS, as I never had heard of of it. Found out that the amount of people suffering from ALS are about the same as MS (which I and most people do know about)

 

It's famously the disease that Lou Gehrig died of, and it's often also called "Lou Gehrig's disease."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amyotrophic_lateral_sclerosis

 

May your friend be at peace and may you carry him in your heart.

 

I hope you and his family and other friends can find serenity and comfort through whatever means you use for strength during this difficult time.

My sincere condolences to you.

Rennie

 

I'm so sorry to hear about Jim, David. Good, honest, true friends are as scarce as a 72 Estate Limited Coupe. While you treasured his friendship, he treasured yours as well. I know he never forgot the trip when you took him to the Ford Museum. You gave him one of his greatest memories in the twilight of his short life. Trust me when I tell you that he is still with you. He will always be in your mind and heart and will continue to motivate, guide and inspire you through life. For the rest of your days....Jim will be riding shotgun.

 

Thank you guys, for your kind words. It's nice to wake up and have so many thoughtful notes from you all. Means a lot.

Let's all have a great day!

David

 

David, my condolences and sympathies to out today to you and Jim's family. Friendships like the one you shared with him are so rare, blessed and life enriching. Take consolation in the fact that you made his life a better one, particularly towards the end. I was so impressed with your taking the time to make sure your best friend got to the Ford museum; I'm sure he was thankful, not only for the trip, but for the fellowship and comraderie of having you in his life.

 

Sorry to learn of your loss Wixom, my deepest sympathies.

 

david,

my sympathy to you and his family. like mike said...true friends are a scarce commodity, and you will see him again and when that happens...you'll have much to talk about. so look forward with a happy heart knowing that for him their is no pain only joy.

 

I'm sorry to hear about your loss. At the very least, you had a grand 25 years to truly know someone. That in itself is a blessing to be a part of someones life for so long.

 

My condolences David. A best true blue, friend is a huge gem in one's life. My FIL died of it and parkinsons at the same time, and my wife and one of her sisters still say he comes to visit them. Even one of the 4 year old granddaughters who only knew him until he passed two years ago. She gets mad at God that He won't let him out to play.

It's a horrendous thief of a person's mellowist years, when fond memories are what drive us forward, rather than bling, when those around us seek our counsel and kinship.

May he come 'visit' you, once the peak of your grief subsides.

Norm