Not only were the both so lively, outgoing and caring.. they were fun and made life way more interesting than what small town life sometimes offers. They had kids piling in Sunday nights, Tuesday mornings, Thursday nights and Saturdays for special events or Habitat for Humanity Workdays.
Jim was a youth leader who had long hair and wore green sweater vest with ripped jeans. He was a hippy - free-spirited kind of guy. He loved the Beatles, him mom, and played the guitar. Jim was different and that made him so cool to so many people (self included.)
During my years as a member of their youth group, I struggled with so many things. Normal teenage things. But their dedication and love raised me to become a strong independent women and much of my success in life is rooted in the things they taught me.
But as I reminisce now... all the good and the bad, Jim Gordon, the most lively person I have ever gotten to know is slowly fading away battling Lou Garrett Disease. Remember all those Ice Bucket Challenge folks a few years ago.. yeah that's the disease that all the money raised was/is suppose to help.
Jim is fading and that makes me sad to think about. He was the special kind of guy that could always make you laugh. Sometimes he was a jerk, I called him that often, but aren't we all Jerks sometimes. All and all, he was the kind of person that did his best to love Jesus but made sure you were have fun while doing it.
As I look back on his impact on me... I am blessed to have gotten a chance to pound nails with him, smoke cigar, Play 24 hour games of softball, run beside, sing, dance and most importantly punch during my wedding (while he married me..) He's a bit of legend in his own kind of way and when his time comes to an end... the world will be a little bit less bright without him. SO ... Today I say "To Jim.. May God be with you and Thank you for your impact in my life!"
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