Baja Bernie - 12-26-2003 at 09:05 PM
Well Guys & Gals, I'm here to pass on some terrible news. The family of that old slinger of ink, that larger than life man who has never met a
person that he didn't like is now apparently about to meet a guy in the sky who he will be very comfortable with. For those of you who have known the
"Don of Baja", for more than a minute, will know that he is now reaching way down deep to pull out a yarn that will have them rolling at those pearly
gates.
Sara, his daughter relayed this information to me with Jimmy's request that I make these last posts for him. A man's man and a womans wonderful guy
he just wanted to say goodby to all of his Baja Gals and Buds.
PLEASE DO NOT BOTHER THE FAMILY AT THIS TIME. GIVE THEM A FEW DAYS.
If you need any other information please just contact me at bernieswaim@caballeropublishing.com
I know this is tough to believe BUT realize that we all have lost a treasure that few others have ever known.
Drop a line on this thread and let's see just how long it will go. I'm sure that the family will appreciate anything you may contribute.
DAMN!
Mike Humfreville - 12-26-2003 at 09:16 PM
He will live on through all of us that love a place he loves. Andale Amigo, arriba y adelante.
[Edited on 12-27-2003 by Mike Humfreville]
jeans - 12-26-2003 at 09:31 PM
Baja is going to lose a national treasure. I'm honored to have known him and to have sat on his porch listening to his yarns.
Blessings to him and his family...
I hope this is appropriate
Ski Baja - 12-26-2003 at 09:45 PM
I was fortunate enough to have again shared yarns, his advice, and some good laughs a little more than a week ago with this awesome individual. He had
the most wonderful life and enjoyed it to the last. Now he is on to bigger and better things.
He will never be forgotten.
Earth will be abit empty....
Debra - 12-26-2003 at 10:12 PM
And Heaven will be more full, Don Jimmy we will miss you....
Ski, Thank you for sharing that photo, it is exactly as I saw him last.
Children being children, Brendan says "NO MOM! Who will take care of his cats and birds!"....we love you Jimmy, God's speed. Debra
elgatoloco - 12-26-2003 at 10:39 PM
Don Jimmy is an inspiration.
Matt and I were fortunate enough to meet Jimmy and spend a little time with him when he was here in San Diego recently. His life has been long and
full of adventure and he has a wonderful sense of humor and a twinkle in his eyes. We are saddened, but we are greatful to have met this amazing
person. We send our heartfelt support to Sara and Do?a Lupe.
Barb and Matt Pebley
[Edited on 12-28-2003 by elgatoloco]
[Edited on 12-28-2003 by elgatoloco]
Hey Jimmy, wait....
jeans - 12-27-2003 at 12:15 AM
I never got my "big sloppy bus" from you! 
Dear Grinning Gargoyle
David K - 12-27-2003 at 12:40 AM
I first learned about you from the owner of that used book store in Vista, CA.
I went there searching for Baja books and the man asked me if I knew you (not yet, I said). He even said you were a friend of famous author Erle
Stanley Gardner!
Great, as I know Choral Pepper (who was with the Gardner party, in San Ignacio), I can learn about this Jimmy Smith character and what a 'Grinning
Gargoyle' is!
He gave me your card and I recognized the Dave Deal style in that cartoon (of you flying over San Ignacio).
I posted on the Amigos board if anyone heard of you... I got a reply from 'Elizabeth' who said you write articles for local papers and live in Los
Barriles.
I telephoned Choral Pepper and got 'the rest of the story'! 
As it turns out
Choral is the one who called you a 'grinning gargoyle' (and it wasn't a compliment)! That is just what you looked like to her after you popped into
their camp, outside of town (40 years ago).
You adopted Choral's choice for a nickname, and the rest is history!
You and I began communicating via email and even though we are a few years apart, our love for Baja was the great equalizer. We met at Dave Deal's,
then again on your porch, in Los Barriles. The next day you took us to see the oldest mine ruins in Baja and the giant guerivo trees. What a special
day that was for us. http://davidksbaja.com/baja15/page4.html
I earned the nickname 'The Baja Connection' from Choral after I brought you two back together, 40 years later (via email). What a thrill!
When you are ready to continue your tale telling and history lessons, be prepared for a great audiance including Hernan Cortes, Fr. Salvatierra, Fr.
Ugarte, Fr. Serra, Howard Gulick, Mike McMahan, maybe even Uncle Erle! Oh how I
envy that, and will be looking forward to hear your wisdom when my day comes.
Thank you Don Jimmy, your generosity has given us so much.
"What is most valuable is not the wealth you keep, but the wealth you share"
your amigo always,
David Kier ?VIVA BAJA Y VIVA JIMMY SMITH!
[Edited on 12-27-2003 by David K]
Jimmy's "high flight".....
capt. mike - 12-27-2003 at 06:35 AM
Oh, to know that he will slip the surly bonds of earth to reach out and slap the back of God, with a chortle characteristic of his grin and demeanor,
and say, ..."Lord, did I ever tell you about the time me and the crew were heading out to.........."
Way to go Don Jimmy, you're had a helluva ride!! See you when I do.
Don Jimmy
Anonymous - 12-27-2003 at 07:47 AM
We will miss you Don Jimmy. A Baja Legend, a great Man. Our thoughts are of you and your family. Your amigos Dave, Juanita, Porky, staff and residents
of the Rancho.
Baja Bernie - 12-27-2003 at 09:39 AM
Hey People,
I think a few of you should go back and read the original post. Jimmy has NOT left us yet he is just very close to that stage.
Jimmy
Steve in Oro Valley - 12-27-2003 at 09:58 AM
We should all think about getting the most out of what life has to offer. You think you are an aficionado of Baja California ? Prove it by living to
the hilt as Jimmy does....
Steve
[Edited on 12-27-2003 by Steve in Oro Valley]
Sorry Bernie
Ski Baja - 12-27-2003 at 11:47 AM
"I know this is tough to believe BUT realize that we all have lost a treasure that few others have ever known."
I think the confusion came from this.
Glad to hear that it isn't true. Jimmy , my thoughts are with you Sir. Thank you for everything. J.R.
I would like to have met you and wish you the best.
Anonymous - 12-27-2003 at 12:00 PM
I remember a few of the conversations we had on Amigos about the plight of Mexican immigrants to the United States. Although we only spoke briefly,
you impressed me as a person with a big heart. I hope your passing is gentle and I'm very happy that you made it back to Los Barriles so you could go
from the place you love to be. You'll be missed by many. Hasta luego, Senor. - Stephanie Jackter
Eli - 12-29-2003 at 07:35 PM
Well, what can one say, it is not every day one has the opportunity to read their own eulogy and well wishes in regard to their passing on. Ah but, we
all know Don Jimmy has been blessed with the opportunity of many adventures that the average guy can?t even fathom. So, when your comments came up,
and the confusion occurred as to his actual status of being, I asked the Ol Man if he wanted the opportunity to hear what you all had to say about his
passing and of course he went for it, so I have been reading them to him.
He sure got a sweet smile when I read him yours David K; you know he has a special place in his heart for you. You too, Capt. Mike, Braulio, Minnow,
and You too, Debra, Mindy, J.R., Skeet, and of course his champion, Don Bernie, what would we do without you Bernie. Mike H, Dad sends you saludos,
and Stephanie, your comment certainly got his attention and evoked sweetness in his demeanor. To all of you on both boards that I have not mentioned,
please know he appreciates your thoughts and he sends you his Love.
Dad has not eaten much more than a cup of yogurt since a couple of days before Christmas. I had so hoped we could entice his appetite with his
favorite stewed apricots and mincemeat pie, a little sitting on the porch watching the roses bloom, they are huge and gorgeous, voluptuous beyond
belief this year, but alas no such Luck, it appears he has had enough tasting food and sitting on the porch for this life time.
So, Dad is shutting down; there is no doubt about that, only his maker knows how much longer we will have him with us. He fades in and out thru out
the day, he came back to us after being ?gone God knows where in his mind for a few days?, and I asked him where he?d been and he said he had no idea.
So, we keep vigilance by his bedside, I will continue to read your thoughts to him, he still enjoys the knowing that you all care and thanks you for
your communications, so if you want to send them, know I will read them to him and it does to his soul good to hear from ALL OF YOU.
Skeet/Loreto - 12-29-2003 at 08:04 PM
Jimmy: As I set here before this machine i think about Rattlesankes in Sweetwater, Texas,About milking cows on a sunday morning before going to the
Calvary Baptist Church to be Baptised in the Creed behind the Church!!
I think about the times I put on the gloves and faced a foe for a 3 round Bout,about leaving on a Frieght Train headed North to a life of passion and
adventure'
All these things come to mind as I know you have shared many adventures in your life as I have. Adventure, Passion,hardship. despair, Laughter,
Heartache, and many more emotions of Life.
We have shared these things over the many years of our life and I must say it has been a Grand Ride!!We have gone where other men have feared to
Tread! We have flown on the Wings of Wind, Always looking for the next Adventure.
i now await the Adventure of being in the company of the Master!!
May God Bless you and Good Luck to you on this next Adventure the most important !!!Skeet/Loreto
Baja Bernie - 12-29-2003 at 09:20 PM
Eli,
This is the first time I have been addressed with that fine title of 'Don' and it means so much for you to be the one to confer it on me.
The first time your Dad was in the VA we were talking one day and he suddenly looked me straight in the eye and said, "You know Bernie I believe that
you and I were brothers in some past life." I replied, "Perhaps some day we will be brothers again in some future life." We both just dropped that
subject and moved on. Now I pray that it will come to pass. Then we both can yarn again about this wonderful place that is our Baja and the great
people that we both cherish.
Don Jimmy, thank you for letting me share, what little time I was allowed in this lifetime, YOU, your love for Baja and it's people.
I still say that, "Baja is people helping people."
Mi Sara, I was close...
Sallysouth - 12-29-2003 at 09:51 PM
In Loreto for three weeks. I thought about emailing you, but for some unknown reason to me , I felt it was'nt the time to try to put our "wish trip"
together. I had no idea what was going on with your Don Jimmy.My heart goes out to you Mi hermana! Boy but he has put his heart and soul into his love
for familia Y amigos ! I'm home now after helping mija adjust to Motherhood. I will be going back down in the spring, so maybe we can do our dream
trip and celebrate your Dads life together, in that way(Whales!) My Love to you and your Familia, Sally(Msal)
Baja Bernie - 12-29-2003 at 10:12 PM
Sally,
That is sure what Sara will be needin'. Someone to put arms around her and allow her to let it all out. She is being brave now BUT---
[Edited on 12-30-2003 by Baja Bernie]
BajaNomad - 12-30-2003 at 12:35 PM
Ryland, Nichole, Jonathan, Andrew and I are all extremely honored to have shared some moments with you.
We, along with Michelle (mom), ALL have you in our thoughts at this time -- and will certainly be doing the same at special times throughout the
future, especially when we're in the magical land of Baja California.
We'll be talking to you, as your energy will certainly live on with us.
We're also thinking of your wonderful family, and wishing them strength at this difficult time.
From present and future N?madas de Baja California:
--
Doug
Michelle
Ryland (3)
Nichole (16)
Jonathan (14)
Andrew (13)
Thoughts
smlslikfish - 12-30-2003 at 04:29 PM
There is something about baja that makes the past seem very close for me, I think others feel this way too. I never met Jimmy, But have enjoyed
reading his posts and the stories of days past. Jimmy, know that you will always be a part of that wonderful story that is Baja. Vaya con Dios
Eli - 1-1-2004 at 08:47 AM
Unbelievable, here it is New Years day, 2004, I sit at my fathers computer in the new little office that he had been talking about creating on this
front porch since who can remember when. It was put together in an honorably short time by friends and family while Dad & I were in San Diego just a
few short weeks ago. The office has a big window that face East towards Dona Lupe?s store and the walkway behind it that leads from the front gate to
the house so one can see what is going down from his computer.
Dad?s Ol bud and dearest of Pal?s, Steve, has gone thru and organized Dad?s Baja history books. All is ready for the Ol Man to return to work on that
2nd. Book, the computer bank is full of data and old thoughts waiting to be organized. Dad made it out of bedroom for the long journey out here in the
wheel chair one time to see this room completed. It took all his strength to sit up for a couple of hours and inspect the work, locate his precious
books, give us his approval and back to bed.
It was another long night for the Ol Man and Me, chasing big pain with little pills, sleeping in turns of 2 hours at most. Ah but, it is dawn now and
Dona Lupe sits with him and gives me this chance to write again a thank you note to all of you who supplied me with kind words to caress my dear Poppy
with.
I read him my last note to you all and got his all-important to me approval of how I was presenting his perspective of his situation. I have read to
him all I have received on both Nomad and Baja net boards, notes from his e-mail still get to him via me. Yes, certainly I do read them ALL to him,
several times over in fact. Although he fades in and out as I read to him, he does know your out there, and he sends you all his desire that you have
a wonderful 2004.
So, as I close for now, I think of all the good times he has had over the past year; Desert Bull, it was the Baja Mil of 2002 that produced that
wonderful photo of You, him and a pretty lady who must be the muse herself, right? He still has his memories of the book signing at Pyramid. The
taped interview by Camote is certainly a family treasure. The insuring all nighter with the ?Play in the dirt Boy?s? down at Santa Inez, God, how he
loves You all. He has truly lived his life to the fullest this past year; it?s been a great one in many aspects.
So the vigil by his bedside continues, the Ol Man has a strong and generous heart. We still find a way to create a sweet moment here and there; Karen
came by with her baby Grace to lace Papa?s face with their sweet kisses and they got sweet tender smiles from him in return. A kid I don?t know, maybe
25 years old, all Mexican punk with spikes and an ear ring showed up to say goodbye to his Papa, turns out he is yet another adoptee that Dad took
under his wing when the guy was a little tyke in La Capilla. Yet again, I am reminded how the Ol Man is truly the wealthiest soul I ever did know;
Loved by so many, and all he had to do to get there was open up his heart and just be Don Jimmy.
[Edited on 1-1-2004 by Eli]
Baja Bernie - 1-1-2004 at 10:51 AM
Sara,
I don't think you know that I have every e-mail you and Don Jimmy have ever sent to me and a whole lot of your posts on all three boards. When I get
stuck for a thought or a phrase I just leaf through them and one or the other of you provides me with just the right wordage to continue my writing.
I have never known two people who have such a natural ability to communicate and as I said in my last book, "to reach out, latch onto someone, and
reel them in" Fishers of people are both of you. No, you guys don't stuff or mount them but 'they' hold you both in their hearts forever. So proud
to be called friend by you and your Poppy.
Eli,
Stephanie Jackter - 1-1-2004 at 05:02 PM
I helped sit vigil through the death of a good friend who wanted to die at home a number of years ago. It was absolutely grueling even though I and
some family members were doing it in shifts.
But even though the sadness of death is the ending, you'll look back on it as one of the best things you've ever done. Keep that morphine cranked up
and just be sure to stay away from it yourself and grab that precious couple of hours of sleep whenever you can.
And remember that the gift you're giving of helping your Dad pass away in peace in his own bed instead of some crappy impersonal hospital ward is
priceless - one of the greatest gifts you'll ever give.
Good luck with the task at hand. After the hardest days (which it sounds like you're nearing the end of), usually comes a short coma and then it's
over soon. - Stephanie
Don Jimmy update
Baja Bernie - 1-2-2004 at 12:54 PM
Morning! On this second day of a new year I just got much less than encouraging news from Don Jimmy's private angel and nurse. She tells me that the
entire town is lining up to pay their respects to a man they all love.
Please hold Jimmy in your hearts for a while longer. Me, I'm going out for a long walk in the sun and think on this wonderful man.
No confusion this time---He is still hanging on!
[Edited on 1-2-2004 by Baja Bernie]
Eli - 1-2-2004 at 05:02 PM
The Humble Abode of a very Wealthy Man; As I sit by his bed side and reflect on the walls that create My dear Papa?s space, comments made by Oso in
regard to Don Jimmy?s true intergration into the culture of the land he Loves and adobted long ago and Stephanie?s encouragement in regard to dealing
with the dignity of dieing at home have inspired me to try and describe for you the circumstances with which my father finds himself in the simple
little 12?x12? space in which he resides.
There is a few inches above his head, behind him is a faded tired picture of the Last Supper of Christ with another above it of the classic picture of
the Guardian Angel leading two barefoot children across an old broken wood bridge. To his right is a little bed side table, with fancy gringo wipes
and tissue, a bottle of water, a glass with some horrid tasting tea with a straw, a fresh cutting of all colored roses, red, lavender, orange like the
sun set, blue, yellow and white, Of course there is a little tin niche of the Virgin of Guadalupe that I gave to Dona Lupe her last Saints day, and
which she placed next to my Dad to watch over him on his way. Next to that is the print out of all your well wishes and thoughts that I have shared
with him when he has a lucid moment without pain. Or, even when he is just ?sleeping?, sometimes I pull them out and read them aloud to him yet again.
There is a typical old freestanding ropero, a stack of bedding for whom will pass the night is tended on top. Than there is the door that you never
know who will enter thru next to pay homage to the Old Don. To the right of the door is his book case of Classic Western novels, a collection of Old
National Geographic, a few of his treasures from Saudi. There also sits a little clay cartoon character cowboy riding an old Indian Chief Moto, a gift
given to him the last time he saw his best bud, Dave Deal. Next to the bookcase is his dresser with all those meds sitting on top. He has the best
medication available thanks to the good doctors at the V.A., an 02 maker jimmy?d open made to run with a fan attached to it in the true tradition of
Mexican mickey mouse genius. Above the dresser is a picture of my sister Wilma as a little girl, and to the right directly facing him is a water color
painting of an old adobe casita in La Capilla with Flat Rock in the back ground, done by his grand daughter, Tehroma, and given to him for his
birthday years ago.
There are visitors to this room daily, family and friends of both cultures, all ages, and of all economic status, they come to pay their respects and
convey their Love to this grand Ol Man.
In spite of the circumstances, I agree, he is one heck of a Lucky guy, he breeched the cultures and has always been his own Man. Dad has a comfortable
hospital bed with clean sheets and fluffy pillows, family and friends surround him. He has the best meds and Doctors who dispersed them with Love and
respect for him. For sure, he is bathed daily and rubbed with lotion by his dear angel and nurse, Char. Yes, surly he is in the best circumstances for
his situation; he truly is a very lucky man.
Yes, I am surly Lucky to go these trials with him, as hard as this may be, I am so grateful to the powers that be for permitting me these last days
with my dear Papa.
He can go now any minute, any day, only his Maker knows, my last communication with him, he mentioned getting in his jeep, turning on the motor, I
asked his where he was going and he said Home and that it was snowing. He is sleeping now.
In honor
Ski Baja - 1-2-2004 at 07:11 PM
Eli, if he was getting in his Jeep and it was snowing, he was loving it I'll bet.
Although there is much sadness in many homes right now because of your Father, he has brought so much happiness to so many with his life that he is
willing to share. He is with those he loves and reliving fond memories. Incredible way to say goodbye.
If you and the Don approve, I would consider it an honor to put a plaque in his favorite place or one of his specifications here in Baja. Anywhere!
If possible, he could mark it on a map and I will get it there. Seems like he enjoyed the maps as much as I do. Last two visits ( "bring in the
maps") from Don Jimmy himself. A true adventurer always.
My utmost respect goes to your Dad.
Bien Viaje Don Jimmy J.R.
JESSE - 1-2-2004 at 07:55 PM
Descanse en Paz el Sr Jimmy.
Eli - 1-3-2004 at 02:38 PM
Papa slipped away as he chose, peacefuly in his sleep with his family at his side today at 12:45 p.m. We will have mass for him tomorrow morning at
8:30 p.m. at the Los Barriles Catolic Church and bury him mid morning in the L.B. grave yard.
Skeet/Loreto - 1-3-2004 at 03:11 PM
Adios Amigo: May you fly with the angels!
To all your family, Eli and Lupe
Debra - 1-3-2004 at 03:19 PM
I'm sorry I don't have Don Jimmy's email to put this in person (I thought I did)
Dona Lupe, Eli, Wilma...and the rest of the family and friends.....Our hearts go soaring to you, I know it is harder than words can express....as sad
as I am right now, I can only feel part of your pain....my heart aches for you, Please know that Don Jimmy will be be loved always and Brendan and I
will say a Rosary for him tonight. God's speed Jimmy......
I'm happy to hear that he's even going in the ground Mexican style.
Stephanie Jackter - 1-3-2004 at 04:22 PM
It's so much more respectful of the dead and those who survive to be put to rest hours instead of days after death in a simple way and without having
to mortgage the house to do it.
When my dad passed away, he'd been living in Mexico for 30 years and being a Jew, he really liked the idea of being put in the ground Mexican style,
without embalming or refrigeration and within 24 hours in a simple pine box with just the Kaddish for ceremony - ashes to ashes in the most
non-convoluted way he could think of.
Instead, he made the mistake of passing away while waiting on a transplant list in California, where they insisted on charging thousands of extra
dollars to put his simple pine box inside of a state mandated hermetically sealed steal sarcophogous that would last a thousand years.
If I make the mistake of dying on this side of the border, I hope somebody will sneak what's left of me down to Nogales (hopefully, they won't get the
red light!), and put me to rest the right way, as goes Jimmy's body today.
Rest in Peace, Jimmy. - Stephanie
Don Jimmy Smith
Ski Baja - 1-3-2004 at 07:26 PM
May your adventures and explorations continue with the love of your family, peace and tranquility always at your side.
Thank you for being who you are. Via con Dios mi Amigo. J.R.
Don Jimmy Passed Away this afternoon
Baja Bernie - 1-3-2004 at 08:01 PM
That Old Slinger of Ink, Jimmy, passed away this afternoon at 12:45 pm.
Let's all use the next few days to leave messages about Jimmy here and on Baja. Net for his family.
All I can say now is that all of us will have a small hole in our hearts but we all will carry a soft spot in our souls for J.P.Smith until we meet
him to share stories of Baja sometime in the future.
Saludos y Paz Jimmy
Forever with us
Sonora Wind - 1-3-2004 at 08:23 PM
When I'm on the Cortez, I sometimes feel the spirits of those who have gone before. From this day forth, when I feel they are near I will smile and
remember Don Jimmy. Thank you for all you have given us.
jeans - 1-3-2004 at 10:12 PM
Eli,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share with us and to give us this very intimate glimpse of such a private time in your life and the life of
your father. I'm sure there were hundreds of us here in Cyberland saying prayers for your family. We've been right here with you every day. (We
even know what his room looks like!).
Thank you for your gift of allowing us to be there with you during the last days of Don Jimmy.
elgatoloco - 1-4-2004 at 12:47 AM
Eli, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Dona Lupe and the rest of Jimmy's extended family.
Jimmy's life and the way he lived it fully is a constant inspiration to all of us. Tonight are hearts are filled with sadness for the loss.
We celebrate the life of a man who has touched the lives of so many others. We should all be so lucky to leave a legacy such as his.
Matthew & Barbara Pebley
Ken Bondy - 1-4-2004 at 09:15 AM
I met Jimmy, in person, for the first and only time on July 26, 1980. How do I know that with such precision? From my flight log and from a log I
was keeping of all my Baja trips at the time. It was at Punta Colorada, where Jimmy was fixing something, and Bob Van Wormer introduced him to us. I
went back and looked at what I wrote about that day,
"Caught 38# dorado less than an hour out, just before crew found water in diesel fuel. Back on the PCL patio at 10:30am, where we met Jim Smith, and
spent several hours of fascinating conversation with him and Bob van Wormer. Jim has been in Baja for 30 years, lives in San Ignacio. Warm, salty,
magnetic personality. This guy is going to be famous."
I wrote that more than 23 years ago. He did indeed become famous. Hasta la proxima vez, Don Jimmy.
++Ken++
Don Jimmy
Keri - 1-4-2004 at 09:18 AM
Good bye sweet soul . You will be greatly missed. May God bess you and keep you in the palm of his hand forever. My thoughts and prayers go out to
you and your family. God Bless you all, keri
[Edited on 1-4-2004 by Keri]
Jimmy
capn.sharky - 1-4-2004 at 09:33 AM
Your soul has gone on to the next world, but your spirit remains in the thoughts of all who loved you. Not many can say that they did what they could
to make this world a better place....but you did. Now it is time for rest.
David K - 1-4-2004 at 10:39 AM
Don Jimmy, have a wonderful 'forever'. I look forward to the time when we can pour through Baja history books and maps, again!
Eli, what you did for your dad was beyond great and your blessings will be many. What a lucky dad Jimmy was having a daughter as thoughtful as you.
Warm Wishes Always,
David Kier
[Edited on 1-5-2004 by David K]
bajalera - 1-4-2004 at 03:58 PM
Jim was at Leree's (sp?) in San Ignacio two of the times we stopped there in 1963-64. I had hoped to run into him again somewhere down here, and am
sorry that never happened.
Have a great flight up there, Don J!
- bajalera
Anonymous - 1-4-2004 at 08:47 PM
I didn't really know Jimmy Smith, but his loss is a loss for all of us Baja people.
Neal Johns - 1-4-2004 at 09:34 PM
Oops, that was me above - it didn't sign me in!
Bedman - 1-5-2004 at 01:20 AM
Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Though wise men at their end know dark is right,
Because their words had forked no lightning they
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright
Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,
And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way,
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight
Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
And you, my father, there on the sad height,
Curse, bless me now with your fierce tears, I pray.
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Dylan Thomas
May God bless and hold you in the palm of his hand.
Bedman
Eli - 1-7-2004 at 03:19 PM
First of all I want to thank all who have contributed to this tread. The respect you have shown here is greatly appreciated by me, and I am sure my
Papa would agree. Now I expect that it is time for closing on this final chapter of a great mans life. For sure I will print up hard copies of all
your thoughts, and pass them on, so that my siblings may savor and share your kind words with their families, I do think that there will be much value
in all Your comments for them as there surly is for me.
Just a few days ago, while I was reading and writing on this thread, Moses, my brother Raul?s 8 year old kid, came up and asked what all these words
he saw on the screen were about; I explained to him, that his Grandpa was a very well known and much Loved Man and that all this ta-do was folks way
of expressing their respect for Don Jimmy. Well, the boy could certainly relate to that as he thinks his Tata is pretty special too.
As I know that many of You, Dad?s friends and relatives, wanted to, but could not make it to the services and his burial, I will attempt to address
what took place, so that you may some how share in the ritual and know he was buried with the Love and Respect he deserved;
Much to the relief of Dona Lupe, we had a traditional Vellorio for my father that night of the day that he died. His casket was set on the porch,
pretty much in the spot where he always sat in his rocking chair, to the right of the door, when one faces the store. A bunch of PVC chairs lined up
on either side of the walkway. These chairs were provided by the ?funeral folks?, who also brought a giant urn of coffee, and some beautiful tall
freestanding candelabras that provided giant globes of soft warm red light, one in the shape of a cross, stood at his head.
During the Rosary, Dona Lupe took her place sitting at Dad?s feet. Paquito, the favored grandson, the truly valiant one, the boy who inherited so
much of the Ol Man?s persona, held his weeping grandmother in his arms thru out the prayers.
Ay que Paquito, the night before when he sat alone with Papa holding his hand from 2 am until 6 am, I figured out why this boy truly deserved my
Father?s blessings in the form of a ruby and gold ring that Paquito wears with pride. He had received it just a few months ago from Paco, his Father,
who received the ring from Dad. Dad told me that it was my grandfather?s ring, and Dad had passed it on to Paco, with the condition that he pass it on
to his son Paquito on his 18th birthday.
So Rosario was said for a Man who claimed no formal religion, but was comfortable with his own vision of God, and it was performed by Dona Rosa, of
all people, She, who?s droning repetitive speech my father avoided when ever possible. This is where I had to disappear into the shadows, as I was
attacked with a serious case of giggles when I heard Moses? loud yawn, surly exactly what Dad would a done if he could have, and I couldn?t help
reflect on the irony that Pop couldn?t get away from Rosa this time. Still, in the end, I am reminded of the total immersion of my Father into this
culture and the respect of same as shown by Rosa and all of Dad?s barrio sitting with him that night, yes, I am sure where ever he is, it would make
him proud as it does me.
That night, my Father?s gringo friends and neighbors brought all kinds of food, paid their respects and left. As I sat with one of Dad?s Mexican
neighbors, she commented how odd that the Gringos brought food to a Vellorio and also that they did not stay, and I said it is just a difference in
cultures, that?s how they do it El Otro Lado, and with that, the neighbor shrugged her shoulders, yes, just a difference in culture, no harm done,
that?s for sure.
The next Morning, the church filled up with all kinds of people from every walk of life in our tiny community, they had come to say goodbye. Papa
received mass, holy water was sprinkled on his casket by the priest, and again I was in awe of the clout of this Man, unbabtised in the catholic
church, but receiving the churches blessings anyway.
He was driven to the graveyard in a New Black ford pickup. Truly a Baja Ranchero version of a hearse, so appropriate for Dad and the circumstances of
his life that his last ride be in that truck driven by Jose Tamayo, who is the son of his Ol Comrade gone on before him, Don Chapito. Jose is yet
another boy who became a Man during the span of time since my father settled here. Riding in the back with his casket was Don Manzano, the old
gardener who tends Dona Lupe & Dad?s roses, and of course there sitting on the railing on the opposite side was an equally tearful Paquito. As it
pulled out of the church lot, I also jumped aboard the back of the truck, after all we had been thru together in order to get there, well, I just had
to take that last ride with the Ol Man, and be with these two Loyal Men, one as old as the other is young, both who Love him at least as much as I do.
The procession snaked up the highway and than turned back down into town, so I could see the line of cars that followed, at least a kilometer long.
Dad is Loved by many here, there, everywhere, no doubt about that.
His gravesite next to his Ol Bud, Tom Turpin, was ready thanks to Javier, my daughter?s significant other, her intended and partner, a man who had
once been a baby in my father?s arms. At my insistence that it could only be done by them, it was the Rosa?s clan that built the tomb, Javier had
taken on the responsibility of contacting his cousins up in El Coral to do the work, just as always, they and he did this final job just fine for my
father.
As they lowered the Ol Man into his grave, two piper cubs flew over head, dipping their wings in a salute as they said their final good bye and I
couldn?t help but think, that Dad was up there flying with them, free as an Eagle, enjoying the show and telling us to all let go. He is free now.
The graveyard is on the upper road, which is on the way between home and work for me. I can?t go by without stopping to say hi. Of course, I know that
the Ol Man is not there, his spirit is surly freed from such earthly bounds, but still, I must stop and remember who he was and take the time to thank
him for all he gave me, expect as long as I am here, I will always do that, for surly I am a lucky soul to have such a Dad as Don Jimmy.
Anonymous - 1-7-2004 at 03:43 PM
Eli, Thank you so much for sharing with us all the lovely tribute paid to your father on his way to the otro 'otro lado', by those whom he lived along
side.
Reading your descriptions makes us teary eyed for sure. We also shake our heads and grin, marveling at a life of a man that was truly 'one of a kind'.
The spirit of Don Jimmy will live on as he will always be an inspiration to us personally, as well as many,many others for years to come.
We look forward to seeing you this spring in your little part of paradise.
Respectfully, Barbara & Matthew Pebley