BajaNomad - Don Jimmy's Lupe

Don Jimmy's Lupe

Eli - 6-27-2011 at 11:14 AM

For those who knew Don Jimmy, and sat on his porch listening to his tales, or read his book, you may recall the great love of his life, Dona Lupe. In fin, today is the day that I must convey that Dona Lupe has passed on to join him in his state of rest. She died yesterday following the amputation of her leg.

When I last saw her this past winter, she talked on about how Dad was still in the house with her, sometimes she could still smell his cigarettes and she would chew his spirit out for continuing to smoke in the house.
We visited his grave together one last time that day. Anyway, I expect they will bury her in front of him now, and she will be so happy to be with him, she never did get over his passing.

drarroyo - 6-27-2011 at 11:31 AM

Was that the 'cheerful' older lady manning the convenience stand accross from Banderas?
RIP

Dave - 6-27-2011 at 12:02 PM

My condolences, Eli.

Eli - 6-27-2011 at 12:22 PM

Yes drarroyo, that was Dona Lupe in her little Changado dispensing beer, sodas, sabritas, milk and bread until over a year ago when she could no longer stand on that bad leg.

Thank You for your condolences Dave, they are gratefully received.

I am at peace about her passing, she had been in a lot of pain this past year. No regrets, life goes on.

BajaBlanca - 6-27-2011 at 12:37 PM

RIP

Sallysouth - 6-27-2011 at 12:52 PM

What a kind way to convey your sentiments about a dear lady.You have a way with words and a warm heart.RIP Dona Lupe, and go with the angels and your beloved Don Jimmy into heaven.... :saint:

Eli - 6-27-2011 at 01:37 PM

Thank You dear Sally. It was Dona Lupe's time, she got to know her grandchildren and great grandchildren, she had a full and fruiltful life. She had two sons who were by her side and always watched over her after Dad died. She knew well how to laugh and cry. She was loved in her life and I expect no matter how long we are meant to be, if we are loved by someone, our lives somehow have been fullfilled.

[Edited on 6-27-2011 by Eli]

elgatoloco - 6-27-2011 at 01:55 PM

"She knew well how to laugh and cry. She was loved in her life and I expect no matter how long we are meant to be, if we are loved by someone, our lives somehow have been fullfilled."

Amen to that. We should all be so lucky.

Reading the story of how they met and came to be husband and wife is a gem of a read. I never met Dona Lupe but the short time I spent with your father and what I gleaned from all those who knew him and Dona Lupe well it was a obviously a match made in heaven.

RIP.

Vaya don Dios, Dona Lupe

Gypsy Jan - 6-27-2011 at 02:17 PM

Thank you, Sarah, for sharing so we can wish her well on her journey.

Bill Collector - 6-27-2011 at 02:21 PM

Thank you for letting us know. We have great memories of BBQ at La Capilla.
Dona Lupe is now with the love of her life. .

Our prayers to you and your family

Eli - 6-27-2011 at 02:37 PM

Matt, Jan & Bill Collector, I am sure Dad would be grateful for your words, as I surly am. Yes, let us wish Dona Lupe well on her way, she has no more pain now, her body and soul were tired, it was time for her to let go and rest.

Sallysouth - 6-27-2011 at 04:29 PM

Thats how I felt about my Mom when she passed .Really, we do just get tired and worn out.Time for the next phase...Thank you again amiga. :saint:

David K - 6-27-2011 at 04:38 PM

Thank you Sara for sharing this with us. Your dad was indeed in love with Lupe and now they are together again... His stories about courting her in San Ignacio are famous... He wouldn't take no for an answer and persistance paid off!

When your dad and I spent the afternoon talking 'Baja' on their patio back in 2001, Lupe was busy running the store, so I don't believe I spoke with her other than an 'hola'.

Another chapter in the book of Baja personalities is complete...

Eli - 6-27-2011 at 04:52 PM

Yes, David, You are one of those I was hoping to reach as I knew how much you cared for my Dad. I wish I had access to Dave Deal's widow, Vicki, as I know she would want to know. I remember you passed me her phone number and I never used it and now it is lost in the archives here, there or somewhere.
Yes, I agree, Dona Lupe's passing is a chapter closing on part of our history.

David K - 6-27-2011 at 05:30 PM

Sara, I sent you a couple of u2u's....

Eli - 6-27-2011 at 06:04 PM

Thank You David, I got your u2u's.

capt. mike - 6-27-2011 at 06:55 PM

Eli - Jimmy and Lupe - one of the greatest love stories i have ever read!!

i am so proud to have known the Don and of course you too.
I never met dona Lupe but i trust her spirit is free with Jimmy!
take care.

akbear - 6-27-2011 at 07:15 PM

Thanks Sally for the info. She will be missed by all the people she has touched. She stood behind that counter for a long time.

RIP

akbear

Eli - 6-27-2011 at 07:17 PM

Mike, as you well know, Don Jimmy adored You. I hope someday our paths will cross again.

Eli - 6-27-2011 at 07:23 PM

You are welcome Ak., really I must admit you visited her more often than I. Are You in Buena Vista now? I understand the wake is tonight and burial tomorrow. I will not be attending, as I am far, far away. I have some cut flowers and a candle burning to the Virgin Guadalupe, this and the few posts I have made is my simple way to pay respect I guess.

shari - 6-27-2011 at 07:32 PM

this is a lovely homage to Lupe Eli...gracias amiga. Her new chapter begins...onwards and upwards.

Eli - 6-27-2011 at 07:48 PM

Good thoughts well expressed as is typical of you Shari, thanks! Yes, onward and upward, no more pain!

Eli

Baja Bernie - 6-28-2011 at 11:18 AM

She is a much better place...Did she teach your granddaughter hoiw to press clothes...I will never forget my lesson.

Jimmy will be happy that she is finally re-joining him. He chased her so hard that she finally caught him...and now she is catching him once again!

Eli - 6-28-2011 at 11:29 AM

No Bernie, Paloma's clothes folding lessons were a special treat just for You.

Good vision you have of Dona Lupe and Don Jimmy's relationship, Yes, I hope she has caught him again, I am sure he does too.

[Edited on 6-28-2011 by Eli]

Pescador - 6-29-2011 at 07:24 AM

That is really sad even though she was in pain. I stopped some years ago at the store and since your Dad had already passed, I asked her if she would sign my copy of your Dad's book. At first she was a little reluctant, but I said she was a very important part of the book and it was her story as well, so she smiled that wonderful big smile with a twinkle in her eye, said why not. Now that is even more treasured.

Eli - 6-29-2011 at 07:29 AM

Good for You Pescador, it is wonderful to read when someone brings a smile to another. Yes, treasure the book, and that smile, it is truly from a time gone by, there will not be another.

Natalie Ann - 6-29-2011 at 09:30 AM

Dona Lupe free from pain at last. May she rest in peace.

I'm glad for your trip with her to your father's grave last winter.
Such a touching experience, your last one with her.

nena

Eli - 6-29-2011 at 09:55 AM

Thanks Nena, I guess I still have a few things to work out there. I started a Guadalupe Nicho for her.
The real hero's in her life were Don Jimmy and her Sons, bless them for the love they gave her.

Eli, I'm happy for her/you

bajadave1 - 6-29-2011 at 11:26 AM

Truly she has caught him again. I noticed the last few times I drove past her place, that the shutters were closed. She is truly in a better place now. peace & happiness for her now.
:yes:

David and Stevie Stephens

Natalie Ann - 6-29-2011 at 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Eli
Thanks Nena, I guess I still have a few things to work out there. I started a Guadalupe Nicho for her.

We all end up with 'a few things to work out' after a death, amiga. Be kind to yourself with this. I guarantee you that Dona Lupe looking down from heaven would want that for you.

The Nicho will be wonderful.... that I know.

nena

Eli - 6-29-2011 at 03:59 PM

David & Stevie, I am sure she would appricate your thoughts.

What can I say Nena, why I make these nichos, and paint so much, it's a good time for thought.

jeans - 6-30-2011 at 10:00 AM

And so goes the circle of life. I hope it brings you some small measure of relief to know that she is finally free from pain and reunited with Don Jimmy. I will forever feel honored to have spent an afternoon on that patio....

Eli - 6-30-2011 at 10:20 AM

Jeans, some of the good that comes from these experiences is reconnection's with old memories and people from our past. It has been a long, long time since I had the privilege of your presence be it on land or cyberspace. How ya doin there?
With the exception of a few haunting "I could uv's", who doesn't have um? I am at peace about Dona Lupe's passing, it was her time, she lived a full life.

Ken Bondy - 6-30-2011 at 11:01 AM

"Por Doña Guadalupe del Socorro Romero Lopez de Smith...

Mi Compañera"

J. P. "Jimmy" Smith Jr.
Dedication
"The Grinning Gargoyle Spills the Beans"

[Edited on 6-30-2011 by Ken Bondy]

Eli - 6-30-2011 at 11:14 AM

Nice dedication, huh, Ken Bondy? We should all be so loved as Don Jimmy loved Dona Lupe and Dona Lupe loved Don Jimmy, such a love is beyond rare.

Ken Bondy - 6-30-2011 at 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Eli
Nice dedication, huh, Ken Bondy? We should all be so loved as Don Jimmy loved Dona Lupe and Dona Lupe loved Don Jimmy, such a love is beyond rare.

Yes Eli it was a beautiful dedication. Because of this thread I pulled out your dad's book one more time and came across that moving dedication.

mulegemichael - 6-30-2011 at 12:59 PM

sally, i only met your dad once and the same with lupe; both in the same day...i had bought a gargoyle book from chuck potter and he wanted to take me to the store to have jimmy sign it...and he did...and boy, did i feel honored!....a year later he was gone...then chuck, of course, and now lupe...time goes on. mike.

Eli - 6-30-2011 at 01:16 PM

Ken & Mulegemichael, I love hearing about people opening up Dad's book, it brings him back in a way. The book for sure was his pride and joy, well, that and his family.

Ken Bondy - 6-30-2011 at 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Eli
Ken & Mulegemichael, I love hearing about people opening up Dad's book, it brings him back in a way. The book for sure was his pride and joy, well, that and his family.

He signed mine "Some of these yarns are possibly true. I don't remember. Jimmy Smith". I only met him once (at Punta Colorada) but he was truly unforgettable.

[Edited on 7-1-2011 by Ken Bondy]

Eli - 6-30-2011 at 06:06 PM

I got to say that my favorite image in my minds eye is of Dad & Dona Lupe dancing, I hope that is what they are doing about now.

David K - 7-1-2011 at 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken Bondy

Quote:

Originally posted by Eli
Ken & Mulegemichael, I love hearing about people opening up Dad's book, it brings him back in a way. The book for sure was his pride and joy, well, that and his family.

He signed mine "Some of these yarns are possibly true. I don't remember" Jimmy Smith". I only met him once (at Punta Colorada) but he was truly unforgettable.

Cool!

I was lucky to have spent a few times with Jimmy... once at Los Barriles on the patio, then hiking with him to the Real de Santa Ana (perhaps his favorite Baja historic site?), first time was at Dave Deal's home 'Rancho No Tengo', in Vista, CA and the final time at the VA hospital (Capt. Mike was also there).

Jimmy wanted to share as much as he could with me so I could help keep the desire to explore Baja going. I have posted Jimmy's unpublished chapter and emailed stories in the past (Amigos de Baja and Baja Nomad).

The biggest thrill for me perhaps was 're-introducing' Jimmy to Choral Pepper, before she passed on, in 2002. It was Choral Pepper (Desert Magazine editor/publisher) who gave Jimmy the nick name 'Grinning Gargoyle'...

It was during one of the Erle Stanley Gardner expeditions of the 1960's that the Pepper's had been invited to participate in. Gardner and company were camping by the San Ignacio airstrip and Jimmy was curious about the Americans up there and dropped in (he was living in San Ignacio back then). Choral thought he looked like a 'grinning gargoyle' and wasn't too happy about Jimmy crashing their campfire party!

Jimmy, in a great reverse on the incident, turned the negative into a positive and adopted the name Choral gave him! Flash forward 40 years...

After I was given Jimmy's card by a Vista book store owner (who asked if I knew him), I started asking who he was on Amigos de Baja... got the answer from someone in East Cape ('Elizabeth')... I made the connection with him via emails, then in person... I was already a friend of Choral Pepper... and so I made the connection between them... and they made their peace... It was a special thing! Choral gave me the name 'The Baja Connection' :light: