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Baja Bernie
`Normal` Nomad Correspondent
Posts: 2962
Registered: 8-31-2003
Location: Sunset Beach
Member Is Offline
Mood: Just dancing through life
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Vigil for Don Jimmy Smith
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!
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Mike Humfreville
Super Nomad
Posts: 1148
Registered: 8-26-2003
Member Is Offline
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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]
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jeans
Super Nomad
Posts: 1059
Registered: 9-16-2002
Member Is Offline
Mood: Encantada
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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...
Mom always told me to be different - Now she says...Not THAT different
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Ski Baja
Senior Nomad
Posts: 652
Registered: 8-19-2003
Location: Rosarito Beach
Member Is Offline
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I hope this is appropriate
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.
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Debra
Super Nomad
Posts: 2101
Registered: 10-31-2002
Location: Port Orchard Wa./Bahia de Los Angeles BC
Member Is Offline
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Earth will be abit empty....
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
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elgatoloco
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4342
Registered: 11-19-2002
Location: Yes
Member Is Offline
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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]
MAGA
Making Attorneys Get Attorneys
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jeans
Super Nomad
Posts: 1059
Registered: 9-16-2002
Member Is Offline
Mood: Encantada
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Hey Jimmy, wait....
I never got my "big sloppy bus" from you! 
Mom always told me to be different - Now she says...Not THAT different
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 65109
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Online
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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Dear Grinning Gargoyle
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]
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capt. mike
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8085
Registered: 11-26-2002
Location: Bat Cave
Member Is Offline
Mood: Sling time!
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Jimmy's "high flight".....
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.
formerly Ordained in Rev. Ewing\'s Church by Mail - busted on tax fraud.......
Now joined L. Ron Hoover\'s church of Appliantology
\"Remember there is a big difference between kneeling down and bending over....\"
www.facebook.com/michael.l.goering |
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Anonymous
Unregistered
Posts: N/A
Registered: N/A
Member Is Offline
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Don Jimmy
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.
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Baja Bernie
`Normal` Nomad Correspondent
Posts: 2962
Registered: 8-31-2003
Location: Sunset Beach
Member Is Offline
Mood: Just dancing through life
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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.
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Steve in Oro Valley
Nomad
Posts: 105
Registered: 11-14-2002
Location: Near Tucson
Member Is Offline
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Jimmy
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]
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Ski Baja
Senior Nomad
Posts: 652
Registered: 8-19-2003
Location: Rosarito Beach
Member Is Offline
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Sorry Bernie
"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.
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Anonymous
Unregistered
Posts: N/A
Registered: N/A
Member Is Offline
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I would like to have met you and wish you the best.
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
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Eli
Super Nomad
Posts: 1471
Registered: 8-26-2003
Location: L.B. Baja Sur
Member Is Offline
Mood: Some times Observing, sometimes Oblivious.
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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.
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Skeet/Loreto
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4709
Registered: 9-2-2003
Member Is Offline
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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
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Baja Bernie
`Normal` Nomad Correspondent
Posts: 2962
Registered: 8-31-2003
Location: Sunset Beach
Member Is Offline
Mood: Just dancing through life
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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."
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Sallysouth
Super Nomad
Posts: 1835
Registered: 10-9-2003
Location: Capo Beach
Member Is Offline
Mood: missing Baja...
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Mi Sara, I was close...
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)
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Baja Bernie
`Normal` Nomad Correspondent
Posts: 2962
Registered: 8-31-2003
Location: Sunset Beach
Member Is Offline
Mood: Just dancing through life
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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]
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BajaNomad
Super Administrator
Posts: 5001
Registered: 8-1-2002
Location: San Diego, CA
Member Is Offline
Mood: INTP-A
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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)
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