Moment of silence for a friend/fellow forum member - Jim B.

[iwrock]

Learned earlier this week that a friend/forum member (actually a GREAT friend of mine) is losing his battle with cancer.

David (Bondavi) wrote this on BW about Jim's health:

Originally Posted by Bondavi

I was informed not too long ago that Jim's efforts to fight the massive brain tumor that hit November 2014 with aggressive chemotherapy is not faring so well. The tumor was 95% removed back in November, with a good prognosis for chemotherapy for the remaining 5%. However, the tumor has grown back so aggressively that it is overcoming the chemo efforts.

The part of the brain where the tumor affects is the motor area. As a result, Jim is unable to walk without assistance of a walker, and as a result, he cannot drive.

His health is deteriorating quickly as I write this. The effects of nausea from chemo coupled with the aggressive tumor affecting his brain are not leaving a good feeling within.

Cars and driving are two of of Jim's biggest passions, and they're both passions which we have in common - so the part where he can no longer drive really struck a nerve.

But I'd like to do something similar here that David did over on BW:

Originally Posted by Bondavi

I wanted to create a thread for Jim to read, where each of us would write about some of the great moments we had. I don't want this to turn into a "my prayers are with you" thread, but rather something for us all to chime in on our times and experiences together.

We all know driving his E420 (The Red Plum) the 560 SEC (and most recently the DINAN-modded BMW 535i) was the lifeblood that kept him going.

His wife, Charla is an beautiful and amazing person, Jim found 'the one' just at the nick of time.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

I'll start with my first memoir:

I first met Jim back in 2009 when I had made a deal with chadahar for a '89 560SEL (Sylvia). Jim came along, with Justin (iwrock) and Derek (dieselbenz?). I recall while Charlie and Justin came to greet me, Jim stayed aback, studiously checking out my '89 560SEC at the time. We introduced ourselves, shook hands.

Bear you, this was back when member mclare suffered his 560SEC fire under the fuse panel. Jim went a beeline straight for the fuse panel of my 560 and sure enough found a pack of leaves under the fuse panel. This is when he told me this was a big "no-no", and I later learned why.

Charlie took the 560SEL away, and from that moment, Jim and I exchanged emails and formed a spectacular friendship that over the years, would be virtually a roller coaster through all things Benz. We traveled places to look at cars for other members, even buying cars, made a few discoveries along the way, and I saw him through quite a few things in his life, as he did mine too.

During my marital split in 2012, Jim was a true friend.

One of my favorite moments is the time we went on a "duel" pitting my '84 500SEC AMG vs his '91 560SEC, which took us way past triple digit speeds, in which made Jim and Justin (iwrock) a true believer of the way a real tuned AMG drove.

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w126...ace-shoot.html

His 560SEC remains under repair for the wiring work. I will update on that in a separate thread.

Feel free to chime in with anything you'd like to say.

So - please chime in with any memories you've had or shared with Jim over the years!

I'll post some later on today (I'm getting teary eyed writing about them, and it's making it tough to write) - he's been a true friend and one that's been there since the beginning!

[SirNik84]

I'm lucky to have a photo of the exact moment I met you (Justin) and Jim!


I snapped this picture of Jim's wheels cause I thought the looked amazing, seconds later I introduced myself to yall. This is one of my favorite pictures because it's rare you get a picture of the moment you meet your friends.

Here are a few more memories of Jim.
This is before we left on a drive to the bay area. This was when Jim was waiting for surgery on his eyes. Yet he still drove. Yes antics ensued.


This was one of the last meets Jim and I went to. The meet was in Socal and Jim was very happy to see another northerner at the meet. At this meet Jim's eyes were back at full strength and I was happy to let him drive stick shift for the first time in years. I think Jim gave me some of his white hair on that ride. But that's what makes for good memories.


Jim, If you read this. Don't go no where!!! I really want to come visit and share some more car stories, but I'm leaving for Louisiana to help my mom move to CA by driving her 300D back. When I get back on the 15th, I'll be headed up the hill for a visit. I'll be fresh with stories of driving a 35yo MB halfway cross country. You won't wanna miss out!

[tbomachines]

Oh man that's tough to hear. I hope Jim pulls through, sending the good vibes his way.


Sent from an abacus

[TnBob]

Cancer horrible as is chemo.

For those going thru chemo and the insidious side effect, I salute those who put their freedom at risk by growing plants that are proven by thousands of chemo patients to provide them relief and a much better quality of life.

[P.C.]

Hang in there, Jim! We're rooting for you!

[SwampYankee]

Well crap. I never had the pleasure to meet Jim in person but certainly enjoyed reading of his exploits!

[DieselPaul]

Haven't met Jim, but we exchanged a few PMs about old cars in the past.

This is terrible news to hear, my thoughts are with him and his family.

[Hatterasguy]

Jim's been a member of this forum as long as I can remember. We talked a lot of W126 back in the day!

Jim always has a good high speed driving story, I can't believe he still has his license!

[KarTek]

Real sorry to hear this. Jim can sure spin a tale and I have enjoyed reading them over the years.

Hang in there Jim!

[engatwork]

Sorry to hear the news.

[t walgamuth]

Jim took the Mrs, and I on a fabulous tour of all the backstreet special places in San Francisco in
The Plum. His driving was vigorous. We ate at some marvelous places which I never would have found without him. We had a great time.

[Mölyapina]

I'll always remember what Jim posted after I got the Buick :

Originally Posted by Jim B.

Even though..

Jim, please stick around for a while still! I don't know who I'll argue Japanese v. German car safety otherwise!

[mytmousemalibu]

I've never met Jim either but Wish him the best none the less, hate to hear news like that.

[barry12345]

I never meet the members interacted with on the forums. It is my loss. There are many of them I wish it was other wise.

Cancer will probably become one less curse on mankind someday. Hopefully not replaced by something else just as bad when it does.

At least the future members may then all have an absolute reasonable cure or prevention method available. I of course am unaware of the timeline for this. At the same time in the next 100 years seems a good probability. It must be found or medicine as we know it may become totally unaffordable.

I really cannot express an opinion other than I am always sorry and unhappy to hear of these serious issues among members of this forum when they occur. Even though I have never personally met them.

[TylerH860]

The night of January 9th, 2009 was the first and only time I met Jim B in person. We had dinner along with some other forum members at his hotel in Southern California. Much like on the forum, his stories and jokes made him the center of attention. He is the kind of guy you immediately bond with. The following day we all met at a large get together starting at the Mercedes Classic Center in Irvine followed by a drive up Angeles Crest. I was fortunate to be sitting next across from him at lunch as well. Here's a few photos from that day.













It was such an honor to meet him, and keep in touch with in the following years. I learned of Jim's illness in December when I could not reach him for a few weeks. I wanted to send him some 1991 Benz dealership literature, and after some snooping found out what was going on. Such a shame. Finally got to speak with him for a long time over the phone, and he was happy, no matter how things went with his cancer. He said he lived a great life and was satisfied if this was it, but still had big plans for the future with his new wife. Really inspiring...

I do hope he has enough time to finish the repairs on his SEC and do a few more things on the bucket list. Get well, Jim.