Stories about Jim
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Jim was like a character out of a Hemingway novel or a Robert Service poem. With everyone he met he was engaging, caring and gracious. Being with Jim was always a treat. I loved the way he focused on each person, really caring about what they had to say, quick with a good story that had relevance to that current conversation, gently providing invaluable advice, and leaving each person feeling better about themselves. There were many times in my life in which Jim played a meaningful and important role ranging from the deep lows, such as my parent's passing, to incredible joy, such as Christmas parties when you were very young or the times he took me as a guest to the Bohemian Club. One of my favorite times with Jim was my bachelor party where he told a number of amazing stories about his life in WWII and early days working in San Francisco. Everyone was awe and to this day, once or twice a year, a person who was there will mention those stories and his marvelous delivery.
- John "Dem" Rakow
Your dad was a very special presence in my life for nearly 40 years. He took me under his wing as a very young Banker at Dean Witter, mentoring me in all aspects of being a professional and a solid citizen. Most importantly, Jim became a great friend, who I cherished my time with, over the years. I remember so clearly when you were born (our daughter Josie was born the same year). He was so happy and would tell me how proud he was of you throughout the rest of his life. Jim was a very special guy and I will miss him deeply.
- John Chiles
Jim, Jimbo, Mr. Felchlin (mostly Mr. Felchlin all of my life) broke all the molds when God created him. He was classic, always knew how to dress for every occasion (especially for dinner), flirted with all the pretty ladies (especially Diane), pilot, fierce domino player (only ever won 1 game), and many more
things too long to list. There are countless Jimbo moments that I could share, but the one that sticks out the most is regarding a fierce domino game against his beloved Dare and soon to be son-in- law Garrik. Jim had been saddled with me as a partner and after we were victorious he stated matter of fact “she isn’t a bad player as long as there isn’t anything shiny around to distract her”. To this day a truer
statement has never been made.
I have had the pleasure of Jim’s company for the last 20 years when we meet in line to check in at Santa Catalina. I had never heard my father approach an adult by saying Mr. Felchlin. Turns out my dad was to have a new relationship no longer that of parent/child, but that of parents of 2 teenage girls venturing into high school. There must be something about Jimbo as a father because this is his 2nd child
that has befriended a McCreery.
Jimbo’s legacy will live on in all of us through the stories, memories, memoirs, and Sam’s. But his greatest legacy is Dare. Dare is the best of Jim; strong, compassionate, loyal, expert domino player, cocktail connoisseur, and know how to dress for any occasion! Dare is Jim’s best creation and their father/daughter bond was a thing of beauty one that I would want for my daughter. There is nothing that he wouldn’t do for his Fou Fou and vice a versa. His speech at her wedding did not leave one dry eye
in the house!
Jimbo was a charmer (sent over 40 valentine’s cards every year) and loved by all. He will be dearly missed and Tahoe/Sam’s/Christmas Day will never be the same without him.
- Lauren McCreery
We are going to miss our friend at Wayside Log. I can’t think of enough adjectives to describe him; dapper, handsome, competitive, thoughtful, energetic and the list goes on and on. What a wonderful life the two of you had together. You kept him on the move; new places, new faces, must have added 15 years to his life. We all had so much fun together. I can hear Jennie saying now, “If he weren’t married, I sure would like to date him”. He regaled us with stories. Flying through the airplane hangar only to be reprimanded by his commanding officer (and with a wink and a smile I might add). Maybe I should add mischievous to the list of adjectives! His memories will live on under the Redwoods. We always reminded the classical musicians when Jim slapped the dominoes on the table and in a loud voice said “that was a stupid move” right in the middle of a Chopin sonata, Jim is not rude; he is just deaf!
- Rives Neblett