John Mills

Jim was probably one of my best friends at Meadowdale High School.  He was so smart and so funny and so fun to be with.  He had a sharp, dry sense of humor... and would - not infrequently- make some edgy comments during his classes throughout the day that would lighten our learning environment- something that was appreciated not only by us kids, but by the teachers themselves.  He was that way: making people smile and feeling good during the tribulations of adolescense.

Jim was truly a treasure. 

Peri Axness (Di Crescentis)

Jim and I dated awkwardly in high school and just slightly less awkwardly off and in college. He an ultra conservative Republican, me a pretty wildly liberal Democrat; him an atheist; me, always deep in some religion, not a perfect match. But he was such an interesting guy with a kind heart, cutting wit and integrity to burn.

In the 1980's he left the Air Force and went through a very painful divorce. Somehow we reconnected and I was his "telephone therapist" for a few months. I was in California and he was somewhere back east. He eventually came out to California and I went to some car races with him and his beloved dog, Barney. I have a couple of fond memories of that. Barney rode to one race with me in my ancient Karmann Ghia. Jim drove another car and pulled his race car. At stop signs, Barney would lurch in to the front seat with me, a totally shocked and alarmed look on his face. I guess I didn't drive like JIm. The other memory is of Jim in some race. I think they had to do dozens of laps around the track. It looked to me like he would race around the corners and then almost seem to be coasting as he passed by where Barney and I were watching. He would calmly wave at us! He was a pretty handsome race car driver!

A couple of years ago I looked Jim up again, thinking he might be interested in the reunions and just wondering what happened to him. I knew he had been writing for some racing magazines and was probably still involved with car racing, so I started there. Sure enough. I was just growing my hair back after chemo. He was in the thick of chemotherapy but he had already far outlived his prognosis. Only the last 2-3 months did it really seem to slow him down. Until then it seemed that he was enjoying the house he and his wife had built, his time with her and walks with her and their dogs when he could manage it. He never smoked. His lung cancer came from he knew not where.

So, Jim, rest in peace. I read a lot of the comments of your racing friends in Reno. You are sorely missed. I miss you, too!

Pat Echelbarger ('66)

Pretty nice story Peri.  I did not know Jim very well but it sounds as though he lived a life that he chose, doing the things he wanted to do.  You have some nice memories and they will be with you for a long time.  Pat

Peri Axness (Di Crescentis)

Thanks, Pat. It is true. Jim always believed he would not live too long (family history). It think it helped him prioritize and do the things that were important to him.

Karen Kraatz (DeBruler)

Peri, thank you for sharing your memories of Jim.  He and I were in band together, but I never really knew him very well.  The honest, kind, and thoughful way you speak of him honors him.

Karen

Linda Forbes

Peri and John

Thanks for sharing your memories of Jim. They gave us insight into what a wonderful classmate we had and he will be missed.  His passing is a reminder to enjoy and cherish everyday we have together.  Take care my friends and will see you at the 50th reunion!

Jerry

Andrew Husak

Hey kids,

Jim Gandy's passing has touched us all. I was not close to Jim but I remember him very well from our school years. I know that we all send our deepest sympathies to his family. I, for one, have become somewhat numb to the passing of so many of our friends and school mates. It's hard for me to except the fact that we are all growing old and closer by the minute to our end. Here my mother is still going strong at 91 and it kind of gives me a sense that we should all live a healthy, long life. Well we all know that is completely subjective. I'll bet that at least one of us will live to be over a hundred years of age. I hope it ain't me! We will all be 70 in less than two years........CRAP!!! That is freaking old no doubt about it. My wish is that we all live happy, live love and loved and there will be no pain in our lives.

Love you all...........Andrew Husak

Peri Axness (Di Crescentis)

I agree with Andy. Writing that little bit about Jim was very healing for me in someway. High school was a difficult time for many of us. Reconnecting for this portion of our lives seems very precious. Maybe we are more like salmon than we realized?

John Mills

Thank you Peri and Andy,

Your comments are heartwarming. 
I had another friend who had juvenile diabetes and did not expect to live long.  He
lived his life to the fullest.  He maintained his commitment to his wife and family, but chose to
fulfill his other life goals as soon as he could.  It sounds like Jim was of the same mind.

One thing that our age gives to us is the ability to look back with certainty to know how our lives
played out.  How different that is than being young and wondering...and often time worrying about
our futures.

Reading the comments on the M.H.S. web site makes me deeply appreciate the fine young
people we were.  My deepest thanks to Anne and the others who have made this possible.  Thank
you again Peri and Andy for sharing your memories and thoughts.  I treasure them.

John