I first remember Jim way back when he was dating my sister Fran in the Bronx. My brother Brian and I were just kids (16-18 years younger than Fran). We would sit on the steps in the hallway of our apartment building and charge our sisters boyfriends a toll charge before they could get to our front door to pick up their date . We were the dynamic duo or terrible twosome depending on how you looked at it. Im sure Jim was one of the toll payers! We always knew his car because he had Bronx on it! I spent a few Summers in Maryland with Fran and Jim while I was on Summer breaks from School in the Bronx to help with my niece and nephews (kind of a fresh air kid program). Those were fun Summers! I enjoyed the time with Laura, Barry and Brian and still remember some of the neighborhood friends and their kids. I remember Jim being an excellent cook (home made pizza and fried chicken were two of the specialties I remember). He was an incredible furniture maker and also a talented artist. After living most of their married life in Maryland, they lived on Long Island, the Bronx and Maine in their retirement years. Theirs was an exciting if not nomadic life. Jim & Fran loved taking long drives, whether it was to go to a favorite restaurant, visit their kids, grandkids, residences or to just to stop by and say hello we can only stay for a cup of coffee. He was blessed to have Pat as his companion for many years after Fran passed away. I'm sure the driving adventures continued. I have many fond memories of Jim and know he is with Fran now taking long drives around Heaven. Rest in Peace Jim. You will be missed and remembered. Your sister-in-law Mary Jane
