One of our city employees died last week. He was the heart of the town

[rurallib]

We live in a town of 3500. This guy was one of the city crew that picked up garbage and fixed broken water pipes and all the other things that kept the city running.
His name was Jim. He started with the city about the time we moved here.Jim was one of the first people we met. He came to make sure we were hooked up properly.
Whenever there was a city problem Jim was always the guy fixing in no matter what time or weather. Always the guy on the pit fixing the broken water main. Always the guy pumping the sewers. And beyond that Jim was always a guy who would help anybody having trouble.
When I was on city council, Jim was the guy I would check with to get the real story on how things were running. Besides being so helpful, Jim was also bluntly truthful.
Well he died last week of a heart attack helping someone out. His daughter had a flat tire on the interstate. And Jim went out and changed it. His daughter drove off and Jim got back in his truck and slumped over the wheel of his truck.
His funeral was Sunday. It was standing room only on out the door of the community center. So many of Jim's friends came to share some memories.
Knowing Jim he wouldn't have wanted any fuss over his death. Jim was the last person Jim ever thought about.

One of those people who made the world better.

[Tikki]

1. So sorry you lost a friend...

Hope there are people near-by for comforting his family.
Do you think the city could name a street or so other kind of memorial
in honor of his memory.

A local club here was able to plant a tree near the community center
along with a memorial plaque in honor of one of the club presidents.


Tikki

[Richardo]

2. ...made the world better....

There's no better epitaph. :hug:

[Rambis]

3. Straight shooter

I don't know who the city is going to turn to now that Jim is gone. He drove the truck over on a Saturday morning so a community group could chip up some trees on an overgrown property. He showed us how to use it and said he would clean it up and drive it back to the city garage when we were done.
There are hundreds of stories just like that. When everybody else was tucked up in their beds Jim was working. God rest him!