There's never been a time that I didn't know Jim. That was one of the benefits of being family. We spent every summer in Minnesota, initially staying with my grandma, and visiting Aunt Joann and Uncle Jerry, then later, staying solely with Joann and Jerry and Steve, Bob, and Jim. The memories are too numerous to relay...everything from playing Capture the Flag throughout the neighbors yards, whiffle ball in the front yard, to camping with Jim and my brothers. We spent nearly an hour wandering around the campgrounds trying to find the boyscout camp to scare them, only to realize that there were no boyscouts, nor any other campers. And of course, how could I forget "helping" him with his Spanish homework, so he could pass his foreign language requirment in college.
His family was truly an extension of my own. With the tears and sadness, are great memories of a boy, then a man who loved life. He had a zest and a determination for whatever he focused on that was truly amazing. He loved much, and was loved even more. These past five years, I witnessed his faith grow stronger and stronger. Although, he was not ready to leave us, he was confident where he would be going when his time came.

My family and I shall miss so much, just as we continue to miss his mom and dad. However, we are confident that one day we shall see all of them again.

With love, peace, and comfort,

Judy (Bagot) Chudek and the whole Bagot family