Today my brother James would have turned 39. (He's the one at the left, top row of the picture.) For those of you that don't know, my brother died of a sudden heart attack just 1 1/2 years ago at the age of 37. It was such a shock to our family, especially to his wife and 5 children. I miss James so much! He was the oldest in our family of 8 kids. And he was a great leader. He managed to keep up with his siblings, friends and family with ease. I miss James' constant and good advice; he was well rounded in so many areas and was often called on for advice. James taught me a lot of business savvy and as a result, I'm constantly thinking of business ideas and know that James would support me in them! I really missed having James to talk to when we purchased our house a couple of months ago. I'm inclined to give a full tour of my house whenever anyone comes over. Like James, I like to show everyone all that we have done to make our house a home. He was a pillar in my life. It's apparent to me that Heavenly Father needed James for a greater work!
Also, our stake had the special opportunity to have President Uchtdorf speak to us in person! It was called a "Special Stake Meeting" and took place of regular church on Sunday. He basically went over each point in the For the Strength of Youth pamph
let and then talked primarily on having joy in our lives. He told us that we need to smile more and truly enjoy life. Also, we were advised to read Preach My Gospel especially Chapter 3 and we were promised that if we do these things, there will be a "satisfactory solution" to the things in your life that you have need of. 
13 comments:
"It's apparent to me that Heavenly Father needed James for a greater work!" That's a great outlook and so true. He's sounds like a wonderful person.
James was a wonderful brother. I still find myself wondering what he would do in certain situations and wanting to call him and talk to him. We are very blessed to have had him in our lives.
Stephanie I agree with everything you said. James was such an integral part in each of our lives and so very much missed. As you know, he talked about the Sacramento Temple a lot when it was being built since he could see it from where he worked on his trips and he went there often and even brought me a chunk of wood from the site, he thought that was better than the rocks I collect from temple sites. We had planned to go there sometime with him when it was finished. I’m so glad he was able to go right after it opened, on one of his business trips. It meant so much to Dad & I to be able to go to the Sacramento Temple for the first time last week. When I saw the beautiful, beautiful flowers around the Temple and the quail family, deer, black bear, blue heron, beaver, waterfalls, etc., in the murals and how gorgeous the temple is inside, I could hear him loving it all when he went there, like he did when he went to the Seattle Temple with us for the first time.
What a special tribute to your brother. I know that he had such a huge impact on Byron also - those memories will never be erased. Thanks for sharing.
My mom sent me a picture today of some of cousins catching frogs at Aunt Hilda's when we were kids. James was one of the cousins in the picture. It made me think of him and some of the fun times we had growing up. What a wonderful way to keept his memory alive by doing a tribute on his birthhday. I enjoyed reading the comments. I bet that was such an awesome experience having President Utchdorf come to your stake. I bet there was a big turnout. Lashelle
Beautiful tribute to James. We visited his grave when we were in Snowflake last month. It still sometimes seems hard to believe he's gone. The next life will be such an amazing reunion. I can't wait to see him with you all again!
Thanks for sharing your feelings about him.
Thank you for sharing, Stephanie. What a wonderful man James is. I'm glad to remember him today.
Good Post Stephanie!It is always nice to remember the past! I sure do miss him too! I am so grateful that Families are Forever!
I remember James showing me their house when I went over for Sunday dinner in 2003, when I was living in the valley for an internship. I too miss James. It was so strange not having him at the reunion. He is a great example for all of us. Thanks for sharing your thoughts
Great post, Stephanie! I also agree with everything you said. James accomplished more in his short life than most people do who live to be 90. I too noticed a big void at the family reunion. I'm so glad Shirley and the children came. They are a wonderful eternal family. As more family members move on to the other side, the next life seems less fearful. Thanks for reminding us of James again!
I loved your tribute Stephanie as well as all the other comments about James. I thought about him on the 14th. I don't think any of those who knew James will ever forget him. If I miss him as much as I do, I can't imagine what it's like for you as his immediate family.
Thanks Stephanie, for your tribute to James. I thought of him on his birthday and lots of other times. He was a big part of our life. I so much appreciated him sending us articles that he thought would be of interest to us. He was so much in the forefront in technical and electronic areas. I miss being able to call and seek his advise on purchases that we were thinking about. Enjoyed having Shirley and the kids at the reunion. We missed James. What a great nephew he is. Love, Aunt Kathie
Brothers are great! It's sad but I like to remember the ones that we've lost. I hope your family is doing well.
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