Many of his friends called him “Jimmy the Book” because of his love for the book, Alcoholics Anonymous and the program it contains. A Marine Corp veteran of the Korean War, he worked on his story until August 26, 1981. It was a doozy but nothing compared to his story since that time. His life was a testament to the transformation that Alcoholics Anonymous can make to broken, wasted lives.

Jimmy was always interested in passing on the message to new and not so new people who had trouble with the program. Over the years, he held many 4^th step workshops to try to help those afraid and suffering AAs within the rooms.

A couple of years ago, he moved back to Pinellas and immediately got active. He helped start the “Step Takers Make It” meeting in Gulfport with a vision that they could use history, the Big Book and the Twelve and Twelve to enrich our sober life. He was the speaker at the Pinellas County 61^st Anniversary Dinner. Last August, he did an all-day Big Book Workshop at the 49ers. He had recently found a new venue where he could share the gift we have so freely been given. While visiting a sponsee in Switzerland, he gave several 4^th step workshops.

Jimmy’s last days were spent in the Hospice at the VA Hospital at Bay Pines. He was surrounded by cards and pictures and posters that people all over the country had sent him. He was also surrounded by friends and loved ones.

He will be missed.