WHO WAS JIMMY?

This chapter I hope will give you a glimpse of Jimmy as we all knew and know him. The following pages have been written by brothers, sisters, grandmother, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. I have also included several pieces which Jimmy wrote about himself. Jimmy was an unique individual who not only graced my life but many others for a very brief period.

Jimmy's Eulogy
April 2, 1992
by
Lonny Rickman - Jimmy's Uncle

First and foremost, Jimmy's family and I would like to thank you for coming today. Your mere presence here is an indication of just how many lives Jimmy touched and enriched during his life. I am here today to tell you a story about a little boy who would be king.

When Jimbo came to us, we all felt the joy associated with a new birth and being the littlest of eight, Jimmy had his work cut out for him. However, when he was just 2 years old, we were informed that Jimmy had contacted a disease that we were later to know as the dragon. This is a story of how the dragonslayer did not let the dragon defeat him. This is the story of a little boy that has a happy ending.

For the past 14 years, I have had the joy and opportunity to witness, enjoy, be a part of and to grow in the love of a family, community, and a little boy that will forever be etched in my mind. The boy who I am referring to never parted the Red Sea, scaled Mount Rainier, ran a 10 second 100, or even play little league sports. No, all Jimmy did was to fight the dragon with courage and strength that I am envious of. Touch more lives than I can count and spread the love, warmth, and compassion which he always exhibited.

This morning we need to ask ourselves what else did Jimmy mean to us. Jimmy was a little guy walking down the halls of Pattengill with his friend Scott laughing and making jokes. Outwardly full of life always squeezing the joy out of every moment. Jimmy was a counselor to his cousin Sean telling him to get a job or I will put a leash around your neck and give you a bone. But he was also in the same breath telling him that if you don't , I'll take care of you.

Jimmy was the Rona Barrett of Berkley, he loved gossip. Jimmy loved to go salmon fishing with his Aunt Terri. For three days, he carried around his little bat saying I hit'em in their head, I'll hit them till their dead. Alas, after three days, he was empty handed.

Jimmy was a joker, he was Urkel, he was Hey Vern. He was Aunt Carol's DQ and Coca-cola. Jimmy was also present for his Aunt Rene and Uncle Mark's Griswald Chrismas. Remember how he laughed, when he talked about the squirrel scurrying down the fireplace, onto Uncle Mark's shoulder, into the Christmas tree, and out the front door. Remember the Jimmy, who referred to Jennifer as Denny because he couldn't pronounce his Js. Remember the Jimmy who was truly the bestman at his brother Kevin's wedding.
Remember the Jimmy who went to the restaurant without any hair, telling his cousin Mica , "Don't worry, I am use to it." While the insensitive ones stared and laughed.

Most of all, remember the Jimmy who came home from school somewhat dejected. For you see he could not run for student council. Years of chemotherapy had curtailed his ability to read and write. This bothered him immensely. That night he sat down with his mother and father and he mentioned that the City of Berkley was looking for a king. They talked and explored Jimmy's options. Jimmy decided to fill out the application and take a chance. Two weeks passed. Finally, Jimmy was informed that he had been chosen to be king inspite what some would perceive to be shortcomings or a handicap. Jimmy had won with the faith, persistence, and radiant personality.

I would like to share with you a poem, which I feel captures the essence of Jimmy.

A boy filled with a passion and a heart filled with fear.
A life filled with struggle. A battle through the years.
A fire deep inside him, a soul that finally won.
A boy that fought a battle that never should have begun.
The Lord came and took his life, it was time for him to go home.
The pain that he felt is now long gone. His heart runs free and he roams.

So, as you leave here today. You remember Jimmy in the following way:
Jimmy was recently adopted by the Cherokee Indian nation and they gave him the name Little Buffalo. In the Indian language, this means spirit roams free. As we speak and think of Jimmy Dykes, know in your heart that his spirit is finally free and we should all be happy. The dragonslayer beat the dragon. He can climb those mountains, run those races, hit and catch that ball. Our little brown eyed Jimmy is finally free.