I will never forget the day Stacy and I were carrying a table down our front steps. I missed the last step, twisted my ankle, and fell right on top of Jimmy. I took him to the ground with me and burst into tears. I don't think he quite knew what to do, so, he just sat there sprawled out on the ground, covered in grass and my wet tears. He let me cry in his lap until I was ready to get up. I was so grateful for his kindness.
He was absolutely the best camping buddy, always having the best food ideas when we were together. I remember one time when we were camping at the New River State Park, Jimmy kept talking about this restaurant called Shatley Springs. We tried going there a time or two but it was always closed. Finally, one day, during our camping trip, the glorious restaurant was open. I was so excited to try this place out because all he did was talk about how amazing this restaurant was. When we walked in, no lie, it was a hole in the wall. It had uneven floors, a narrow pathway to the back of the restaurant, and it was kind of dark. My first thoughts were, oh lord what has Jimmy gotten me into…….. But when we sat down to eat family style, and all that homemade southern food started coming out, we were all in trouble and I knew it was a place I would visit again. We left with smiles on our faces, overfull bellies, warm conversations, and maybe just a little sick. We ate way too much……Oh, did I mention, that man sure could pack away some food.
He was the best Father in-law a girl could ask for. He will truly be missed.