Willow
Administrator
Member
Posts: 16634
Excessive comfort breeds weakness. PttP
Olathe, KS
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« on: March 25, 2011, 09:19:40 AM » |
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Jim Maher was killed 11 March a little north of Kansas city when a pickup truck turned left across the path of his motorcycle. There's some irony for me in that Jim came to visit me in the hospital some two and a half years ago after my accident under very similar conditions. Jim's two children were born the same years as my first and second born. I was Jim's accountability partner for a time. I suspect he may have begun to ride in part due to his exposure to me. Saturday mornings we would sometimes talk standing next to my bikes and he would express his admiration. When he purchased his first motorcycle he had transitioned to a group other than Saturday morning but made a special trip out to bring and show it to me. It was a black and red Shadow 750.
Over the course of his sixty-three years, Jim was a surfing champion, Vietnam veteran (helicopter gunner), husband, father, friend, and pastor. He had a very contagious laugh and he smiled like no one else I've ever known.
I didn't get word of Jim's accident until after his funeral. My grieving his loss has been unexpectedly deep. Fortunately, his church recorded the entire funeral and made it available to the public.
I spent this morning "attending" Jim's funeral over the internet. A particularly touching portion of the service, to me, was when Jim's granddaughter sang a song and said a prayer for her "Pops". Seven year old Kaitlyn Maher is an accomplished singer and actress of some fame.
If you've an interest in hearing Kaitlyn sing "There Will Be a Day" it can be found on the funeral video. The link below is to the funeral service. You can find Kaitlyn by moving the marker along the line until it is just above the first "e" in the red "here" that appears just below the video. It's a two hour service, so the marker is pretty sensitive moving over several minutes with just a twitch. You can find Kaitlyn because she's the only little girl in a purple dress during the entire video.Jim Maher Memorial Service If you've minimal internet skills you can find Kaitlyn in several places on the web.
Jim Maher, in my humble opinion, is a man who leaves a large hole in this world by his departure, but also leaves bits of himself all around the world he touched making it a better place for his passing by.
Godspeed, Jim. I'll miss you.
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3fan4life
Member
Posts: 6958
Any day that you ride is a good day!
Moneta, VA
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« Reply #1 on: March 25, 2011, 09:26:44 AM » |
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I am very sorry for your loss.
It sounds like your friend was indeed a good man.
I hope that you find comfort in the knowledge that you will see him again someday.
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1 Corinthians 1:18  |
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Dubsvalk
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« Reply #2 on: March 25, 2011, 09:28:54 AM » |
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A tremendous loss to everyone. My prayers will be with his family and you. Time will heal but you will always remember your wonderful friend.
Dubs
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Vietnam Veteran 1968/69
MSF Instructor
PGR
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old2soon
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« Reply #3 on: March 25, 2011, 09:45:58 AM » |
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Prayers from the ozarks. Another bro i never met. We share god motorcycles and vietnam. If this is the wrong place and/or time i apoligize in advance-but i am sick and tired of my brothers and sisters dying needlessly like this fine man did. REST IN PEACE BRO. MAY GOD BE WITH YOU ALWAYS.  RIDE SAFE. |
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Today is the tommorow you worried about yesterday. If at first you don't succeed screw it-save it for nite check. 1964 1968 U S Navy. Two cruises off Nam.
VRCCDS0240 2012 GL1800 Gold Wing Motor Trike conversion
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Black Dog
Member
Posts: 2606
VRCC # 7111
Merton Wisconsin 53029
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« Reply #4 on: March 25, 2011, 10:09:21 AM » |
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Sorry for your loss Carl. Feel better for his memory...
Black Dog
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Just when the highway straightened out for a mile And I was thinkin' I'd just cruise for a while A fork in the road brought a new episode Don't you know... Conform, go crazy, or ride a motorcycle...  |
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Devl
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« Reply #5 on: March 25, 2011, 11:00:38 AM » |
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So sorry to hear this. Thinking of his family, congregation and you guys. Yes, I am sure his death has left a large hole in alot of hearts. Rest in Peace Jim.
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Devl
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HotRod
Member
Posts: 909
2001 I/S First one was a 1999 I/S
Henderson, NV
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« Reply #6 on: March 25, 2011, 11:51:23 AM » |
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Sorry to hear that Carl,that's to young to die,but who are we to say right? There is a black and red shadow at work every day when I ride in with Valkyrie tour bags on her,she is very pretty,not sure who rides her her but I always notice the bike.
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Dave Ritsema
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« Reply #7 on: March 25, 2011, 12:14:55 PM » |
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Very sorry for the loss of your friend, he sounds like a man I would have liked to have known.
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VRCC 2879
Lake City Honda Warsaw IN
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John Schmidt
Member
Posts: 15231
a/k/a Stuffy. '99 I/S Valk Roadsmith Trike
De Pere, WI (Green Bay)
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« Reply #8 on: March 25, 2011, 12:32:15 PM » |
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Carl, that's a rough road for you to follow for a time. Often, a pastor will have an even greater influence through his daily testimony and personal contacts outside the pulpit. From your description of the man, he will be difficult to replace in the community and his church. Time will heal the heart, though the scars will remain forever.
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buffalobill
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« Reply #9 on: March 25, 2011, 01:09:52 PM » |
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Carl, I know firsthand that the world is a little bit better by your being here too. I mourn with you for the loss of your friend (Romans 12:15). I am thankful he was a blessing to so many, and that their is loud rejoicing in Heaven by his arrival.
Thanks for sharing,
buffalobill
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Romans 8:18
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R J
Member
Posts: 13380
DS-0009 ...... # 173
Des Moines, IA
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« Reply #10 on: March 25, 2011, 01:39:55 PM » |
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Sorry for your loss Carl, and also for the Maher family. His granddaughter is quite the little young lady for her age. That was a very interesting ceremony. Would have been better if I could of kept the dang knats out of the computer room. Very heart warming. Ever since I started watching the service, I think I have encountered this gentleman, but i don't have a clue where it was at......... Will be a very big loss in the world with out Jim. |
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44 Harley ServiCar   |
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Daniel Meyer
Member
Posts: 5493
Author. Adventurer. Electrician.
The State of confusion.
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« Reply #11 on: March 25, 2011, 02:49:17 PM » |
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Very sorry for his loss...the world indeed has another hole in it. Too many in past years. A particularly touching portion of the service, to me, was when Jim's granddaughter sang a song and said a prayer for her "Pops". Seven year old Kaitlyn Maher is an accomplished singer and actress of some fame.
Quite a singer...she's going to go far. Very touching. |
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CUAgain, Daniel Meyer  |
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Michael K (Az.)
Member
Posts: 2471
"You have to admire a healthy tomatillo!"
Glendale, AZ
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« Reply #12 on: March 25, 2011, 03:06:35 PM » |
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Sorry to hear Carl.
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"I'd never join a club that would have me as a member!" G.Marx  |
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Skinhead
Member
Posts: 8727
J. A. B. O. A.
Troy, MI
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« Reply #13 on: March 25, 2011, 04:04:07 PM » |
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Sounds like we lost a good man. Jim must have touched many lives. What a precious granddaughter! My condolences to you Carl and Jim's family. You now have a guardian angel to ride with you.
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 Troy, MI |
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old grouch
Member
Posts: 387
If it aint broke, don't fix it!
Colorado Springs, CO
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« Reply #14 on: March 25, 2011, 04:28:36 PM » |
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Carl
Sorry for your loss. We know he is in a better place. Stan
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 Don't float thru life, MAKE WAVES! 09/11/01 NEVER FORGET! |
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Thunderbolt
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« Reply #15 on: March 25, 2011, 05:17:13 PM » |
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I don't know if he felt as I do, but I have told my children and friends that if they hear of me leaving this earth while riding, know that I left doing something that I really loved doing.
I hope you can find some solace in your friends and family.
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KW
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« Reply #16 on: March 25, 2011, 05:35:30 PM » |
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Carl;
I’m truly and sincerely sorry to hear of your lose. It struck particularly close to home as my best friend and riding partner is also my Pastor. Since exchanging e-mails with you, I know you to be a man of faith. While our Belief carries us through times of difficulties and stress, it doesn’t always heal the hole left by a loved one’s passing. Know that we are praying brother that our Lord provides comfort and encouragement to those who knew this beloved, man of God.
Jerry
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Karen
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« Reply #17 on: March 25, 2011, 06:41:40 PM » |
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Sorry for your pain, Carl.
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NiteRiderF6
Member
Posts: 559
Doug n Stacy
Mississippi
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« Reply #18 on: March 25, 2011, 07:00:14 PM » |
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It is a hard time when you lose a friend; take comfort in the good times you shared and treasure the memories. May God's peace be with you.
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1999 Honda Valkyrie Interstate - SuperValk Mod - SS - Lots of Chrome!  |
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SlowRoad
Member
Posts: 368
Heart of a Legend with a whole lot of Soul
Hartselle AL
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« Reply #19 on: March 25, 2011, 09:10:40 PM » |
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I will keep you and his family in my prayers. It's been a sad week. Several unexpected and way too early deaths in my area this past week.  I am sure he will be missed. Tim |
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98 T
Member
Posts: 649
'98 Tourer
Brookfield, WI
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« Reply #20 on: March 26, 2011, 06:27:02 AM » |
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My condolences to Pastor Maher's family and to you, Willow, and many other of his friends. Prayers for you to find comfort at this time over this loss.
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It's not WHAT you ride....it's THAT you ride!
vrcc # 21815
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Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008
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« Reply #21 on: March 26, 2011, 07:17:03 AM » |
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Very sorry to hear of this. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.
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SANDMAN5
Member
Posts: 2176
Mileage 65875
East TN
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« Reply #22 on: March 26, 2011, 11:00:37 AM » |
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Sorry to hear that. He's in a MUCH better place now.
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"Evolution" is a dying religion being kept alive with tax dollars.  |
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stude31
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« Reply #23 on: March 26, 2011, 01:48:33 PM » |
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Carl,
Wow that little girl has not only a beautiful voice but the spirit of God is so prevalent in her words. Sounds to me like there is more of a celebration of the man God created and the gift of his life that touched so many, including yours. My prayers for you and Pastor Maher's family and friends.
I love that song by Jeremy Camp "There will be a day".
Joe.
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Highlander
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« Reply #24 on: March 27, 2011, 06:43:55 AM » |
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So sorry to hear of yor loss, WIllow. The memories live forever. May he rest in peace. May you find comfort in your family and friends.
Highlander
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Highlander
"There Can Be Only One"
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highcountry
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« Reply #25 on: March 27, 2011, 07:59:15 PM » |
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RIP Jim. Prayers to his family and friends.
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Kendall
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« Reply #26 on: March 27, 2011, 08:59:03 PM » |
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Prayers to you and all his friends and family...
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Bandit
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« Reply #27 on: March 28, 2011, 12:03:32 AM » |
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Carl I am sorry for the loss of your friend Jim,my prayers to you and his group as well. Bandit
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Robert
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« Reply #28 on: March 28, 2011, 08:37:27 PM » |
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Loosing a brother in the Lord is hard sorry for your loss and pain but you know as well as me you will see him again, he just made it to a better place faster than you. http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=9EM1ECNUThis might help you a bit its very encouraging. |
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“Some people see things that are and ask, Why? Some people dream of things that never were and ask, Why not? Some people have to go to work and don’t have time for all that.”
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tybme
Member
Posts: 335
1999 Valkyrie I/S
Topeka KS
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« Reply #29 on: March 29, 2011, 11:44:12 AM » |
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That little girl has a wonderful voice that I could listen to anytime. Her grandfather must have been so proud.
You and his family are in my prayers.
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Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways. totally worn out, shouting, "Holy ****... What a Ride!"  |
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