Terrible News: Jim Blumenthal Passed Away Last Night

[Peter W Thomas]

I have known Jim for about 20 years and worked on several projects and trades over the years. Only spent time with him in person at 3 Nationals - should have gone to more. Such a young man about the age of my son Chris. I am really sad. Farewell Jim, and very best wishes to your family. Peter

[oldjudge]

When I was a kid, my mother would be a pretty tough critic of those around her. She could point out the weaknesses of virtually anyone, but occasionally, very occasionally, she would get a small smile on her face and, gesturing to someone, say "He's a mensch." That was pretty high praise because to her a mensch was a person of integrity, a person of honor. She smiled because it was a pleasure to see someone like that. Unfortunately, in today's world fewer and fewer people fit that definition. However, Jim Blumenthal did, and with room to spare. He never had a bad word to say about anyone; he laughed easily and honestly. He was a brilliant man, a professor at Oregon State, a man whose diverse interests ran from religion, to the Grateful Dead, to baseball cards. He was a loving father to Ben, and to his new bride Tiffany, a loving husband. I am proud and honored that to me he was a friend. I'm shocked now, it all happened so quickly. My thoughts and prayers go out to Tiffany, Ben, Jim's parents and his family. To quote Jim's favorite group: All a friend can say is, "Ain't it a shame?"

[CW]

Originally Posted by oldjudge

When I was a kid, my mother would be a pretty tough critic of those around her. She could point out the weaknesses of virtually anyone, but occasionally, very occasionally, she would get a small smile on her face and, gesturing to someone, say "He's a mensch." That was pretty high praise because to her a mensch was a person of integrity, a person of honor. She smiled because it was a pleasure to see someone like that. Unfortunately, in today's world fewer and fewer people fit that definition. However, Jim Blumenthal did, and with room to spare. He never had a bad word to say about anyone; he laughed easily and honestly. He was a brilliant man, a professor at Oregon State, a man whose diverse interests ran from religion, to the Grateful Dead, to baseball cards. He was a loving father to Ben, and to his new bride Tiffany, a loving husband. I am proud and honored that to me he was a friend. I'm shocked now, it all happened so quickly. My thoughts and prayers go out to Tiffany, Ben, Jim's parents and his family. To quote Jim's favorite group: All a friend can say is, "Ain't it a shame?"

J,

I just wanted to say that this was very well said, and a very touching tribute relating to your Mom.

thanks for posting this.

[Tim Kindler]

Very Saddened to hear another GREAT person and Net 54er go in Jim. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and all of those who were very close to him including many of you guys on the board. I always enjoyed seeing and reading his contributions to our hobby. May he rest in peace.
Tim Kindler

[oaks1912]

Very sorry to hear of Jim's passing. We first crossed paths about 20 years back. Very interesting and knowledgable person to talk with. I'll think of him when I drive through Portland in a few weeks

[WhenItWasAHobby]

My sincere condolences go out to his family, friends and loved ones.

[mrvster]

Well stated.....I know when talking with you how often you mentioned his name and admired him......when I heard this news instantly thought of you my friend....this is just terrible news

[atx840]

Story Time.

One day during my first National (actually first card show) as I am wandering row after row, in awe of all the cardboard, Jim hunts me down and says, "Come check this out". We zigzagged and chatted and ended up at an AHs booth. Jim talks to the rep and turns around and hands me a T206 Wagner,. First I had ever seen or held in person.

He heard I hadn't seen one and tracked me down in that massive room just to show me.

Thank you Jim, a truly awesome individual.

[ksfarmboy]

Sad news for sure. Prayers for his family and friends.

[rebelsart]

Very saddened to hear of James passing. A true gentleman in every sense of the word, always kind and caring. He used to live in the Southern California area long ago. My condolences to his friends and family. Rest in Peace.
Art M.

[caramelcard]

Hard for me to even know what to say. Just very saddened by Jim's passing. I've known Jim through the hobby for many years and we had a lot of common interests in and outside of the hobby. He was easily one of the nicest people I've ever met. And, also one of the most knowledgable while still being soft spoken and humble. He had the best eye for cards and loved to share his passion and advanced knowledge with other collectors. Jim would always get me excited about cards.

It's hard to believe I won't see Jim again at shows or read his posts on this board. I won't forget him.

Rob

[sox1903wschamp]

Rest in peace Jim. Will miss him and he will not be forgotten.

[uffda51]

I'm devastated by this news. Jim was a gentleman and a scholar. He will be sorely missed. Condolences to his family. Words are certainly failing me right now.

[tedzan]

I was stunned to hear of Jim's passing earlier today.

Eight years ago, Jim contacted me regarding a bunch of T206 Southern Leaguer cards he needed for his set; and, we did
a nice deal. This was our 1st hobby transaction.

I'll recall an interesting experience at the last Baltimore National (2012) where I was checking out a really sharp-looking
1949 LEAF Joe DiMaggio card whose background color was Yellow (instead of Green). It was a potential purchase which I
jotted down in my notebook. Approx. an hour later, Jim tracks me down to ask me about a card at the Show that he was
quite interested in.

You guessed it....it was the same 1949 LEAF Joe D. card. Jim asked me several questions regarding this card. I answered
them. He graciously thanked me and departed. Later that evening at the Hilton Hotel he showed me this LEAF card. I can
still recall his enthusiasm regarding this acquisition.


GOD Bless Jim's soul....and, GOD Bless and Comfort Jim's family.



TED Z
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