Terrible News: Jim Blumenthal Passed Away Last Night

[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