Terrible News: Jim Blumenthal Passed Away Last Night

[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.

[JollyElm]

All the wonderful things said here just increases the sadness felt by people like me who didn't know Jim. So terrible. Rest in peace.

[Rickyy]

Wow another member and fellow hobbyist lost...so sad...my sincere condolences to his family and friends... RIP Jim...

Ricky Y

[Joe_G.]

Very sad news, Jim was a pleasure to converse with, offered new theories, a true contributor to society. An amazing collection, amazing resource, a true gentleman. Among his many contributions, an article on N167 which featured his complete set, the only one in existence. Jim, you will be greatly missed. Condolences to all friends and family.

[Kawika]

Originally Posted by JollyElm

All the wonderful things said here just increases the sadness felt by people like me who didn't know Jim. So terrible. Rest in peace.

When someone passes away we tend to say positive, wonderful things. In Jim's case all these comments are rock-solid true. He was a happy serene soul. It was always nice to be in his company. My best Jim memory was sharing a seat on the bus from Rosemont to downtown Chicago during the 2008 National. We each had our iPhones loaded with our best cards and we shared our collections back and forth like two twelve year old kids. Jim's final image was his T206 Wagner. The man was greatness no matter how you sliced it. I am going to really miss him.

[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
.

[dstudeba]

I looked up to Jim as a person, he had such a good soul.

He is missed.

[tbob]

Jim and I were Facebook friends so I have received many pictures and tributes on my timeline from his friends around the world. I've met a lot of great people who collect cards, most of them are on this forum, but no one was a more peaceful and gentle soul than Jim. I will always remember his quiet smile and will always regret not accepting his invitation to come see him the next time I was in Oregon.
There's always so much time left to do that, I thought, and now he's gone forever. I am so sad.

[Bicem]

One of my favorite people, in the hobby and out. Sad day.

[ethicsprof]

My first friend in the hobby over a decade ago will be sorely missed.
One of the truly great scholars and translators in Buddhist studies who remained my dear friend over these many years.
There are no words to express the depth of loss.
May you rest in deepest peace and bliss, Professor.

my sincerest sympathy to family,friends,colleagues,students,and many others
he has touched,

Barry

[bcornell]

I was talking to Jim once at a National and we got around to a person we knew who eagerly burns down every bridge he sees. He hesitated and said, "probably not a Buddhist", then cracked up. I use that line all the time now. I'll miss him.

Bill

[ValKehl]

I never knew or met Jim, but I have long been aware aware that he had a fabulous collection. Now, I know that Jim was even more fabulous as a human being. RIP, Jim.
Val

[jerrys]

Didn't know Jim was sick - such sad news - I believe he was only 43 or so. My condolences to his family.

[DerekMichael]

My condolences.

When I first saw this thread and the name Jim B, I was not sure if this was the person I was thinking of, but it is. This is very unfortunate and almost feels surprising.

I feel fortunate enough to have met him during the Southern California Card Show last summer. My Dad and I set up some T206 cards and when he came over to us he was so engaging. I realized he was the person who posted the epic T206 backs collection on this forum some time ago. He was very kind to my Dad and I, and so very interesting. You do not meet a Buddhist everyday. I am pretty sure he was the only guy in the room that day that had convinced a gorgeous woman to attend a baseball card show with him, but perhaps my memory is a bit sketchy in this area.

I am especially sorry for those of you who had an actual relationship with him. He seems like he would have been a very awesome, enlightening person to spend time with.

My Dads words of wisdom to me on this one: "He is a Buddhist. He is in a very good place."

I am sorry guys. Cherish the memories!

[Myachelydra]

Rest in Peace Jim.

[barrysloate]

So it's the morning after we got this terrible news and I can't get Jim's passing out of mind. He was only a casual friend, and we never met in person. But I had so much respect for him. He chose to devote his life to the study of Buddhism, and this garnered my strongest admiration. What a wonderful calling indeed.

And what an amazing collection he had. A complete N167 set- how did he do it? A T206 Wagner, a Ty Cobb back, a virtually mint E93 set? And it went on and on and on. We sometimes teased Jim about it: did the Dalai Lama collect baseball cards? Aren't Buddhists supposed to relinquish all their worldly possessions? But he was a good sport and surely recognized the humor in it.

I know very little about Buddhism, but I do know that part of its teaching is to prepare oneself for death, to recognize its inevitability and to see it as the final step of life's very long journey. I'm certain he reached this ultimate state as he took his last breath.

I truly believe he is in a better place. I only regret that I didn't get to know him a little better.

[ullmandds]

Originally Posted by barrysloate

So it's the morning after we got this terrible news and I can't get Jim's passing out of mind. He was only a casual friend, and we never met in person. But I had so much respect for him. He chose to devote his life to the study of Buddhism, and this garnered my strongest admiration. What a wonderful calling indeed.

And what an amazing collection he had. A complete N167 set- how did he do it? A T206 Wagner, a Ty Cobb back, a virtually mint E93 set? And it went on and on and on. We sometimes teased Jim about it: did the Dalai Lama collect baseball cards? Aren't Buddhists supposed to relinquish all their worldly possessions? But he was a good sport and surely recognized the humor in it.

I know very little about Buddhism, but I do know that part of its teaching is to prepare oneself for death, to recognize its inevitability and to see it as the final step of life's very long journey. I'm certain he reached this ultimate state as he took his last breath.

I truly believe he is in a better place. I only regret that I didn't get to know him a little better.

Right Barry...I totally concur. Didn't he just post his t206 back run a few weeks ago, too? What an interesting guy he was...it's been a rough few weeks stretch.

[barrysloate]

I was thinking the same thing Pete. Wasn't Jim posting on the board as recently as a week ago?

[tedzan]

Well said, Barry.

These are the last two posts by Jim......


9/27

Originally Posted by E93

39 different. Missing only blue Old Mill
JimB

9/29

Originally Posted by E93

Thanks for the kind words everybody.
JimB


I don't have group shot of the fronts together. Sorry. About half are HoFs.

[Vintagecatcher]

My prayers go out to Jim's family and friends.

Although I wasn't fortunate to have ever met Jim, I will miss his contributions to the community.

I do, however, remember Jim's kind words when I posted that I was happy to have picked up an E90-1 Lou Criger that another hobby legend, Lionel Carter once owned. I just changed my avatar to that card to honor Jim's memory.

Patrick

[barrysloate]

Thanks Ted. So it really was only about a week ago. How sad.

[e107collector]

RIP Jim.

I never got a chance to meet him or speak with him, but based on all the great posts from board members, he seemed like a true gentleman.

He'll be sorely missed!

Tony

[jbsports33]

God Bless Jim and his Family

[Joe_G.]

Speaking of Jim's recent posts, on 9/28 he responded to Josh Evan's recovery thread as follows.

Originally Posted by E93

All the best with your recovery. Health problems can be a real drag, but they can be the source of great blessings too with right perspective and attitude.
Jim B

[Fred]

This is really sad. He was one of the nicest guys on this board. Just a really wonderful human being.

He got a kick out of the attached picture.

http://www.net54baseball.com/attachm...1&d=1412866990

[Griffins]

Originally Posted by barrysloate

So it's the morning after we got this terrible news and I can't get Jim's passing out of mind. He was only a casual friend, and we never met in person. But I had so much respect for him. He chose to devote his life to the study of Buddhism, and this garnered my strongest admiration. What a wonderful calling indeed.

And what an amazing collection he had. A complete N167 set- how did he do it? A T206 Wagner, a Ty Cobb back, a virtually mint E93 set? And it went on and on and on. We sometimes teased Jim about it: did the Dalai Lama collect baseball cards? Aren't Buddhists supposed to relinquish all their worldly possessions? But he was a good sport and surely recognized the humor in it.

I know very little about Buddhism, but I do know that part of its teaching is to prepare oneself for death, to recognize its inevitability and to see it as the final step of life's very long journey. I'm certain he reached this ultimate state as he took his last breath.

I truly believe he is in a better place. I only regret that I didn't get to know him a little better.

A few times a year Jim would come into town to visit his parents, and he, Jason Miller and I would usually get together for cigars at a friends lounge and end up spending 4-6 hours just sitting and talking. It's something I always looked forward to, and I've been thinking about those times over the last day absolutely devastated by the recent turn of events.
Jim was probably the most centered person I've ever met, and I have no doubt he is at peace. When I spoke to his wife Tiffany Tuesday nite they both seemed very calm, and it was obvious that Jim remained centered and dignified to the very end.
I once asked Jim how he reconciled Buddhism with the materialism of collecting cards and he just laughed and said Buddha wants us to be happy, and cards made him happy. That was evident as the completion of his N167 set unfolded over the last 2 years. The research, location, and acquisition of the last 2-3 cards in this set was an incredible story and achievement, and each time we got together Jim would wait til just the right moment to catch me up on the latest chapter.
Speaking to Jim a few months ago it was clear that he viewed the journey as the reward, and he was already planning the next one. He always said paradise is just like the place you are now, only much much better. I'm sure he's there, with that ever present smile on his face.

[Davidbvintage]

Oh man, such sad news. When I think of Jim I picture that big smile of his. Every time I saw and spoke with Jim that bigger than life smile was present and it was usually over a just purchased piece of cardboard at the National. He was always very humble, very pleasant and just an all around great person. This world will surely miss him and I am sure his loved ones miss him dearly. My pray for comfort and peace got out to them. We will miss you Jim.

[edhans]

I'm heartbroken. I always looked forward to sharing a meal with Jim at the National. One of the kindest and most serene people I've ever known. I will not forget the time he helped one of my daughters with a high school project on eastern religions. Rest in Peace, Jim.

[2dueces]

Anthony, Thanks for sharing. I'm pretty beat up about this. It's never easy losing a person like Jim but he is at peace now and thankfully suffers no more.
He will be missed.

[glynparson]

Truly sucks.

[Rich Klein]

I can still picture seeing JIM B and that thought makes me smile.

But I'm tired of losing my friends and acquaintences and to bring up a point, we all need to whenever possible go out to shows and stores. Not always to buy but so we can build our interpersonal relationships with each other.

RIP Jim B, who helped show us the way

[Runscott]

Rich, you are so right. I'm very glad that I was at Chicago last year and got to talk with Jim some. He shared an insight via some Sanskrit, which I still have somewhere. Remarkable guy.

[sreader3]

Shocked and saddened. A first ballot Net54 HOFer for sure.

RIP Jim B.

[Jantz]

Sad news to hear. I never met Jim, but what I've read and heard about him, he must have been a really good guy.

My condolences to his family.


Jantz

[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

[bostonmarathonman]

My buddy and I had the pleasure of sitting at the same table as jim at the psa set registry luncheon at the 2008 national in chicago; i was sitting next to jim and struck up a nice conversation with him prior to the presentation of the awards and I had no idea he would be winning an award until joe o called his name and he left the table to accept his award; when he returned to the table I felt honored to be at the same table as someone who won an award (and not just any mundane award but rather the award for best pre-war set; certainly nothing to sneeze at!!!!). I immediately congratulated him and asked if I could see his plaque as i know i'll probably never be lucky enough to receive one. I must admit, I'm more of a post-war guy although I do dabble in pre-war on occasion so I didnt know much about the E93's at the time but when I looked up his set on the registry later that day I was truly in awe of its magnificence. The three of us chatted for a bit after the luncheon concluded and I found jim to be a warm, affable guy who, like us, was so passionate about this great hobby. We exhanged a few emails a week or two after the show and then lost touch but I ran into him again, albeit briefly, at the national in chicago in 2013 when he happened to walk up next to me at a table I was at perusing cards. I said "hey, remember me?!?!?!" and reminded him we shared a table at the psa luncheon five years earlier. Upon hearing this he immediately remembered who I was and we spoke for a minute or two; I remember reading a post of his maybe a few months back (perhaps prior to this year's national??) where he mentioned he was having health issues; as soon as I saw this thread a few minutes ago I was devastated and got sick to my stomach. Just horrible, horrible news. My deepest condolences to his family; may he rest in peace. I will never forget him.

[the 'stache]

I wish I'd known Jim, because in reading what everybody else has been sharing, it seems like he was a pretty amazing person. My thoughts are with his friends and family.

[Josh Wolf]

Words can't express just how sad and heartbroken I am right now. Jim was such a loving soul and dear friend. I'm so thankful I was able to meet him at the Net54 dinner in 2006 in Anaheim. We shared many a correspondence from 2006-07, most of which I still have. We talked about his Wagner, Cobb backs, E93's and his now legendary N167 set. In fact, I just recently bought and read his amazing N167 OC article. He also shared what an amazing experience it was becoming a dad.

Jim, I will always cherish your friendship. My heart goes out to you and your family. RIP.

Josh

[jp1216]

I've done trades/sales with both Jim and Anthony S. Such a sad week. Both way too young. Picked up my first T206 Uzit last week via Goodwin. Vic Willis. Needless to say - I thought of Jim when bidding. Now it means just a little more. His back run and 'backs run' are a thing of beauty.

[toppcat]

Jim was one of a kind and I am going to miss him greatly. I am going to try and remember that twinkle in his eye whenever he smiled but right now I am just sad thinking about him.

[familytoad]

JimB, I miss you already.

You welcomed my "off the cuff" invite to meet a stranger in person when I moved to the Portland area in 2006.

I was here without my family before my house sold for 9 months, and didn't have my card collection with me for most of that time.
I was reading Net54 nightly, pining for either a card show or some interaction with the hobby I have been ensconced in since 1970.

I noticed JimB's humble posts , amazing collection and the manner in which he carried himself on the board (when there was pretty regular drama and testosterone contests abound).

I thought, why not contact him to see if he would meet for coffee and talk cards (and Net54).
We did just that, at Starbucks...a couple (then) 40 ish guys playing show and tell with antique cardboard.
Jim was gracious as I showed my very proud but very pedestrian pile of cards over a latte.
Then Jim walked to his car and retrieved a small box with the best baseball cards I had ever seen before (and likely since)
Jim had a collection far above most, a Hall of Fame collector with cartons of Hall of Fame cards.

But then we put the cards away and talked. That's where Jim went to first ballot HOF status. He made me feel like a longtime friend. He was open, informative, caring and just damn cool. I knew he would be from reading his posts here, but this was a special treat.
The 90 minutes w/Jim was a small slice of time in comparison.
But it's a great feeling when you make a new friend (think about that).
I wish we had stayed in touch more regularly. Sure we shared a few emails over the years...congrats on the beautiful baby, nice cards, promises to revisit Starbucks together...and now that's impossible.

JimB, you are awesome and you are missed. All who knew you were touched by your warmth and class. Eternal blessings and happiness for you my friend!

[JasonL]

I am not sure what to say, especially in light of everything that has already been said. I don't post here much these days, but when I first came aboard, JimB was one of the first personalities that I gravitated to...
Right from the start, he just seemed like one of the good ones.

I hope he is in a better place and that he didn't have to suffer through too much pain to get there. He certainly didn't seem like the type of guy who would have deserved that...

As an aside, it is so cool to read all of the familiar names on this thread, saying such wonderful things...this place is such a great escape.

[familytoad]

http://jim.blumenthal.muchloved.com/frame.aspx

Here is Jim's memorial page for those who are interested.

[barrysloate]

To see the picture of Jim with his young son is painful.