The Great Man

I have so many fond memories of Jim and so many great stories. Here are just a few of my memories.

We met at University and have been firm friends ever since. I do remember that he spent a lot of time in our 3rd year ensconced in my house - I thought it was because he thoroughly enjoyed the company of myself and my housemates - oh contraire!! When asked why he spent so much time at 61 Vic St - we had the reply that he simply preferred our brand of quality toilet tissue and I really don't think he was joking!

I spent 3 weeks with Jim in New Zealand at the beginning of his travels and at the end of mine. I hadn't seen Jim in years so it was great to catch up. Unfortunately, I hadn't taken into consideration the joys of sharing a room with someone who had quite fantastically smelly feet and one of the loudest snores known to mankind. I soon realised that huge quantities of vino seemed to dumb the senses enough for it not to be too much of a problem. When travelling with Jim, lots of vino seemed to feature heavily. We particularly became rather partial to Sauvignon Blancs - I believe there was an afternoon/evening where we maneuvered ourselves through an entire wine list..... the excuse was that he was trying to cheer me up.... well, we needed to justify it somehow.

Jim suggested we hire a car and take a road trip north of Auckland - fabulous, thought I. I'd just spent 2 weeks on a large green bus on the South Island so doing something at my own pace without over-sexed 21 year olds sounded just what I needed. We could share the driving and go exploring - what a great idea. We found a suitably road worthy vehicle and I handed over my driving licence and looked to Jim to do the same....... who suddenly blurted out that he didn't have his driving licence with him and that in fact, it would be me doing ALL the driving!!! I spent the next week driving miles and miles with Jim merrily drinking beer, sleeping and directing me the wrong way. I have never laughed or cried more in my life.

Jim was helping me through a bit of tough time in NZ and I will never forget the evening he decided to buy a bottle of tequila in order to cure his sore throat. I personally, had never heard of such a cure but was curious as to its outcome. As I lay wallowing in bags of self pity, I watched Jim do some serious damage to the tequila and waited.... it wasn't long before he was pacing the room, giving me lots of life advice, randomly involving ladders!? before finally quoting (for what seemed like forever) Shakespeare. I can't say that it was one of his greatest performances but I can safely say that watching a tequila induced Shakespeare recital whilst being totally sober definitely takes your mind off other troubles. And for that I thank him. Sore throat didn't improve so I can't recommend that form of treatment I'm afraid.

I will miss him from the bottom of my heart - a great raconteur, a great entertainer, a great man.

Vicks xx