Missing my friend

I have been trying to write this in my head for 3 weeks now and I still can't seem to find the words or story that will do Jim justice. To be honest, I don't think I ever will. He was and still is one of my best mates, nothing will change that.

We met at the N.Y.T when we were 18, along with Paul. Straight away we struck up a friendship and bond that will never be broken. In 12 years we never had a crossed word or a sober night. I have so many great memories, we have been on holiday to Turkey, Amsterdam, Miami, Ibiza and even Butlins along with too many black tie events to mention and in that time I have seen Jim in Toga, womans clothes, naked, do some strange dance moves, shark like a demon, drink like a fish and moan about some some of the most random things imaginable!

I think of the state he used to live in and could never place the man of such knowledge and humour he was with his desire to live in a place straight out of Trainspotting! His unique fashion sense is stuff of legend. I will never know how a man who bought non ironing shirts still needed me to iron his shirts before we went out?

I have a hundred and more stories that make me smile and laugh. I think everyone has summed him up so well on here. I try not to be angry and feel cheated, because he was such a great guy it seems wrong to associate any negativity with him.

I bought Jim a badge once that he loved, it went "I'm not tall, your just short". His back pains, his massage chair, his smoking 24/7, the fear I'd have when he'd mutter "I've got a bit of a thirst on". It doesn't seem real and I know I will never stop thinking of one of my best mates. I promise to spread the gospel according to Jim, be it through trying to be the type of person he was or telling the many tales I have.

The world has definitely become an emptier place for me.

I could go on and maybe I will at a later date. I should add that making the reception on Friday made me smile for one reason. Everyone in the place was chatting about different stories they had and all involved drink and a smile!By the way, the last wine Jim was into was a red thing called Trio. I may just buy some shares in the company as I intend to honour my great mate the only way possible and keep on toasting the one and only Jim.

Posted on behalf of Rhys Jones