In memory of my big brother James.
James and me go back a few years.  We’ve had a thing going on for many years, him telling me I was the older one.    Growing up with 3 brother’s and 6 sister’s I realize now how special that time was, especially growing up in the country.  We had our chores and I was never happy when I had to do the dishes with my brothers, they constantly flipped me with  the dish towel and that could hurt.  When I was in High School he gave me the $25 needed to go on the senior trip to Washington, however it was too late to get my money in.  But the thought is what counts.  After graduation I came to the big city and became engaged to Godfrey.  James was working on the railroad and he brought the signed consent form that we  needed to get married.  He handed the paper to us and said,   “Here is your death warrant”.  That was so like him.  This would have been mid June 1956, he was humming this little ditty very popular back then, a song by Jimmy Rogers, Kisses sweeter then wine.   This must to have been their special song.    He also said he would never get married.   We were married June 23 and low and behold he had found this little gal at St. Helens who was to become my sister in law.  He and Alpha got Married July 7 right after us.    He was a great son to our parents, always mowing, plowing the garden, working with the bees taking them to the doctor’s.   All the  grandchildren sure did love to be teased by him.  We didn’t get to see
James that often, usually over memorial day and sometimes at the Wooly Worm festivle, where he and the family would show and sell a lot of his woodcraft.  And the peanut butter roll that Alpha would make was the best, I have never mastered it.  I have some bowls, baskets, and rockers handcrafted by him, and many other memories.  Our last visit in May of this year was a great visit.   I like to take him some of my canned beets and other goodies,  as Gail, Leon, Lois, Godfrey  and me were leaving he said I have no idea what you said but I sure did enjoy your visit and so did we.  We were looking forward for the whole family to visit him this month.  But we can have other visits in another place and time.  You will always be my big brother.