I just returned from a hunt last night, and got a call this morning that one of my long time hunting partners, Jim Scarborough, died at 2:00 AM this morning. Needless to say, I'm scrambling a bit trying to get sorted out and back to the States. The funeral will be sometime next week, as his son also has to get back to the States.
Jim and I shared many adventures – and more than a few misadventures - in wild and wonderful places over the last thirty years; some of which I've written about in the Old Derelict series. Jim loved the outdoors, and hunting and fishing of all types. We first met when we were both in the Air Force, stationed at Eielson AFB, just outside Fairbanks, Alaska. After he retired from the Air Force, Jim stayed in Alaska, and was the owner of C&S Taxidermy, in Anchorage. About two years ago he retired from his taxidermy business, and moved back to his native Georgia.
Jim loved all forms of hunting, and hunted extensively with rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders and handguns, as well as his bows. He shot a longbow for many, many years, until severe arthritis causes a separation of the bicep in his left arm. It couldn't be reattached because of the bone erosion. That forced him to take up the compound. Even then, he had to move down to a very light draw weight. Last year, it reached the point that he couldn't get his compound to cam-over, even when set at its minimum (39 pounds).
Jim was a true gentleman and an honorable sportsman, in every meaning of the words. His passing is a huge personal loss to me. But I know that he'll be scouting out the happy hunting grounds, and I don't doubt that he'll have a hunt lined up and be all ready to go whenever next we meet.
I've just finished answering (or at least acknowledging) all the PM's members of the Gang had posted since I last signed in here. Not sure how long it will be before I get to check in again. When all is settled, I think I'll need a bit of bush time again; but I'm sure I won't be alone. Jim will still be there, forever needling me for every poor shot I make. True friends never leave.
Ed
My condolences Ed. Let me know if I can help you out at all and there's always room at my fire for you.
So sorry to hear that Ed, I know you were planning on returning and helping him out through a tough time.
He would be proud to know you thought so highly of him and he was worthy. You're a good friend.
Brent
Sorry for your loss. It's tough to lose old friends.
I'm sorry for your loss sir.
My condolenses and prayers to and for you and the family.
I will keep him in my prayers
May peace be with you and Jim's family. Our prayers will be with you all....
You are correct my good Doctor,deep thought in deep woods always help. Your alone time will not be alone time in the woods this time,you will certainly feel the presense of your good friend with you to help you sort through your feelings and return home replenished. I`m sorry for your loss and good luck,Bob
Truely sorry for your loss Dr.Ashby. My condolences goes out to all those affected.
Very sorry to hear of your loss. I will add you and your friend to my prayer list.
Prayers sent from here for both of you.
My condolences to you and all of his friends and family. God bless.
Mark
Offering you and your friends family our most sincere condolences.
Daniel
You have my condolences, as well as my prayers.
Sorry to hear about your loss. My condolences to all who are affecting by his passing.
Doc, I returned your email this morning. I cannot adequately describe the heaviness of my heart in knowing of the loss of your dearest friend Jim. You weren't friends but instead brothers. I know he is with you now in this time as he always has been. Please travel safe my friend! I just told Debbie of the news and she says to tell you your bedroom is ready whenever complete your tasks at hand. Give a call when you need to talk. We'll be here with a couple of fingers of Turkey and a cheese cake to try and wash down some of that greif whenever you arrive. Travel safe! Curtis
condolences and prayers are certainly sent out.
Very sorry to hear this news Ed. True, lifelong friends are few and treasured. Losing one is always a great loss.
Condolences to you and his family.
Prayers for you and your friend Ed. Losing a close friend is a tough one.
My Brother's Keeper
By George D. Stout
Sticks and stones can break our bones, or so the story goes
And snow and ice can compromise the beauty of a rose
Yet even on the darkest day the sun shines high above
And clears away the dreary clouds through God's undying love
Within these days of toil and trial we pray that you will know
Our thoughts are with you everyday wherever you may go
And though the fight may seem uphill, we'll always be around
To help you carry on until you reach that level ground
Throughout the years, you've been a friend, a port in every storm
Your friendly smile, on coldest days, would bring a sense of warmth
And when we had a problem you were always on the spot
To take the lead, and fix the ill, more often than was not
So let us help to stay your course, to be your steadfast friends
Until we reach that final mile to where the river bends
We'll keep the fire until you're back to stay with us once more
To walk the trails, and tell the tales; that's what good friends are for
My prayers are with you and his family .
Sorry for your loss
Wishing you Gentle Winds, Ed and an eternity of living memories until you next meet with Jim again.
Claudia
Prayers for you and family.<><
I am sorry for your loss Ed, prayers to you and his family have been sent.....
David
Prayers are in the WIND !
Dr Ed, Being somewhat new here, but spending a lot of time on this board and a lot of time in the woods (at least mentally) with my "Brothers of the Bow" I realize that though I have never met many , they all seem to be friends. I'm sorry for your loss and that of Jim's family. May God grant you and them His peace.
Bill
Lost my best friend to cancer 2 years ago. This news brought it all back to the top. I am so sorry for your loss. Hold the memories tight. Prayers offered for family and friends. God bless.
My sympathies to family and friends. It really is tough to loose a friend. George