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
Topic: Lost a true partner (Read 688 times)
