JimmieD

[MoparNorm]

Just an update:
Thanks to many, many generous donations (some from folks who remain unknown to me) a check has been sent to the daughters to help with their expenses.
They were very appreciative and thankful.

[MoparNorm]

Tom,
Thanks for the kind reply!
His daughters have come here from time to time, to read about their Dad. It has helped them heal and I know that posts like yours, help greatly, and are much appreciated.
Thanks!

[TommyDodge]

I have just now read this for the first time. I am very saddened to learn of Jimmie's passing. He was certainly a friend to all of us who knew him. He was also interested the history of everything and especially of The Dodge Brothers. I first became aquainted with him by the way of MoparNorms Sweptline forum. I had come to appreciate his words of wisdom, and also encouragement that I got when my marriage broke up almost 10 years ago. I am sorry that I hadn't heard from him for the past few years, and I can truly say that I have missed his words of wisdom and his also sage advice. I used to enjoy his comments and emails and have missed both!
RIP JimmieD

TommyDodge

[MoparNorm]

Just wanted to update and thank anonymously, the donations that have been coming in to help put Jim's affairs in order.
This has been an overwhelming task at times, but we are getting through it.
Jim would have been humbled and proud of his Dodge family and his children.
I will be providing updates as we go forward.
Just know that your generosity has touched his family beyond words.
Thank You all!

[MoparNorm]

MoparNorm,

My check is in the mail! Jim was a good friend and mentor on all things automotive. It's my pleasure to help his family!

Thanks Rick, you were a good friend.

[712edf]

Another reason I don't care much for our government, but I'll not go into all that.

I hope his family are doing well.

Bucky

[Longhunter7]

JimmieD

MoparNorm,

My check is in the mail! Jim was a good friend and mentor on all things automotive. It's my pleasure to help his family!

[Bob Thompson]

Thanks for the update Norm, I'll be in touch.

[MoparNorm]

JimmieD Followup

Just a Followup to the tragic death of our friend, JimmieD.
Those of you who knew Jim, knew he was a private man, with little regard for the intrusion into our lives called the government. That aversion to being on the grid, came back to haunt us and his children, as Jim had not listed any beneficiary for his belongings, guns and bank accounts.
Let me take this time to remind any of you how important it is to have a will and your affairs in order, in case the worst happens.
Sadly the state took his guns, his truck was impounded and his trailer sealed by the county. His bank account was frozen and the children were basically extorted to pay the government to get Jim's property back.
There is a backstory involving Jim and his children who had not seen him in many years and out of respect for Jim's privacy, I'll just say that Jim's Memorial Service was the first time the children had come together over Jim, in many, many years.
It was a wonderful reunion, his children would have made him so very proud.
However, in addition to dealing with Jim's unexpected death, they are also faced with unexpected costs, burial arrangements and expenses that no one could plan for, such as paying the county to release his guns and getting his property out of his impounded truck.
No one should have to deal with this at this time of grief, so I thought it would be a good time for his many friends and fellow Dodgers, to come together in their time of need.

If you feel so inclined to help, with any amount, please send a check to: DTA/Sweptline Products
14821 Landerwood Dr.
Eastvale, CA 92880

Please write "JimmieD" in the check memo.
Some of Jim's fellow Dodge friends have already pledged to help, and these words are from Jim's daughter,

"Oh my goodness...I am speechless...all of you have been so kind, and no words can express the gratitude I have for this help.

I am truly blessed Jim had you as friends.

Thank you and please send my uttermost appreciation to his friends for their help!

I am just so overwhelmed with emotions...I can not say thank you enough!"

[Hobcobble]

Jimmie was still way up in Northern California when we were
traveling the state, otherwise I would've put him on our itenarary.
Jimmie put a lot of work into his Town Wagon and he certainly
knew his stuff. He was one of a kind..... for sure. Its sad that he's
gone. I'm sure the other driver's family is in a world of hurt too...
Sad all the way around.
John

[Chewie]

What a shock!
I never met him, but we traded emails often enough. He was on my list of people to look up when I make it back to California again. There is no pain where he's at now, though.
He will be missed..

[MoparNorm]

Thanks for posting that Bob, I was on my way over here when I received your email.
Jim will be surely and greatly missed.

[Bob Thompson]

This was posted by Mopar Norm on Joe C's site

On Tuesday, April 8, 2014, my friend Jim Dardis, was traveling from his Southern Sierra home, where he lived, as a caretaker on my ranch, to his doctor in Lake Isabella. Jim was driving his beloved Dodge Town Wagon, when a woman in a Blazer, came across the double yellow and hit him head-on. Jim was severely injured and airlifted to a hospital where both drivers succumbed to their injuries. In a strange bit of fate, Jim had moved to his home on April 8, 2007.
The blazer was completely destroyed, the Cummins powered Dodge Townie had moderate damage but stayed upright.

At my and Paul inNY's urging, Jim had installed the Cummins himself, under a snow covered plastic canopy, in Shasta CA, during a winter of several snow storms and blizzards. Having lost his residence and tired of the cold winters, Jim headed south to thaw in the warmer Southern Sierra's about a 150 miles north of Los Angeles. Jim was a caring and trustworthy friend who never hesitated to go out of his way to offer a helping hand, or a bit of advice or counsel.
Having lived alone for most of the last 30 years, Jim was far from a recluse, easily making friends and meeting folks at his church. He was always lending a helping hand to others and he was a fierce missionary for his Lord. My phone has been ringing off the hook for the last two days with calls from his friends and neighbors. His life touched many, many people and as much time as he spent behind the keyboard, he also spent equal time on the phone and in person. Jim loved to interact with folks and he touched the lives of many, many people. Im proud to say he was my friend.

[Bob Thompson]

I posted the news of Jim's death on a couple other sites we shared in common . I referred them here for updates.

[712edf]

When I first joined the forums, JimmieD & Norm were here daily. I hate to hear this.

Bucky