Went to visit a great man Friday. Jim Ditch retired as Executive Director of Maintenance from Long Beach about a year ago when his cancer came back and he bravely decided that Chemo and the side effects that come with it were not worth it. He chose quality of life not length of life. Jim was larger than life during his career. A knowledgeable man who has many innovations and even a few patents to his name. Jim is responsible for training programs that trained and promoted many capable people who are now maintenance directors or general managers at systems throughout California.
Jim has always been known as kind, generous with his time, and caring and compassinate about others. He was equally known and loved for his sense of humor and warm and generous spirit.
As Jim nears the end of his battle with cancer he still exudes these qualities. When you walk in the door he and his wonderful wife Carolyn immediately want to get you comfortable, and then Jim turns to his guest and wants to know how they are feeling, how they are doing with deep and genuine concern. He delights in the company of his wife and the impending visit of his beloved grand children. Jim’s bravery and undaunted spirit are an inspiration and help put out daily challenges in perspective.
Jim’s life has been and will continue to be a lesson in appreciating the good in life, delighting in your family, growing from the growth of others, helping those around you to succeed, and doing it all with a sense of humor and humility. Thank you Jim for the inspiration and the life lesson.
#1 by Jim McLaughlin on September 22, 2009 - 7:22 pm
Excellent thoughts and an excellent idea Macy. Jim is one of those folks, and a rare breed today, that always made me feel better after talking with him or being around him. Some of my favorite times were watching him tear up the sod around the golf course, with or witout having been fueled by various nectars. Listening to his “Odd Couple” tales about rooming with Gentry Shaw would bring waves of laughter to any conversation. And, of course, he added many ideas and processes that made the industry much, much better. My pleasure to add a comment on his behalf.