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Gerry Zagorski
07-26-2017, 06:42 PM
Jimmy would probably kill me if he knew I was writing this but here goes anyway. He's that sort that does not want to burden others with his issues.

Many of you probably know Jimmy (AKA River Rat) here as one of the original people on the site. A family man first but an avid fisherman and most importantly a really great and humble person. The sort of guy who is quiet yet leaves an impression on you with his quiet yet convicting demeanor set by an example of how he leads his life... A guy who most of us strives to be like.

Well Jimmy and his family are going through a rough spot right now and after a long bout with cancer and years of chemo treatments, he decided enough is enough and wanted to go home and spend his time at home with his family and friends in Hospice care.

You never know what to say to someone in this situation and when Buckshot called me to let me know Jimmy was at home in Hospice, I really hesitated to make the call to him but I finally got the courage to...... We laughed, I cried but Jimmy wouldn't (it's the kind of person he is) and we prayed... I finally got to tell him what a great friend and example he was to me and everyone he came in contact with....Glad I got the courage to make that call..

Please keep Jimmy in your thoughts and prayers as he and his family go through this.

And Jimmy, if you are reading this screw you.... I've kept your battle a secret for long enough based on your wishes but the cats out of the bag...I love you brother and may the thoughts and prayers of everyone here help bring some comfort to you and your family....

Art Berkman
07-26-2017, 06:49 PM
Met Jim many years ago.

Class act!

Jim & Family sending lots of Prayers your way!

hammer4reel
07-26-2017, 07:20 PM
Sorry to hear.
Got to fish with Jimmy way back when I joined the site here.
Def a great Guy . had alot of good laughs, sometimes at his expense.
Prayers sent to him and his family.

hartattack
07-26-2017, 07:53 PM
Anyone who names his boat Angry Beaver has got to have brass balls. Prayers sent Jim & family . . .

FASTEDDIE29
07-26-2017, 08:11 PM
Prayers to an NJF O.G.!!! Cancer sucks!!!
**** CANCER!!!!

Duffman
07-27-2017, 12:32 AM
Damn. So sorry to hear. All the best Angry Beaver.

John D.
07-27-2017, 10:18 AM
This is just awful news. I haven't fished with Jim in a long time but really enjoyed the times fishing for stripers on RB and his club tourney. I remember when he negotiated the name of his boat. Lol

I know more about this disease than I would ever want to due to family and work. Jim, if you are seeing this, we are praying for you and your family and make every day a celebration with family and friends.

John

Detour66
07-27-2017, 10:23 AM
Prayers out to Jimmy.

SHAMROCK EDDIE
07-27-2017, 10:26 AM
Sorry to hear this news! Jim was one of the good guys I got to fish a few tog trips with Jim in cape may and he was a class act.

Jay
07-27-2017, 10:30 AM
So sorry to hear. My prayers are with him and his family.

RBC67
07-27-2017, 11:40 AM
Prayers sent

Scott Free
07-27-2017, 01:43 PM
I've known Jimmy for 20 years, Greg could not sum up the man any better.

He has fought the good fight and our family wishes Jim and his family peace and blessings as he starts his his next journey.

Missing you Bro,

Bill Scott & Family

jlrotary
07-27-2017, 01:53 PM
Prayers sent.
Cancer suck!

Joey Dah Fish
07-27-2017, 04:18 PM
Damn cancer sucks!!! Thoughts and prayers to you and the family Jimmy

AndyS
07-27-2017, 04:29 PM
I feel so helpless reading this. I think River Rat has been around since the inception of NJF.com. We try to live life to the fullest and have no regrets, prayers sent to Jimmy and family.

dales529
07-27-2017, 08:15 PM
Our thoughts are with you and family Jim. We met on one of the first PUOSU trips and played cards the night before in Lavallette at my friends beach house with Gerry and crew. Walked out early AM to stiff east wind and 10 degrees . Jim took a breath and said perfect. Once on the boat he said dales WTF are we doing here!
Keep up the fight.

fin_s_guy
07-27-2017, 08:55 PM
Jim, you're a gentleman among some surly dudes. Raised a great family and enjoyed countless days on the water. Rest assured your presence will be remembered by this fellow fisherman.

Way to fight to the end! Thoughts and strength to you and your loved ones.

~Fin_S~

Reel Class
07-29-2017, 07:03 PM
So sad to hear this. Jim is a great guy and I know he has fought the good fight for awhile now. God bless him and his family!!!!