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RV collides with Main Street building
  
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Photos by Grant Smith and Susan Carr
Bulletin Staff Report
Witnesses at one of the busiest intersections in downtown Buffalo saw a 1997 Chevrolet RV crash through the front of the Rimrock Pipeline office around 4:45 p.m. on Thursday afternoon. The crash resulted in the death of at least one person the Wyoming Highway Patrol told the Buffalo Bulletin.
The driver of the RV, James D. Stark, 73, of Hot Springs Ark. was pronounced dead at the scene. He was wearing a seat belt. A second passenger, Saralee G. Stark, age 68 was transported to Johnson County Healthcare Center and later transferred to the Wyoming Medical Center in Casper. The extent of her injuries was not released.
According to the Wyoming Highway Patrol report the Starks were eastbound on US 16 in an approximately 35 foot motorhome that was pulling a Jeep utility vehicle behind it. While coming down Powder River Pass, which has a down grade of approximately 7%, the Starks noticed that their brakes on the motorhome were getting hot. James pulled the combination over and stopped to let the brakes cool down.
Powder River Pass does have a runaway truck ramp, however, it is unknown if the Starks pulled over prior to or after the runaway ramp. After waiting an unknown amount of time James pulled back onto the roadway and continued eastbound. It was at that time that they noticed they had no braking ability on the motorhome. The motorhome continued gaining speed and according to witnesses James was swerving in and out of traffic as he was passing to avoid a collision with other traffic.
As the Starks neared the city limits of Buffalo the roadway opens up to two eastbound and two westbound lanes of travel. There were two eastbound vehicles in each of the two lanes of travel ahead of the Starks. James swerved to the left of a vehicle, occupied by Roger and Delores Sellen of Buffalo, which was in the inside eastbound lane. The right front of the motorhome clipped the left rear of the Sellen vehicle as the Starks passed it by going into the westbound lane. The runaway combination continued eastbound on US 16 reaching the ‘T’ intersection with Main Street in downtown Buffalo. Troopers estimate the speed at approximately 50 mph as the motorhome crashed into a building on the east side of the intersection. The motorhome came to rest inside the building.
The Buffalo Bulletin will have a full report on this story in the July 24 issue. Additional photos can be found at http://buffalobulletin.com/shared-content/gallery/?galleryid=12&gallery_page=0&album_page=0&albumid=10&mediaid=114
Witnesses at one of the busiest intersections in downtown Buffalo saw a 1997 Chevrolet RV crash through the front of the Rimrock Pipeline office around 4:45 p.m. on Thursday afternoon. The crash resulted in the death of at least one person the Wyoming Highway Patrol told the Buffalo Bulletin.
The driver of the RV, James D. Stark, 73, of Hot Springs Ark. was pronounced dead at the scene. He was wearing a seat belt. A second passenger, Saralee G. Stark, age 68 was transported to Johnson County Healthcare Center and later transferred to the Wyoming Medical Center in Casper. The extent of her injuries was not released.
According to the Wyoming Highway Patrol report the Starks were eastbound on US 16 in an approximately 35 foot motorhome that was pulling a Jeep utility vehicle behind it. While coming down Powder River Pass, which has a down grade of approximately 7%, the Starks noticed that their brakes on the motorhome were getting hot. James pulled the combination over and stopped to let the brakes cool down.
Powder River Pass does have a runaway truck ramp, however, it is unknown if the Starks pulled over prior to or after the runaway ramp. After waiting an unknown amount of time James pulled back onto the roadway and continued eastbound. It was at that time that they noticed they had no braking ability on the motorhome. The motorhome continued gaining speed and according to witnesses James was swerving in and out of traffic as he was passing to avoid a collision with other traffic.
As the Starks neared the city limits of Buffalo the roadway opens up to two eastbound and two westbound lanes of travel. There were two eastbound vehicles in each of the two lanes of travel ahead of the Starks. James swerved to the left of a vehicle, occupied by Roger and Delores Sellen of Buffalo, which was in the inside eastbound lane. The right front of the motorhome clipped the left rear of the Sellen vehicle as the Starks passed it by going into the westbound lane. The runaway combination continued eastbound on US 16 reaching the ‘T’ intersection with Main Street in downtown Buffalo. Troopers estimate the speed at approximately 50 mph as the motorhome crashed into a building on the east side of the intersection. The motorhome came to rest inside the building.
The Buffalo Bulletin will have a full report on this story in the July 24 issue. Additional photos can be found at http://buffalobulletin.com/shared-content/gallery/?galleryid=12&gallery_page=0&album_page=0&albumid=10&mediaid=114
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Reader Comments
The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of buffalobulletin.com.
Dude wrote on Jul 18, 2008 3:45 PM:
" It's easy to say what YOU would have done... You don't know if the man had a medical condition.. people react different when panicked... we don't know for sure that the police knew he was coming. Rumors are spread fast and not always true. I've heard so many versions about this accident. "
agree with sad wrote on Jul 18, 2008 3:46 PM:
" Yes! I agree that we should plan for this to happen in the future. Other, though perhaps steeper grades, have signs about downshifting. And we do need a plan for stopping runaway vehicles from reaching downtown. God was watching over Buffalo yesterday. Praise Him! "
RUMORS wrote on Jul 18, 2008 3:52 PM:
" Once again the small town of Buffalo is full of RUMORS. The police did not get any call in advance that their brakes were out. The first anyone knew was when the RV went ripping past a Buffalo officer near Fort Street and Carrington. At the speed he was going it was a little late to do anything but follow for 2 blocks and help at the scene. People need to stop listening to rumors and wait until the truth is broadcast to talk about stories such as this one. "
Just so sad... wrote on Jul 18, 2008 7:03 PM:
" this story just breaks my heart. To imagine their utter terror gives me pause several times during the day. It appears they tried so much to try and not injure several other people. This could have been soooooo much worse. I just can't stop thinking about it. "
Little moron wrote on Jul 18, 2008 8:45 PM:
" You bunch of Knuckle Heads, this poor guy lost his life and changed their family forever. Buffalo needs a runnoff point closer to town on the right hand side, Probably get federal funding. Golly Gee...I had to say which side so the Gomers in the Cafes would know where. "
Cheryl Hot Springs AR wrote on Jul 18, 2008 9:26 PM:
" Jim did not have a medical condition, it sounded like he did everything he could to avoid hurting anyone else. He is from Hot Springs, AR there is no flat land in the Ouachita Mountains. I feel he was a safe driver, traveled across country a lot and it is a miracle that no one else was killed. This is a freak accident and he was a wonderful man and will be dearly missed. Thank God Saralee survived. "
R. L wrote on Jul 19, 2008 12:19 AM:
" Jim and Sara Lee are my cousins and I knew them very well....The only thing that was going on in his head was to not hurt anybody else... That is why he gave his own life to spare others... Jim was a man that would give the shirt off his back to help anybody else. He will be very very missed. Also they were talking to family at the time this happened . All I can say this is a very dark time for our family as he was a great man... I just wish everybody would act like he did, The world would be a better place......My prayers go's out to his kids and grandkids that he was on his way to see in Hastings, Nebraska. "
R.L. wrote on Jul 19, 2008 12:21 AM:
" Cheryl, Thanks for the comment but Jim did have a heart condition if I remember right. I hope he went peacefully. "
Bill wrote on Jul 19, 2008 10:51 AM:
" When that mini mall was put there I thought to myself that is a poor place to put a building as trucks and other things have went off there before maybe not lately but in the 60 and early 70's. I am sorry it had to happen this way. But maybe this will open some " planning commission " eyes. "
AR firemedic wrote on Jul 19, 2008 12:19 PM:
" For the people that knew JIm, there is NO DOUBT that his FIRST interest was to try and prevent injury and damage to others in this situation. Jim was a former Vol. Firefighter and former Commander of the local Coast Guard Auxillary. Most of the latter part of his life was directed at saving lives and property. If there was ever a public emergency or crisis, you could bet JIm (and Saralee) would be there offering whatever assistance thay could. "
LLR wrote on Jul 19, 2008 12:50 PM:
" As a lifelong resident of Buffalo, I hope the community gives the family respect and sympathy they need now, and not jump to speculations. Mr. Stark is a hero in my eyes, doing what he could to avoid hitting other vehicles and giving his life to save others. His actions speak volumes as to the man he was. My deepest sympathies. "
insider wrote on Jul 19, 2008 5:23 PM:
" There was a 911 call as they came down the mountain informing dispatch there was an emergency concerninig no brakes on the R.V.! There was time for police/emergency personel to make some attempt to aid other than POORLY "restrict" traffic on Fort! Mr Stark was not even informed of a deadend "T" intersection ahead of him. Oh and why wasn't the building evacuated do to the danger??? To the person who states there was mo knowledge of the runaway... how then did they have time to set up police cars and, what they consider, "block off traffic" in, what did you say that was 3 blocks??? "
Brian wrote on Jul 19, 2008 5:29 PM:
" that situation was on the scanner LONG before carrington, and way before that rv came into town. I'm not a fan of lawyers and lawsuits, but it looks to me like at least the city is in for quite a responsibility check for its failure to do much of ANYTHING to minimize this sad happening! "
Heavy Hearted wrote on Jul 19, 2008 9:20 PM:
" Mr. Stark is a hero! Plain and simple. He with the help of God saved his wifes life as well as many others that could have been in the path of his runaway motorhome. I am so heavy hearted thinking that he paid the ultimate price to save so many others. My symathy to his family. Rest in peace Mr. Stark you are a hero! "
Amazed wrote on Jul 20, 2008 1:30 AM:
" Rumors you are absolutely right. I guess all the others will believe what they want to believe. It's a shame too because all there speculations of the horrible event are so wrong.
My heart felt sympathies go out to Mrs. Stark and your family. I agree with others that Mr. Stark is definitly a Hero. "
My heart felt sympathies go out to Mrs. Stark and your family. I agree with others that Mr. Stark is definitly a Hero. "
rebuttle wrote on Jul 20, 2008 7:38 AM:
" To "Insider":
You are clearly NOT an insider. Buffalo PD dispatch had recieved the first call LESS THAN 1 MINUTE before the RV struck the building. The fact that you think there was any kind of attempt to aid Mr Stark shows that you are just one of the immature people who love to spread blatent untruths.
To "Brian":
I'm not sure what you heard on your scanner, but it was impossible for any radio traffic regarding the situation to come from Buffalo PD. I know this because I've had the opportunity to listen to the calls that came in. The first ones came in just seconds before the crash.
To "Rumors": You've hit the nail on the head. People love to gossip and to spread lies for their own gratification, rather than take the time to learn the truth.
I'd like to send my condolences to Mrs Stark and their family. I consider James a hero. His skillfull driving and care for the lives of others probably saved countless lives. "
You are clearly NOT an insider. Buffalo PD dispatch had recieved the first call LESS THAN 1 MINUTE before the RV struck the building. The fact that you think there was any kind of attempt to aid Mr Stark shows that you are just one of the immature people who love to spread blatent untruths.
To "Brian":
I'm not sure what you heard on your scanner, but it was impossible for any radio traffic regarding the situation to come from Buffalo PD. I know this because I've had the opportunity to listen to the calls that came in. The first ones came in just seconds before the crash.
To "Rumors": You've hit the nail on the head. People love to gossip and to spread lies for their own gratification, rather than take the time to learn the truth.
I'd like to send my condolences to Mrs Stark and their family. I consider James a hero. His skillfull driving and care for the lives of others probably saved countless lives. "
k fahlsing wrote on Jul 20, 2008 3:06 PM:
" I think this a true tragedy.My heart and prayers go out to all the family.I belive that this man is a hero that he was able to avoid any other passing vehicles. I surely think this could happen again and that law enforcement need to put togther a plan in order to avoid this happing again. "
curious wrote on Jul 20, 2008 4:24 PM:
" so if no call came until just seconds before the crash then how does this paper, just right above this describe events leading up to it??? I bet he called at the last second and them huh ....." hey so I pulled over , cooled my brakes, got back on the road, lost 'em all, and now you might wanna move cause I'm here ok thanks bye. Bet that was a brief conversation. No disrespect to the Starks, but its pretty obvious emergency personnel knew of the problem before city limits "
dng wrote on Jul 20, 2008 5:53 PM:
" If we still had our lower truck runaway we might have 1 more life here, who decided to take it out?
As a local driver I have never used the ramp but it was nice to know it was there. "
As a local driver I have never used the ramp but it was nice to know it was there. "
responding to curious wrote on Jul 20, 2008 11:07 PM:
" Curious, I am guessing the state troopers have spoken with Saralee Stark regarding how the events unfolded. "
RICK wrote on Jul 21, 2008 12:32 AM:
" It looks like there is a lot of idiots out there! If you hear it at the local bar, it must be true! The police didn't know that there was a runaway motorhome until it passed a patrol car a couple blocks beforefore it crashed. When these liars tell you a lie, do you believe the next story they tell you? "
reason please wrote on Jul 21, 2008 3:50 AM:
" Just because we know something about what happened now doesn't mean anyone knew while this tragedy took place.
The newspaper can discover a lot of information after the fact (from the highway patrol, saralee who was in the vehicle, witnesses, etc).
Please show some respect for this great man who saved lives as well as those that tried to save his. "
The newspaper can discover a lot of information after the fact (from the highway patrol, saralee who was in the vehicle, witnesses, etc).
Please show some respect for this great man who saved lives as well as those that tried to save his. "
david from OHIO wrote on Jul 21, 2008 9:54 AM:
" In a REAL world, hero status is not so easily handed out. If the transmission shift lever was in low range-maybe. If the park brake was burned-maybe. If we were all going to a field off the highway to see an RV that choose that as opposed to continuing into to a town-sure. If we were going downtown to see an RV that turned on its side instead of continuing into town without brakes- definitely! "
Reader wrote on Jul 21, 2008 12:13 PM:
" Everyone seems to be forgetting that the Starks were on the phone with family as this horrible event was happening. Mrs. Stark and family member on the phone know the events prior to the horrible accident so why not just let the rumors rest and let the family greave for their recent loss. Right now is not the time to point fingers at anyone its simply time to greave for an honest hero!! "
another reader wrote on Jul 21, 2008 9:06 PM:
" no one knew about it so the highway patrol is out on the info thing, I seriously can't beleive Mrs Stark gave a full run down that evening ( I may be wrong there)so the paper found out a lot awful quick, I guess thats possible...... do those Rv's not down shift when selcting a lower range, cause the motor wasn't revving when it went by me, and clipped Roger. I agree with david, unless of course Mr stark was advised to come through town and make the corner. And who did vote to remove the lower runaway on the flat good idea huh?? The one on the right side coming down isn't the best thought out one either, that would take a lot of faith and precision alighnment to hit that one, you know that is very narrow and just drops off the cliff!! So who can guess what the cost/fine of using one is??? "
hmmm wrote on Jul 22, 2008 9:42 AM:
" do the police know anything about spike strips to blow the tires and help the slow down??? "
Buffalo Resident wrote on Jul 22, 2008 11:24 AM:
" As I have driven off the mountain numerous times since the accident, I can't help but think of all the places I would drive off the road if I found myself with no brakes. It's a little easier for me, being a Buffalo resident, who knows if Mr. Stark had ever been trough here before, I can just imagine him in terror, just hoping that something in the landscape would present itself to offer salvation. It certainly appeared as though he was a skilled driver and had the presence of mind to avoid hurting anyone else. It's difficult to know what our law enforcement may or may not have known and how much time they had to react. I believe it's a poor time to judge anyone involved, however, as the facts do come to light I think it's a wonderful idea to review what has happened here in an attempt to create plans of action that can help us avoid such tragedy in the future. To the family of Mr. Stark & Mrs. Stark, my thought and prayers are with you in this difficult time. "
JIMs Grandson wrote on Jul 22, 2008 12:49 PM:
" I am Jim Starks grandson from hastings nebraska and i appreciate all the sympathy of jim he was a very caring man. He would roll his vehicle in a ditch to save an animal that was crossing the road. He took animals in that were being neglected and would do anything time and money wise he could. He did everything he could in his power to save others given the example that he was a 70 west firefighter in hot springs arkansas. I thank all buffalo residents that have shown sympathy in this situation and you all deserve a big thank you from the family. He has always fought for his life for his family. He was a semi truck driver in his younger days drove from chicago to sumwhere in arizona alot and with him living in arkansas it is not a flat place to live with crossing the ozark mountains in northern arkansas on his trips up to nebraska and im sure he knew dang well what he was doin. Police reports say he swirved in and out of traffic in the center lanes avoiding rear ending and hittin oncomming cars and thanks to god all lights were green. GOD WAS WATCHING THIS EVENT!!! My grandpa which i called him papa did everything he could for me he always came to my baseball games in hastings that he could. He was a huge part in my graduation before he left on his trip back in may setting up my graduation party and such. He was a very good man and was always fun to be around....and that very underexplains how good of a dad, husband, grandfather, friend and a citizen of a community he was!!! Anybody that needs to know exactly what had happend so none of these rumors get more widely spread please email me at sportseclipse2k7@hotmail.com and i promise i will get back to you. Thank You!!! "
grandson wrote on Jul 22, 2008 1:12 PM:
" continuing on my last article..... my grandma is in stable condition at the casper medical center and doctors and neuro medical techinicians are working with her around the clock keeping a close eye on her to make sure nothing changes. and i just want to say to the unknown people that laid the flowers at the scene of the accident was very thoughtfull and i cannot say how much i can thank all of you for alll you have done in the buffalo area again. "
buffaloguy wrote on Jul 22, 2008 3:05 PM:
" Well BRIAN don't know what scanner you were listening to but this accident was NOT on the scanner LONG before Carrington. It literally happened seconds before calls came in.
And INSIDER your comments are so idiodic that they deserve no comment, but I'll comment anyway. If you truly were an insider you would know the truth and that everything you wrote is a complete lie.
And then there's HMMMM with yet another stupid comment this time concerning spike strips. They have to have time to lay out spike strips, and it has been stated clearly THERE WAS NO TIME.
Oh and who can forget CURIOUS? Do you believe everything you read in the paper? Wanna buy some oceanfront property in Arizona? Cause you sound that gullible.
Accidents and tragedies like this happen everyday. Uninformed and unintelligent
people who are quick to criticize and speculate only make matters worse.
But as Forrest Gump said "Stupid is as stupid does." "
And INSIDER your comments are so idiodic that they deserve no comment, but I'll comment anyway. If you truly were an insider you would know the truth and that everything you wrote is a complete lie.
And then there's HMMMM with yet another stupid comment this time concerning spike strips. They have to have time to lay out spike strips, and it has been stated clearly THERE WAS NO TIME.
Oh and who can forget CURIOUS? Do you believe everything you read in the paper? Wanna buy some oceanfront property in Arizona? Cause you sound that gullible.
Accidents and tragedies like this happen everyday. Uninformed and unintelligent
people who are quick to criticize and speculate only make matters worse.
But as Forrest Gump said "Stupid is as stupid does." "
good family wrote on Jul 22, 2008 9:39 PM:
" It's' obvious Mr. and Mrs. Stark have a wonderful extended family. We feel so very sorry for them in their loss. It's easy to see by the comments that Jim Stark was a special kind of guy. Let's hope the loss of this life will not go withiout notice in regard to finding ways to help the next person who is at the wheel of an out-of-control vehicle coming toward this city. "
unknown wrote on Jul 22, 2008 10:51 PM:
" To everyone who thinks there was somthing more that the law enforcement or emergency personel could do I would like them to change places with one of then for one day and see what all they have to go through. I understand that Mr. Stark could have ran to RV off the road elsewhere but what if he did not know that area. I am very displeased about the whole thing but to me and my family he was and always will be a HERO because it could have been alot worse but thanks to him no one else died! I would also like to say that spike strips would have only made the accident worse than what it was. I just hope that Mrs. Stark is ok and will be able to go to her family very soon. To everyone else I BELIEVE THAT THE EMERGENCY SERVICES IN BUFFALO ARE WONDERFUL IN EVERYTHING THAT THEY DO AND I WOULD WANT THEM THERE FOR ME AND MY FAMILY!!!!!! I AM VERY SORRY FOR THE STARK FOAMILY LOSS AND HOPE THEY CAN FIND PEACE LIKE MY FAMILY AND I HAVE!!!!!! "
Shawn wrote on Jul 23, 2008 12:43 PM:
" To Jim's Grandson
Thank you for telling us about your "Papa". He sounds like a great man. My thoughts are with you and your family and of course "Grandma". I hope she makes a speedy recovery and can return very soon to her family. Please ignore the foolish comments you may read here. They are unworthy of recognition. "
Thank you for telling us about your "Papa". He sounds like a great man. My thoughts are with you and your family and of course "Grandma". I hope she makes a speedy recovery and can return very soon to her family. Please ignore the foolish comments you may read here. They are unworthy of recognition. "
a buffalo native wrote on Jul 23, 2008 12:53 PM:
" Hey, I have an idea! Lets all jump to crazy conclusions and criticize, point fingers of blame, speculate, lie, puff out our chests and say how we could have done better, make stuff up, completely ignore the facts and the truth, say hateful harmful things about a subject we know nothing about, oh........wait, I see thats what many of you have already done. Well never mind then. "
jim starks daughter wrote on Jul 24, 2008 12:36 AM:
" I would like to say, "Thank you to the Buffalo rescue staff who helped my parents in this tragic accident. Thank you to Mr R's service and the kindness and sympathy they showen. ALSO THANK YOU TO TROOPER BRUIN & TROOPER BROAD FOR HIS KINDNESS AND SYMPATHY." God has retrived a person that was a special hero and a guiding light to alot of people. Daddy I love you and will miss you dearly. "
now where... wrote on Jul 24, 2008 7:28 AM:
" ...are all the comments from the people that "know" everything? We now know there was no prior call, he didn't lose his brakes on the mountain, he did do everything he could to avoid running into others....
You all know so much and are so quick to give your 2 cents, but when a complete report comes out - everyone is silent.
All ya'll who thought they knew best and critizied a dead man owe a big apology to the stark family. "
You all know so much and are so quick to give your 2 cents, but when a complete report comes out - everyone is silent.
All ya'll who thought they knew best and critizied a dead man owe a big apology to the stark family. "
weighing in wrote on Jul 24, 2008 1:17 PM:
" Thank you to all those many first responders who were involved in any way in this tragedy. Your pride and professionalism easily stands above some of the "off the wall" comments.
You did your jobs, you did them quietly, you did them well, and we are all grateful that you will be avalable when the next need arises.
I abhor the viciousness that some of the comments reflect. The Starks were doing what they thought they could best do under the circumstances, and we need to stop the second guessing. If anyone feels the need to disect the situation, do it with the idea of preparing oneself for what to do if you are ever faced with similar circumstances. Of course some will conclude they would do things differently, and that's okay because they will have had hours to think about something that the Starks had only seconds and minutes to contemplate.
In the meantime, quit trying to crucify innocent folks, and extend some prayers and sympathy to those in need. "
You did your jobs, you did them quietly, you did them well, and we are all grateful that you will be avalable when the next need arises.
I abhor the viciousness that some of the comments reflect. The Starks were doing what they thought they could best do under the circumstances, and we need to stop the second guessing. If anyone feels the need to disect the situation, do it with the idea of preparing oneself for what to do if you are ever faced with similar circumstances. Of course some will conclude they would do things differently, and that's okay because they will have had hours to think about something that the Starks had only seconds and minutes to contemplate.
In the meantime, quit trying to crucify innocent folks, and extend some prayers and sympathy to those in need. "
hmmmm wrote on Jul 24, 2008 6:17 PM:
" well buffaloguy, can only comment on things that are said at the time, until the true "facts" come out into the open...yet again true light shed upon the rumorville that has always been known as Buffalo....i take it you are a new resident to the area, sorry if i hurt your feelings but just reacting to how things go in Buffalo, don't take it so personal pal, you'll learn how to fit into Buffalo's ways and thoughts soon enough......
just going off what I heard until I read this over and got the true facts.....really too bad that someone lost their life in this tragic matter, thoughts and prayers out to the others hurt and the family members of this horrible situation.... "
just going off what I heard until I read this over and got the true facts.....really too bad that someone lost their life in this tragic matter, thoughts and prayers out to the others hurt and the family members of this horrible situation.... "
New here wrote on Jul 24, 2008 6:26 PM:
" I agree with weighing in; it is not our place to judge anyone, no one knows exactly what happened, but the Starks.
I am saddened by this and I can only thank God that no one else got hurt. My heartfelt sympathy and prayers go out to the family. "
I am saddened by this and I can only thank God that no one else got hurt. My heartfelt sympathy and prayers go out to the family. "
oregon wrote on Jul 28, 2008 10:09 AM:
" To all that didn't know Jim you missed out. I got to meet Jim when I was just a little boy. He and my father are very good friends. When I graduated from High School this man made a trip from Arkansas to Oregon to be part of that celebration with me and my family. I know that everyone that Jim met loved him and Saralee as well. As part of this trip he came to Oregon. ON this visit he got to meet my 3 sons for the first time. He immediately won them over.
I recieved a call from my father about the accident and my heart sunk. But immediately Jim's spirit came over me and I was thankful for having gotten to see him just a week before.
Jim I love, admire and respect you. Thank you for touching my life in such a positive way. "
I recieved a call from my father about the accident and my heart sunk. But immediately Jim's spirit came over me and I was thankful for having gotten to see him just a week before.
Jim I love, admire and respect you. Thank you for touching my life in such a positive way. "
Oregon Dad wrote on Jul 28, 2008 6:42 PM:
" I meet Jim in Arizona. Jim was a very good friend. When my son was doing training in Arkansas so he could become a policeman for our local V A hospital, Jim and Saralee made a point to drive from Hot Spring to Little Rock to see him. They did not only go see him they invited him to come to there house for the weekend. I know that Jim and Saralee made this trip to see alot of relatives on the west coast. They drove from Arkansas to southern California and up threw Oregon, and Washington seeing people. I was honored to see him for three days. My new wife meet the starks for the first time while they were here. After her first meeting with them she was very happy to have meet them and was looking forward to see them again. Our hearts are filled with sorrow with the loss of Jim. My heart will always have a hole in it from this loss. Even throu I know he is in a better place I will miss this special person till I go to meet him again. God bless you Jim for the time we had together in the past and the resent visit. I will always have special memories of you. Prayer go out for Jim and Saralee and both of their families. Also god bless all of the good people in Buffalo that had good things to say. "
JIMs Grandson wrote on Jul 29, 2008 10:57 PM:
" Ok people yall need to cut the crap with the rumors and if u need to absolutly kno anything you need to contact me ok? sound like a deal? and maybe you people can get stories strait because its people like you that make this world in the crappy shape its in you all hear me? Now i should expect some emails from some of these names that are sayin stupid stuff and you know who you all are!!!!! "
sad wrote on Jul 18, 2008 12:13 PM: