Impulsive, funny, kind, deep thinker, and warm
Jimmy loved life. His personality filled up a room with light and energy. He was extremely social, willing to listen, empathize, and help out in any way he could. He loved music and lyrics, sports, animals, family, and making people laugh. Jimmy was also a kind, kind man, one who felt what you were going through and who was much more than his disease.
As a child, Jimmy was always active, whether it was playing sports, riding his bike, or cliff jumping with his brothers, Gary, and Ronny. The youngest, Jimmy always tried to keep up with his brothers, even learning to ride a two-wheel bike at the age of two. The close-knit family spent vacations in New Hampshire and all the holidays together.
After high school, Jimmy enlisted in the U.S. Army and was assigned to the First Calvary. Following his service, he became a proud member and tradesperson with Iron Workers Local 7, where he worked until his passing.
Jimmy’s love for his family was unconditional and deep. He and his long-term and very supportive partner, Tanya, were raising their three children together, James Jr., Nolan and JMac. Throwing the football, baseball and playing basketball with his sons filled Jimmy’s heart, and it was his greatest desire to purchase a home, be together with his family and continue to be the great dad he was.
Jimmy’s mother, Jane, who is a hairdresser, said that Jimmy would call every two to three weeks to ask if she was working so he could get a haircut. “I miss cutting his hair. He made me a better stylist,” Jane stated. Shortly before he passed, Jimmy and his mom went to a spinning class. She said, “We were so happy, healthy, and living in the moment. I have a video of us that I will cherish forever.”
Jimmy’s addiction took so much from the family. “The worries and fears were too much some days,” Jane said. He overdosed many times, which caused short-term memory loss. “He was full of shame and it affected his self-esteem,” his mom said. The two were very close and not being able to make it better was painful. Jimmy and everyone in the family fought hard for Jimmy’s sobriety. He didn’t want to be addicted to drugs.
“Now that he is gone, I will never be the same,” Jane said. “My heart physically aches for my son. He should still be here.”
James’ mother, Jane Twombly, provided the information for this narrative. December 15, 1986-May 7, 2022-Age 35
Portrait Artist: Shawn Faust
Narrative Writer: Barbara Francois
