Last week we lost one of our own. Jimmie Kays of Vidor Texas and Marsh Waterproofing left us suddenly, and much too early.  A big guy with a heart as big as the state of Texas he hails from.

I received word on Saturday night and it just didn’t seem possible.  Tuesday found me face to face with reality; having flown to Texas to be with our friends there.  We gathered at the small Baptist church in Vidor where Jimmie grew up and I listened to his closest friends and family tell stories about how he had touched them.   He was known for his great sense of humor, his habit of greeting everyone with a smile, and his willingness to sacrifice anything to help others.  We need more like him and I wish I had the chance to get to know him a little better.

The rain was pouring down on Wednesday morning, but that did not deter a standing room only crowd from gathering to honor Jimmie, pay their respects, and be there to support his loved ones.  The mile long procession of cars to his graveside, in such a small town, was a testament to how much he was loved and how badly he will be missed.  With his Dallas Cowboys hat and jersey on, and a Harley Davidson logo on his casket, Jimmie took his last ride, where he will now join a lot of other great Texans.

Sometimes reality slaps us in the face and reminds us that there are bigger things than making that next appointment, getting a project, or making a sale.  If you knew Jimmie, his family, or the folks at Marsh, keep them in your thoughts as they come to grips with this.  If you didn’t know him, make a point to appreciate everyone around you, and offer a smile or a friendly word…that’s what Jimmie would do.