12/25/2024
With Jim passing recently after an arduous hospital stay and temporary yet strenuous rehab, many of us are on a continued witness of GOD’s plan for him all along. We have seen His gracious hand in the unfolding events these past months, in an unmistakable way. These last few months were filled with a gamut of emotions, for sure. He was in a very compromised condition, and for us, because we knew he was going to the arms of his deeply loved Heavenly Father, his death was surely a blessing.
His battle with the extreme health failings of A-Fib, Pneumonia, Kidney failure, Gallbladder failure, Systemic blood infection, and erratic blood pressure, my ‘Honey’ breathed his last on December 15 at 7:44 a.m. Just days earlier, he was eating normally and maintaining status quo toward recovery. His last ride down the hospital hallway toward open heart surgery was filled with laughter and sarcasm. So much mercy shed upon him not lingering here on earth when it was apparent his time was over.
Jim inspired many lives and family generations. Though I am comforted by the belief his death will separate us only temporarily, it is still hard to say ‘See you on the other side’ to one who has your heart in a way few others do. Jim was, without any doubt, the second most important man in my life.
Jim shared multiple common interests in so many areas the least of which his love of the outdoors—including becoming an Eagle Scout - his many sport skills like being a ‘rebounder' basketball player, to hiking, water skiing, small game hunting, collecting guns, fishing—to our love for both the ‘work line’ and ‘show line’ German Shepherd dogs, training, and watching as families grew in the knowledge of what their relationships could be with their furbabies. Our prayers always included the desire to be blessed with stewardship of the events GOD was about to place in our path.
His character proved his core values. He could be trusted because his walk matched his talk. I loved him with all my heart and miss him horribly. We were each other’s ‘one that got away’ and yet one who never left. 40+ years in each other’s hearts. To me he is everywhere, and he is nowhere. Sound familiar? I struggle with looking for him to come through that doorway – or call out ‘Sweetheart’ from the other room. He was such a gift! He was an inspirational ‘Mans Man.’ He was ‘my Cowboy.’
The best he gave me was his love for Christ, his love for both our Moms, and wanting to hurt no man. His love for Christ was real. It formed all his lifestyle choices and priorities. He was authentic in following Christ. We constantly prayed. We searched our hearts. We believed that God was who He said He was. We confessed and we forgave. And we forged ahead. Memory of his life will continue to influence how I continue to live mine.
Jim’s life took him all over the United States; Rhode Island, Connecticut, Colorado, Oklahoma, and finally Florida. His life work also included business in Georgia and Texas. His business acumen included owning a Free Weight Gym, Construction Crew management, creating an awareness and complete construction of the Mustang OK Animal Control Shelter, charity work with two Florida ‘no kill’ shelters, and owner of the training, handling, and breeding of 5-generations European World Class German Shepherds you may know him from; International Canine Narcotics Detection Foundation [ICNDF]. The accolades from so many government agencies are too many to mention; over thirty law enforcement agencies both local, regional, and national. Many of which plastered the walls of his office here in St. Augustine, FL.
Jim graduated from Wheeler High School in North Stonington CT, Colorado State University Bachelor of Science, and several accredited ‘Train the Trainer’ Certifications know in the K-9 Service Industry.
Jim is survived by the ‘Love of his life’ Nancy Nelson, his Mother Jacqueline, ‘Son-in-law’ Jimmy Reiling [Emily and Samantha], Sister Lisa, younger brother George [Robin], and older brother Pete.
Predeceasing him in death is his father George A. Kunz.
He was my heart, and the love of my life. He is home.
