Kraken Kronicles

A couple of weeks ago, Uncle Jimmy passed away after a very short battle with advanced bladder cancer. He was loved and will be missed by many. We (Michele and I and the kids) went down to Des Moines for his funeral. It was a very touching affair and brought back many thoughts about going through the same thing with Mom (Uncle Jimmy's older sister) almost 11 years ago. Spending time with most of the Crowley family was very nice although bittersweet under these circumstances. The kids had fun playing with all their many cousins. I've thought of Aunt Judy and her family many times since the funeral.

He was an Army Veteran and a retired Captain from the Des Moines Firefighters. He has three children and five grandchildren. He and Aunt Judy were married 40 years!!! The funeral procession made a detour past his firehouse and all the trucks were out with lights on and the crew gave a salute as the hearse went by. The Firefighter Honor Guard was at the cemetary. It was a very emotional ceremony.

Uncle Jimmy was quite a character, and always was quick to make a funny remark or observation. Just this past June, as we were getting ready to leave the family reunion and I was trying to corall the kids into the bus, he called to them and said "Let's make like a baby, and head out!" The humor was lost on them and they stared at him (but laughed anyway as kids do), but I just about peed my pants!

Then there was the time Uncle Jimmy and the Kraken played pass-out, as we kids raced to see who could get the next beer fastest!

He was a very special man, and I am sure he is sharing laughs with Mary Schmidt and Jim and Rose Crowley as we fumble through our days. We miss you all!

# posted by Obernai : 10:21 PM