It took me a while to really grasp the concept that Jim is no longer with us. I finally worked up the courage to post my condolence. I really was and am at a loss for words. I loved Jim like a brother and a friend and feel like I have lost a family member. Even though we did not always see eye to eye by the end of the day we made amends with a good piece of chocolate and a good conversation. Jim had many sides to him that most people did not get to see. My husband and I were lucky enough to have seen most of them. We all spent time together doing special things that Jim always made interesting. He always made sure I enjoyed myself and made me laugh. I have always kidded Jim and told him that because of him I was no longer a cheap date. He got me to try foods I would have never even thought about. He always had the taste for the finer liquors and wines, which thanks to him I have acquired a taste for. I learned a lot from Jim over the years at work. He took the time to show me how to do things the right way and not to take shortcuts. He loved his job and the people he worked with. He thought the world of the Smith’s and I really admired his knowledge and dedication to his job. It’s really hard to say bye to someone that I have spent the past 20 years saying good morning to and working with every day. I can’t really even begin to express in words how I feel at this time. He was truly a caring and compassion person. He loved the finer things in life and liked to share those with his friends. My husband and I will truly miss our good friend and will always treasure our memories of the time we spent with Jim. I am not going to say goodbye to Jim but wish him well on his new journey he has ahead of him. Jane DeBruhl
Jane DeBruhl 7 July, 2008
Growing up in North Carolina in the golf course irrigation industry, I had the fortune of meeting and working with Jim on many occasions. These were the times of the early OSMAC and computer central age. I always looked forward to the end of a job when Jim would come and perform his magic making a three month project come to life. I always admired him for his knowledge and his work ethic. I moved to Richmond nine years ago and lost touch with the Charlotte gang that I had come to know and depend on for so many years. When Smith Turf moved to Richmond, it almost felt like a homecoming to me. I have made some great friends in Richmond, but I particularly enjoyed the times of coming in and seeing an old friendly familiar face in Jim Long. No matter how busy we were at the time, he would always take a few moments to greet me as old friends do. I truly will miss that ever so friendly and familiar face. Jim possessed many wonderful qualities in which most of us would may never experience in our lifetime. I never saw him without a smile, a kind word, and always had a genuine concern for others. There have been many heart felt messages coming from grieving friends and coworkers which to me is a testament of what a truly wonderful person he was. Jim was a gem.
Eddie Thompson 3 July, 2008
It is difficult to fathom that we have lost Jim. His love of life, love of his friends, and love of STI, and the return of that love are the testaments of a life fully lived. He welcomed me four years ago when I joined Smith Turf, and I could see that he was in his element here. He was always smiling, always positive. I see his imprint everywhere here. It is marked upon everyone and everything he touched, which means he really is still with us. We are all richer for having known Jim, as we are all diminished by his passing. We miss you already, Jim.
Rick Miller 1 July, 2008
We are lucky enough to meet a few very special people during the course of our lives who's infectous joy for the pleasures of life, wether good food, unreliable British sports cars, or most importantly personal relationships make us better for having known them. You are most certainly one of them. From the first time we met shortly after joining Smith Turf Sandra and I have treasured the time spent sharing the many great resturants of Richmond. Today we begin a new tradition of toasting you at Kuba-Kuba, The Hill Cafe or even Mama-Zu's despite their inability to make a rusty nail (heavy on the Drambuie !). Although we cannot yet wrap our minds around the idea you are gone, you have by your nature and impact left us a special gift. People like you never leave because you have become woven in the collective experiences that define the difference between existing and living. You will be with us every time we laugh, maybe drink too much, and most importantly just plain enjoy life. Congratulation on a life truely lived, we love and will miss you. Ted and Sandra
Ted & Sandra Kienast 30 June, 2008
Mr. JimL was a very patient and forgiving man. His faith and persistance were second to no one. I'm grateful for the time I did have with him. He was a very very special man!!!! We miss you MR. Jim, keep watching over us..
Bill Leonard 28 June, 2008
I met Jim through business. He was a golf salesman at STI and I was a golf salesman at Toro. I was fortunate enough to spend several years working closely with Jim through our mutual business relationship. But with Jim, as everyone knows, it became a personal relationship. What a great guy. Jim taught me a lot. He found out I had a passion for NC barbeque and always made a point of introducing me to a new BBQ spot. I'll miss Jim, his wonderful smile that lit up his whole face and his freindship.
David Hepburn 27 June, 2008
From 2004 to 2007 it was my pleasure to work with Jim. To say the least the news of his passing came as a shock. He will be sorely missed.
Mason Morton 27 June, 2008
I was in total shock and deeply saddened when we got the phone call in Richmond Sunday afternoon about Jim’s passing. We had just had the pleasure of Jim’s company the week prior and looking back, I guess that was a little gift that the good lord gave us. We had a chance to chat, talk sports, cars and have some laughs. I remember all the good times we had at Jim’s condo before all the Panthers games, Jim always a gracious host and just an extremely caring and true person. I feel privileged that I got to be one of Jim’s co-workers and friends for the last four plus years, and just wish it could have been longer. He was taking from us to soon, but the Lord must have some special projects for Jim. To his family and friends I send my deepest condolences.
Vincent Ianne Jr. 27 June, 2008
During our lives we cross paths with so many people we can keep count. When you cross one that sticks, you know it and you never forget it. Jim Long was one that stuck with me. We met 20 years ago when I first started working for Toro and Jim for STI. We hit it off and worked closely for several years. Jim educated me on computers and when I was ever stumped on something, I knew I could call him and he would know. He was always great educator, mentor and best of all a great friend. I will truly miss him forever.
Jim Laiche 27 June, 2008
Jim Long was a kind genuine person. Jim’s hospitality was second to none. I will always remember the conversations with Jim about STI, computers and his beloved Carolina Panthers, all in which he loved very dearly. He was always approachable and made everyone around him feel welcomed. He will be greatly missed.
Robert Spangler 27 June, 2008
I only knew Jim for about 9 months or so, but whenever I have run across Jim, he was always in a good mood. He was a great person and I enjoyed talking Panther football at a couple Panther pregame parties at his place. God bless you Jim. You will most definitely be missed.
Justin Griffith 26 June, 2008
Words cannot express my sorrow and disbelief in the passing of JimL. It is very hard to lose someone so suddenly and I know personally as the weeks go by I will miss him more. Jim and I had many conversations that helped me through a very difficult time in my life and I will always treasure him for supporting me in my decision when most did not. Jim was a true friend. We all know how much he loved STI and his STI family. I can only hope he realized how much he meant to us. He was a wonderful man who will be missed. My sympathies to his family and all who loved him.
Cathy Eury 26 June, 2008
I had the pleasure of working with Jim at STI from 1992 to 1999 and although I havent seen him in as many years his loss deeply saddens me. I guess thats a testament to Jims good nature. You will be missed Jim. RIP my friend.
David Paris 26 June, 2008
Jim and I have had a mutually supportive relationship for many years. I will miss Jim in ways that I have not yet discovered. He was a uniquely loving and caring guy who was solid and trustworthy. I once told Jim that he had a work ethic to die for. I had no idea how prescient that comment would be. Jim LOVED his work and the family of people he worked with. his co-workers, manufacturer aquaintances, and customers were all held in the highest regard and Jim would do ANYTHING to help ANY of them if asked. Jim's personality was magnetic in his openess to converse and his kindness was evident in his easy smile and attitude. ALl I can hope is that the bars in Heaven have lots of single malt scotch and extra Drambuie for mixing his perfect Rusty Nail. Jim struggled with health issues over the past bunch of years and had made changes to his lifestyle to work a little less and play a little more. This plan was cut far too short, but I'm happy that he had some time to go on some wonderful trips and enjoy life right up until the very end. He was SO very special!!
Chris Keating 26 June, 2008
Ah, so many memories..... JimL (as most of his STI family affectionately called him) was truly one-of-a-kind. We are mourning the loss of a leader and a friend. JimL's integrity is one of the main things that stands out when you think about him. If he said he would do something, it would get done. When he gave you his word on something, you knew he would always follow through. I've learned more from him in the past 9 years than I could ever have hoped for. He encouraged and challenged me to learn more, and as he learned more, he would share that knowledge. He was such a great host, entertaining at "The Loft" or "The Pink Building" (which he insisted the color was NOT pink, but more of a desert rose color). There was always a crowd before Panthers home games, and always plenty of food and beveredges to enjoy. I've always admired his passions for his family, work, and life in general. To his family, I offer my deepest sympathies. He will be truly missed by all.
Glen Williams 26 June, 2008
Back in early August of 2000, I met Jim for the first time at STI-Charlotte. We were both from a golf course superintendent background. He welcomed me with the most humble means and helped me succeed. I owe him alot. As said so many times in biblical terms, "The meek shall inherit the earth" I pray for Jim and appreciate the "Jesus' love" in his assistance of all those in need. May God find rest for his soul. He deserves it! God has blessed those who Jim touched... Please continue his assitance to those in need as an honor to him.
John Crain 25 June, 2008
On June 22nd, Smith Turf & Irrigation, our customers and friends lost one of the truly wonderful people ever to grace our industry when Jim Long died of an apparent heart attack. He was two weeks shy of his 56th birthday. To say that we will all miss him does not do justice to his memory. It is often said that you don’t know how much someone means to you until they’re gone but with respect to Jim, we all knew exactly how much he meant to us, both personally and professionally. However, no one was prepared for the suddenness of his loss or the realization of going on without him. He was simply one of those people that quietly become an integral part of what you do and expect to be there each and every day, someone that you can absolutely count on no matter the hour, the time required or the enormity of the situation. And he did it all with a reassuring smile and calmness and an unassuming selflessness. Jim’s world revolved around STI, our people and our customers and he would quickly tell you how much he enjoyed living in that world. We were the fortunate ones. It is impossible to say how many had the pleasure of knowing him and working with him but it is safe to say that he left each of us with the feeling that he genuinely cared. That is what I will miss most about Jim Long. And though he would be terribly embarrassed by the outpouring of love, affection and respect that have followed his untimely death, no one is more deserving than Jim. “How lucky I am to have known someone so hard to say goodbye to.”
Steve Smith 25 June, 2008
JIM WAS THE ONE THAT GOT ME INTO STI BACK WHEN HE WAS SELLING. AS TIME WENT ON WE WORKED TOGETHER SETTING UP COMPUTERS(PUTERS) FOR SUPERS ON GOLF COURSES. I LOVED WORKING WITH HIM AND LEARNED ALOT FROM HIM. ALWAYS LOOKED FORWARD TO GOING TO DINER W/ JIM. IT WAS ALWAYS AN EXPERIENCE. JIM WAS A VERY SPECIAL GUY AND I WILL MISS HIM VERY MUCH. I KNOW WHEN MY TIME COMES I WILL GET A RIDE IN JIM'S YACHT AND CHERRY TRIUMPH. REST IN PEACE MR. LONG
DENNIS J LUBERT 25 June, 2008
It is hard to sum it up into just a few words. Jim and I had become more than just co-workers, he was my friend. We shared many an afternoon conversations together. We also traveled together on company trips to Richmond and other places. During those trips, Jim enjoyed trying knew restaurants & cuisines. We could always count on him to find some of the most unique places for lunch or dinner and we were never disappointed. He enjoyed life to the fullest. Jim never held back. You always knew where you stood with him. I have gone to Jim for advice on many occasions and he always helped me to look at the BIG picture. I keep expecting to see him walk down that hallway in front of my office with a smile on his face and his coffee cup in his hand. I will miss him. May God be with his family and friends.
Tonya Wood 25 June, 2008
Jim was one of the most pleasant and mild mannered people I have ever met. It was indeed a shock to learn of his passing. God must have had a vacant seat at His table for another angel. My prayers go out to his family and all who are hurting at this time.
Jerry Mims 25 June, 2008
Our "Jimel" (jiml"), what a guy. A wonderful man, full of enthusiasm and encouragement no matter the situation. A great big smile and a laugh I will always remember whether it be at himself or something else. A man who earned our respect by giving each of us his respect. A heart of gold and a real passion for life and all it has to offer those who would grab on for the awesome ride. To his family whom he talked about with great love I send my thoughts and prayers with just this assurance. Time will lessen the hurt and strengthen each and every memory. We loved him too and time will heal our pain. I thank my Lord Jesus for giving me the opportunity to know His special child, Jim.
Mary Lynn Berry 25 June, 2008
I am so sorry to hear of the passing a long time friend. I have known Jim for about 20 years and will miss him. My prayers and thoughts are with his friends and family members. God Bless
Robin Snodgrass 25 June, 2008
I am saddened and shocked by the passing of Jim Long. A real great , kind, and extremely dedicated man. I will truly miss Jim as a professional and friend. I am so sorry for his family members and those of us from STI that were treated as family.My thoughts and prayers are with all that knew him. God Bless Jim Long...
Bill Blackburn 25 June, 2008
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