Meatball Bill	Jim Harrell Jul 25^th, 2008, 6:20pm Jim Harrell passed away early Thursday morning, July 24th. Please register (input your email), then click on "reply" and share your thoughts and memories... NOTE: There are multiple pages to this forum so be sure to click the page numbers at the lower left to see all the messages.
	« Last Edit: Aug 7^th, 2008, 2:35pm by Meatball Bill »   Bill
Bill	Re: Jim Harrell Reply #1 - Jul 25^th, 2008, 8:48pm From Jim's cousin Brad via my hotmail account: I’m going to miss my cousin. I recall a summer in the 70’s when we went to the park every weekend. I always think of Jim, Ron and Sue whenever I hear “Saturday in the park”. Rest in peace Jim. I’m glad I got to see him at Lanes BBQ last year. It was good.

terryschmidt

Re: Jim Harrell Reply #2 - Jul 26^th, 2008, 4:07am We have lost a friend / music mogul / and more importantly "the best man". I was very lucky to have had the privilege of ever knowing Jim "you all feel the same". Jim was absolutely the best person that I have ever known.  Jim never spoke ill of any one "he always felt that 'if you did not have anything good to say, you should not say anything at all".   Jim and I worked together for 30 years and I will have to tell you that "this world will never be the same with out him".  Jim spread happiness where ever he went.   If Jim was here today, he would say "why does a man have to miss the best party of his life after he has passed away"?  Jim was always up for the party and he was always trying to make people smile.   Jim was my very best friend and this world will never be the same with out him.   "Jim will always be with me." I hope that all of you were given some of same gifts that I was lucky enough to be given from Jim (Kindness, love, generosity, music, the force, and all things that are good).   I will have to add something at a later time due to I must do what Jim would have wanted me to be doing, he is here with me now and always will be.

Meatball Bill

Re: Jim Harrell Reply #3 - Jul 26^th, 2008, 9:04pm Nothing but good memories of Whidbey Island and staying at your place Terry

Ron Harrell

Re: Jim Harrell Reply #4 - Jul 27^th, 2008, 4:38am I'll share more in the coming days--kind of tired, exhausted really.  Special thanks to Bill and Ed and to all of Jim's neighbors for their support in a very difficult time.  I know that this is as much a loss for all of you as it is for the family.  Sometimes I think it's just so hard.  People--everyone--sometimes feel completely alone, even when surrounded by a sea of humanity.  I don't guess any of us will ever really be able to answer the question "Why?" Thanks, Bill, for doing this forum.

Ron Harrell

Re: Jim Harrell Reply #5 - Jul 27^th, 2008, 5:38pm Hi, again. One thing I worry about is that, in situations like this, people find reasons to blame themselves or to place blame on others.  Please try to avoid that.  We all have reasons to speculate, but in the end, it's just speculation.  Jim took his reasons and his secrets with him. As most all of you know, and like many of us, the Grateful Dead, both as a band and an experience, was interwoven with Jim's life on what I can only describe as a molecular level.  With that in mind, when you remember Jim, I suggest spending some time with the entire Grateful Dead catalog.  But first, play "Ripple."  Maybe over and over. When you get to the place where you're okay with it, play, "He's Gone." Like all of us, Jim was a product of the collective experiences of his life.  All of you were a part of that, and I thank you for that. Ron

Meatball Bill	Re: Jim Harrell Reply #6 - Jul 27^th, 2008, 6:40pm This is a tragedy and my heart is broken. It's so hard to put anything into words that I haven't even tried yet, but I'm going to follow Terry and Ron's lead and do it a little at a time. Jim was one of a kind. As far as his drumming goes, he was the most precise musician I ever played with. I always felt like he was able to tap into existing rhythms, like grabbing onto a passing train. He was a fine musician and a generous and gentle man. I have warm memories of the conversations and comfortable silences we shared. Somehow I think I felt closest to him in those silences. Thank you Ron for sharing your thoughts, they were a comfort to me. I've been going through the blame game and it isn't healthy, so I'll stop. I have only good memories of Jim and I will keep those memories close to my heart. Life goes on. I plan to go through our recordings and isolate the drum parts so that future songs can be built upon his rhythms - it'll be Jim's drum bank.
	Bill
Lee Clemetson	Re: Jim Harrell Reply #7 - Jul 28^th, 2008, 12:23am I only knew Jim for a bit over 5 years.  He always treated me well, even if I was the new guy in the band.   My most fond memories of Jim are while we are playing.  We would be in the groove, in the zone, every beat, every note just feeling right.  I look over at Jim, and he has the look of contentment and satisfaction I would never see anywhere else.   Rest well Jim, Lee

neice

Re: Jim Harrell Reply #8 - Jul 28^th, 2008, 3:47am uncle jim was the only thing i looked up to in my life i can remember when i was about 16 my mom and dad sent me to his house with aunt cathy and i had too stay with them for about 2.5 weeks but it was the best time in my life i got to go on a bike ride with uncle jim and it was a bike ride that took us all day  it was the greatest time in my life we did have alot of strange looks and him and i  we would just laugh about it. i also remember sitting in his studio and all day all we did was listen to music  and he would make copies of jerry garcia for me . then as i got older when i had my own family and house we invited him down several times and we would bbq my kids thought he was great except my 1.5 yr old she wasn't quite sure what to think. it was a great time in my life i'm going to miss him soooo much not sure how i'm going to get over it if i ever will jim's neice kilee

Ron Harrell

Re: Jim Harrell Reply #9 - Jul 28^th, 2008, 4:09am It's good to hear your story, Kilee, stay in touch. Ron

neice	Re: Jim Harrell Reply #10 - Jul 28^th, 2008, 4:22am thanks uncle ron i've missed getting to know you i'm going to miss uncle so much i can't believe this happened. i think he was a great guy  and he always made every one smile love ya kilee
neice	Re: Jim Harrell Reply #11 - Jul 28^th, 2008, 4:53am THE MAN WHO MADE EVERYONE LAUGH AND SMILE  AND MADE EVERYONE FEEL GOOD ABOUT LIFE!!

Mary

Re: Jim Harrell Reply #12 - Jul 29^th, 2008, 12:02am Love to Jim forever and always.

Norine Kimball

Re: Jim Harrell Reply #13 - Jul 29^th, 2008, 1:29am They say that a man is measured by the company he keeps, and Jim was in the best of company. Jim was loved dearly by his lifelong friends, Bill, Eddie,Greg, John, Rick, Pat, Rolf and I'm sure many more that I have not yet had the pleasure to meet. These men are kind, sweet, compassionate, and loving. They have lost not only a great friend but a brother. Jim will hold a place in many, many hearts and will be dearly missed. Thank you Jim, not only for setting up my drums, but for being such a good friend to Bill. Our time with you was too short. Norine

neice

Re: Jim Harrell Reply #14 - Jul 29^th, 2008, 5:57am thank you everyone who has posted pictures on uncle jim's memorial i can't believe how much i miss him  he will be so dearly missed by me and many others neice kilee

Bob and Bev

Re: Jim Harrell Reply #15 - Jul 30^th, 2008, 9:46pm Bob and myself offer our condolences to the Spaghetti's.  I just can't even imagine how hard this must be for you, and our condolences to Jim's family also.  This is just a huge loss to the world.  We loved Jim and I can't think of anyone that ever had a bad thing to say ever about Jim, and you know how unusual that is in a small town like Granite Falls!  He always had that quick smile and always went out of his way to come over and give me a big hug.  I will miss him so very much.   Bob has known Jim for about 30 years.   Bob says the world has lost a great accomplished musician and I agree.  We would go over to his house to visit. Generally the visit consisted of going down stairs to play on his toys.  You couldn't just sit and listen to him play, Jim wouldn't allow that, he would pick out one of his instruments and talk you into playing it. We love you Jim and will never forget you,  Bev and Bob

Lane Wilkins

Re: Jim Harrell from Jim's cousin Lane Reply #16 - Jul 31^st, 2008, 2:35am Jim always seemed bigger than life and that is why I am still in shock,I was always envious of Jim,his accomplishments with music,his serious dedication to his career at the Boeing company,the many years of numerous motorcycle trips he enjoyed so much,his magnetic ability to draw in friends,he was a giver not a taker,a generous person always with a cold one for ya,He was always happy to see me arrive at one of his gigs as I was happy to be there and for him to be a part of my life,for many years we were out of contact until about eight years ago I met up with him at the Spar Tree Tavern and we became more than just relatives we became friends,he inspired me to play the drum,the meatballs played my backyard,I am thankful all that came to happen,he touched so many people and that was the lasting gift he has left for us all,the one and only Jim Harrell that could never be replaced,his deep voice and gentleman demeanor will never be forgot,and the meatballs will never be the same without him but they will persevere through this and they will bring great music to us all again for they are a very special talented group,I will miss him and I will think of him when visiting Granite,I love ya Jim and I know you are drum'in to the angels in heaven. your cousin,Lane Wilkins

Butch

Re: Jim Harrell Reply #17 - Aug 1^st, 2008, 1:05am Hi  My name is Butch,, I was fortunate to be able to spend Jim's last night with him.  We played a little music, and talked a little.  I said Jim , let me play a song I wrote, so I did, Jim said "You know Butch, your timing is all crappity smack ed up",  I said,  "Let's try it again."  So we did.  He said, "You know Butch, your timing is all crappity smack ed up."  I said, "Hey, it's my song!!"  He said, "I guess you're  right!"  Your loving Friend Butch

BillyBump

Re: Jim Harrell Reply #18 - Aug 1^st, 2008, 3:17pm Hi.  Bill Hayes here. I only knew Jim for about five years, but he was a true friend and a fine musician.  When I needed help, he was always there.  Granite Falls (and a lot of other places) will never be the same without him. Good bye Jimmy. See ya when I see ya.

Butch

Re: Jim Harrell Reply #19 - Aug 2^nd, 2008, 3:43pm hi, JoJo here,, WOW,, this is tough..I remember when I met Jim,, my Mom introduced him as the greatest man I would ever meet in Granite Falls, and he held up that end of the deal.. He became a very close and dear friend..  He loved my Mom as much as she loved him.  The band was playing the weekend right after she passed away and Jim said,, "Wow, its going to be strange not seeing Mom out there listening to us!"  So I took a picture of Mom, put it in the frame and took it downtown, set it on the stage, and got a big smile from Jim.  She was always there with Jim.  So I know Jim was greeted with a big hug from Mom and many more.. I will miss that smile and the hugs I got every time I saw Jim.                   You'll be missed my friend... Jo

tina

Re: Jim Harrell Reply #20 - Aug 3^rd, 2008, 3:38pm Ron and the Harrell family: I still can't find the words. All I can say at this time........ is that I am missing Jim.                                                                         Tina

jerrydm

Re: Jim Harrell Reply #21 - Aug 7^th, 2008, 1:28am I have known Jim over 30 years and he has always been one of my very best friends.  We worked at Boeing for many years and i can say that he provided me with lots of great moments and much laughter.  I was sure shocked to hear of his death and will really miss him for sure and yes he is really one of a kind and you just couldn't ask for a better friend.  R.I.P.  Jerry Menzies

Bill

Re: Jim Harrell Reply #22 - Aug 7^th, 2008, 2:21pm I just realized this forum went into another page, thank you all for sharing your stories. When I was 13 or 14 years old I would listen to Jim & Rolf's band Sage and I thought they were the best live band I ever heard. They let me be their roadie for a while, at 14 that was really cool! They were all good people and good players in that band. I was just learning how to play guitar and the experience had a huge influence on me. Jim's drum solo during the song "Do What You Like" was the best part of the show. He was a tall guy, looked too big for his drums, and his arms and legs just seemed like they were flailing at the speed of light - but he didn't miss a beat. I'm so happy I had the chance to finally play in a band with him, even if it was about a hundred years later. And I'm glad that he and Rolf were able to play together again.

todd wilkins

Re: Jim Harrell Reply #23 - Aug 9^th, 2008, 4:31pm I dont understand why my cousin did this and I never will. I was the last family member to see Jim on july 4 he was playing the drums while I was lighting off fireworks outside. when the band quit playing I went to go find Jim he was sitting outback with a couple ladies and gin&tonic I talked to him for a few minutes and I dont know why but I reached over and gave him a hug. That was the first hug in over 30 years I gave to Jim and now I Know why I did it. Because my arms are not long enough to give that drummin angel a hug way up in heaven. I will miss him very deeply when I found out Jim passed so did a piece of my heart. I started to pick my brain trying to remember childhood memories or just anything with Jim.But all I could think of is that last hug I gave my cousin Jim. Rest in peace Jim I love you and I cant wait to see you in heaven.Your youngest torn apart cousin Todd Wilkins

Ron Harrell

Re: Jim Harrell Reply #24 - Aug 15^th, 2008, 1:46pm Well, yesterday was three weeks.  So many people have been so supportive.  I still have this feeling like there is a boot pressing on my chest most of the time, and a heavy saddness hangs on my shoulders. Thanks to everyone in Granite Falls responsible for the memorial at the Eagles.  It was so wonderful to see many old friends and to meet a lot of Jim's friends I didn't know.  The music was so good.  Angel From Montgomery just knocked me over, and Jeff's B.B. King covers were great. I get waves of grief.  Tuesday was Barb's & my anniversary (17 years).  We went out to dinner and we were talking about Jim & I just broke down.  There's a thing in the back of my mind that somehow thinks he's going to be coming back, even though the rational part knows it's over.  Death is so final.  So many things we did in our lives since early childhood that we'll never get to talk about again.  So many things we talked about doing in the future that we'll never do now. Thanks again to everyone, being around you has been pretty life-affirming for me--hope to see you around. Ron

Ron Harrell	Re: Jim Harrell Reply #25 - Aug 25^th, 2008, 4:31am The family had its memorial on Saturday, August 23.  Bill, Ed, Rolf & Marty did "Ripple" and it sounded so good.  I know my Mom loved it.  In addition to those guys, the family was joined by a very few more of Jim's oldest friends.  Brother Ken, Sister Sue & I scattered Jim's ashes in the Stillaguamish.  We all had our moments.  It was a nice goodbye.  Thanks to everyone.
Meatball Bill	Re: Jim Harrell Reply #26 - Aug 25^th, 2008, 10:31pm It was a beautiful, peaceful, sunny day. Ron, Barb and the family did a great job setting up for the gathering. We were just down the hill from Jim's house and there were so many memories. I stood at the spot where the picture of Jim, his dog Pearl and Eddie was taken and that was the hardest time for me. The night before the memorial I put together a recording of Jim playing congas, bongos, electronic drums, fire bell, etc. Marty was kind enough to crank it up on the CD in his truck as we walked down to the river, but I could barely hear the drum parts once we got to the river's edge. But just as Ron, Ken and Sue finished scattering the ashes I could hear the pealing of Jim's famous red fire bell at the end of the recording. Thank you Jim. I posted an MP3 and pictures from both memorials on our website (http://www.meatballmusic.com).
	« Last Edit: Aug 26^th, 2008, 2:30pm by Meatball Bill