Rachel Marshall
I have very fond memories of Jimmy from the mid-90s, when I bought a somewhat run-down house in the Houston Heights. To say that Jimmy could fix anything is an understatement. He almost single-handedly renovated all of it, and to say that he had a big heart is a bigger understatement. When the time came that he costs for repairing the house exceeded the sale value (I realized at one point that I would not be able to keep it) he finished his work on it at no charge. But much more than that, I remember his cheerful personality, and bits of wisdom ("locks are for honest people"). HIs was the first and only pickup I ever drove, at his suggestion, and just for a few blocks. His kindness continued after he was no longer able to do heavy work, when 15 years later he came in person one day to offer me advice on another house I bought that needed a lot of work. I was very sad to hear of his passing, as I am sure he will be missed by many friends and his family who found him as dear as I did.