Book of Memories for James Platt Okie, Jr.

Story shared: honorable man

Wed, 27 Jul 2016 21:25:51 EDT

Jim and I worked together for four years. Two with Westldge Associate and two buildig homes in Maine. I was aiways impressed with Jim's integrity, honesty and wonderful sense of humor. He had an impact on the direction of my life. I will aiways be grateful. RIP JP.

Bob

Condolence From Tom Chase

Fri, 21 Dec 2012 10:27:27 EST

Ronie,I still think fondly of Jim each time I put on my coaches jacket. He always inspired me to be better at what I do. Regards, Tom

Condolence From David Bradley

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:30:27 EST

Jim built a substantial addition onto a house that I had recently bought. He and his team did a superb job. The excellence of their work is reflected in the superior condition of their product over thirteen years later. He was a very nice man, a pleasure to deal with. I am so sorry to hear of his passing and the unfortunate disease that took him at such an early age. My condolences to his family on their loss.

Condolence From Tom & Terri St. Denis

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 17:55:40 EST

Dear Rownie, We were surprised to learn of Jim's passing. Jim put our addition on our home in West Simsbury ten years ago and we love it. He was a talented carpenter with a great smile and always spoke with such love and pride of his family and love of skiing! Our prayers and love to you and family.

Condolence From Bob Augusta

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 18:37:10 EST

Dear Rownie, I never knew Jim, but from the write-up of his life and from knowing you through the Alzheimer's Caregiver Support Groups, I mightily wish I had. From one who understands all too well what you are going through, please accept my sincerest condolences for your loss. I hope you are able to ease the burden somewhat by thinking of Jim's having now been spared so much potential pain and suffering with advanced Alzheimer's, and knowing that he lives on in your memory and through your children and grandchildren. Jim was fortunate to have you caring for him, and you have my best wishes as you deal with this loss and move forward. Bob

Condolence From Robin Owens, Cherry Brook Garden Club Secretary

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 10:02:51 EST

Dear Rownie and Family, Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. "In the night of death, hope sees a star, and listening love can hear the rustle of a wing." - Robert Ingersoll Your Friends at Cherry Brook Garden Club

Condolence From Mike O'Neil

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 12:06:56 EST

I was terribly sorry to learn of Jim's death. He and I were fellow classmates at Princeton and knew each other well enough back then to be called friends. My family and I have lived in the Hartford area for more than forty years. Now and then I thought of contacting Jim just to say hi and shoot the breeze. I am chagrined that it's too late to do that now. Oh--the things we put off doing! I send deep commisserations and prayers to Jim's family.

Condolence From Scott Schroder

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 13:09:53 EST

Dear Rownie, Lauren and Jason: My deepest sympathy to you in hearing the news of Jim. I will never forget my time spent with him racing sailboats around Long Island and Block Island or bringing the family boat up to Rock port Maine. Jim taught me many lessons of life, construction and sailing but most importantly about being a good man. Rest in peace Jim.

Condolence From Bill Sandberg

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 17:05:45 EST

I was fortunate to sail many miles with Jim, and I couldn't ask for a better shipmate. With he and Kenny as part of the crew, you know you would have more than your fair share of laughs. May he have fair winds and following seas. He was a great husband, father and friend.

Condolence From Valley A/C & Heating

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 12:03:21 EST

Dear Rowena and family: We are so sorry for your loss of Jim. He was a wonderful man, good person and excellent builder. We worked with him on many jobs under our current company and with the former employer of many of us, Reliance Heating & Cooling,(back to the Woodhaven days) many years ago. We will always remember what a kind and gentle man Jim was and the fine work he did. He will be missed by each and every one of us. With deepest sympathy, Mark & Pam Sears, Rich McGraw,II, Ed Voskowsky, Jr. and all of the Valley team.

Condolence From Kurre Mero, formerly Mitchell

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 18:20:15 EST

My deepest sympathy goes out to the family. Jim was such an inspiration on the ski slope and off. He was always there with a smile, funny and helpful. I met him at Ski Sundown when I became a ski instructor in the 70's, and his presence always put me in a good mood. He will stay in my memory of wonderful times.

Condolence From Doug Clark

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 17:23:31 EST

Mr. Okie was my first Math Prof at Kingswood in 1965. As were all the teachers there, his presence, teaching ability, caring and bearing were obvious to a 14 year old lad; a great role model. Believe it or not, I can still picture and hear him now some 46-years later and only from a relatively brief encounter - cannot imagine him in the condition which overtook him - I'm so sorry, but rest well knowing he no doubt - touched many young boys in his brief tenure at Kingswood -

Condolence From Bill Harms

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 11:48:43 EST

Rownie, I’ve come to know you over the past few years from our Alzheimer’s Group Support Meetings at Arden Court and McLean Home. My heart goes out to you and your family as you grieve the loss of your dear Jim and I want you to know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. If there is any solace to be taken in Jim’s death, it is that he was spared any more of the long term devastating effects of Alzheimer’s and that he can finally be at peace and without pain now in God’s heaven. God bless you and your family. My sincerest condolences and very best wishes.

Condolence From Tom Chase

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 11:08:15 EST

My sincerest condolences to Jim's wife and his family. Jim was both a tremendous friend and mentor for me when I began race coaching in 1995. He was a quick wit with a tremendous eye for how each athlete was moving. Jim was tremendously encouraging and demanding at the same time. His enthusiasm for skiing and racing was contagious and he had many adult students return to his night classes year after year. It was difficult to watch him deal with Alzheimers. He would get frustrated with himself. However, his spirit and strong will could not be broken. He set an example for all of us at Ski Sundown and all who knew him. Jim's guidance will be missed and I will think of him often.

Condolence From Steve & Kathy Cloud

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 22:38:23 EST

We will always remember Jim for his compassionate coaching at Sundown. Jim dedicated so much of his time coaching and he truly loved it. We enjoyed running ski team races with Jim and he portrayed such a passion for skiing. Now that we spend lots of time in New Hampshire, we will keep Jim in our prayers as we hike and snowshoe the many mountains. God bless you Jim!

Story shared: Remembering Jim

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 11:26:51 EST

Oakie was the guy who got my kids into racing, for better or worse, mostly for the better. We had wonderful and funny times with the SunDown Ski Team, traveling near and far to all the races. Jim and I would try to psychic up Jason and Kevin on the way to a race by playing loud rock music. Actually it was to wake them up as we sometimes left very early. We all had a lot of fun at the regionals, skiing, watching the kids race and partying with that great skier, Carlo Rosssi. Jim was a real man's man, who loved to tell stories, ski hard, and party a bit as well. After the kids grew up, all us older kids went on to ski together at the "Trager Hut" in Vermont. I know we'll all miss him dearly, especially his family. Love to all, Merle, David, Kevin and Remy.

Condolence From Julien Mathieu

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 11:09:21 EST

I will dearly miss my good friend and ski buddy Jim. We spent some great times telling jokes (mainly JiM) going up the ski lifts and making some fast runs up north and at Ski Sundown. Also the little coaching tips to tweak my skiing. It was sad to see him slowing lose control of his mind and see his frustration with fighting this terrible disease. Even so, he always had a great sense of humor and was a dedicated friend. Jim will be remembered for many years to come, especially when getting together with fellow ski buddies at Ski Sundown. My sincerest condolences to Jim's immediate family and his dearest friends. Julien

Condolence From Mimi & Peyton Mead

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 16:04:08 EST

Jim was a superb builder, craftsman and human being. We are so appreciative of the wonderful work he did at our house in the past.

Condolence From John Stout

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 12:29:46 EST

Jimmy, If my memeory is correct it all started for the Okie's out here in Wyoming, somewhere down in mid state, so it was appropriate that our last great adventure was out here 5 years ago,near the old homestead. You always made me laugh, and really could laugh yourself.I'm really going to miss you, I'll make a few turns for you, every day, I promise. Johnny

Photo shared: okie.jpg

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 15:28:41 EST