A Self-Reliant Man

A Self-Reliant Man

Providing for Others

On Thanksgiving Day,  my mom called.  I knew when the phone rang that the Lord called my Uncle to build a home in heaven.  Everyday of his life, my Uncle constructed a life on his terms and in his way.

Uncle Jim's life is a lesson that often seems lost in America today.  He lived a life based on self-reliance and providing for others.  How many young men today could benefit from embracing a life of self-reliance and providing for others?  My Uncle didn't wait for someone to show him the way.  He cut his own path.

My Uncle was a depression era kid.  Like many men his age, he did not have a childhood filled with carefree playing.  Due to harsh childhood conditions, my Uncle left school early to provide for him and others. He would work hard his whole life earning his way in the world.

My Uncle went to war.  He was a combat engineer in the World Ward II European Theatre. He earned two Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart.  Men, who have known my Uncle for 60 years, were unaware of his service recognitions.  He simply persevered and did his job.

He came home from the horrendous nature of combat and did not waist time feeling sorry for himself.  He went to work.  He started his own contracting business based on the principle that the best type of advertisement is a job well done.  He earned a reputation for precision quality work.

My Uncle Jim is from an era when a man went to work to provide for his family.  He constructed homes and businesses to build his family.  He absolutely showed respect and love for his wife.  He provided the resources to raise five kids.  All five of children carried on his legacy of hard work and providing for others.

I will miss my Uncle Jim.  He always showed an interest in my life and was very willing to share his insights.  You never had to guess what my Uncle was thinking. He said what he meant and meant what he said.

Uncle Jim was one of my professional role models.  He was always working on improving his trade.  He worked for perfection letting his work be his signature of quality.  He gave more than expected.  More importantly, he worked hard to build a life that provided for his wife and children.

In time, the structures he built will be replaced.  The difference he made in life of his family and friends will live for generations in the hearts and minds he touched.  Through self-reliance and providing for others, he made a difference.