Jim Alfred left on a journey May 31st, 2022. He was the most curious type of guy, and he now has a vast expanse to explore, free from aches and pains. Jim was a like a glass of your favorite cold beer on a hot day, or a hot chocolate on a freezing one. He brought warmth, love, acceptance, laughter, and joy. He was always authentic. Jim was like a fine wine, the longer you savored his essence, the lovelier the tasting notes. He could explain complicated things simply and without making the recipient feel less than. He gave everyone the benefit of the doubt and always saw the good in others. He had a never-ending zest for life that included family, friends, football, grilling, music, beer, Hawaiian shirts, a great baseball cap, and a good gin. He was not religious, but he had an ineffable belief in a Creator who was loving, ever evolving, forgiving, dynamic, generous, and always present. He spent 44 years with his girl, Paula, who caught his eye in the 7th grade. That love endures. His eyes lit up every time his daughter Sarah walked into the room, and he was confident that she could do anything. He sat about teaching her how. He never stopped. Children had a special place in his heart. He always bought whatever any kid was selling, and he supported St. Jude's his entire adult life. No matter how tough things were, he believed he always had enough to share. He worked with friends he loved and was deeply invested in their success. His greatest worry was that he might let someone he loved down, and that made him remarkable. His puppy Panda adored him, and he gave her a cheese stick, which he called a puppy "cocktail" every evening. She would do backflips only for him. Of course, words are inadequate to encapsulate a life so well lived, but he will remain in our hearts forever. He would tell all of us who are aching for his presence that The Dance was worth it, and he would remind each of us that Love Empowers, Fear Immobilizes, and The Universe is Abundant.

A Celebration of Jim's Life will be held at 4:30PM, Sunday, June 5, 2022 at The Linnaeus Teaching Garden at The Tulsa Garden Center with a reception to follow.  This event will be bright, casual and lighthearted.  Masks are not mandatory, but do feel free and comfortable to wear one if you so choose.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in Jim's memory to St. Jude Children's Hospital or Puppy Haven Rescue by clicking the following links:

https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html

https://puppyhavenrescue.com/

If you'd like to send flowers, please don't click the "send flowers" button.  Contact Ted & Debbie's directly at 918-745-0011 for Sunday delivery.