My daughter and I had separate plans for this morning, but only one car.  So my daughter dropped me at the high school to play tennis and took my car so she could go running on the coastal trail.  When she picked me up just before noon, she surprised me with my favorite kale salad that she had just bought from a local store.  I was very happy about the salad and her thoughtfulness.

Because of Jim, a community garden thrived at my home in Half Moon Bay. He and his friend, Cookie, helped build raised beds, plant seeds and celebrate a bountiful harvest with neighborhood children. I was deeply touched by Jim’s patience and dedication. He came faithfully, week after week, during the six month project that brought all ages together in healthy living. Vegetables towered up to my art studio window where we finally celebrated with food made from our flourishing garden. 

 I took many pictures of Jim while he leaned over to a child’s side and carefully showed them how to plant a seedling. Jim's love continues to grow. The other day a nine year old boy came to my studio for tutoring. He asked me about the photo of Jim sitting on my table. I told him about how Jim helped with the garden project, his generosity, and that Jim had recently died. We both went outside to the raised bed soon after and I watched as this young boy delighted in a ripe tomato that I let him pick. I felt Jim smiling with the sunshine that made a guest appearance by our side. 

Carla Brooke

Half Moon Bay

Today I was in my car leaving the Safeway parking lot around noon.  I had just started eating a sandwich I had purchased as a treat from the deli when I saw a man standing on the curb 15 feet ahead with a sign that said "anything helps".  So I called him over and gave him the second half of my sandwich - still pristine in its wrapper.

My random act of kindness is staying positive.
Anonymous

My husband bought me a bottle of hand sanitizer for Relay for Life today. When Michele asked to have a bottle in the Survivor's Booth, I gave him mine.
Mary Kay Jolley

I gave up my seat on the bus to an elderly woman every day on the way to school.

anonymous

I first met your father while working for Census 2000; he was a member of my crew.  A few years later I saw him again when my sister Rene met her future husband, Larry Weinman, at Leslie Gardens where Larry and Jim had become acquainted.  He was introduced to my mother, Dorothy Herringshaw (born in 1922), and they spent some time together (see picture).  We all went to some of the Golden Chordsmen performances and had dinner together a few times either at Larry and Rene's or at my mother's.  I heard he had been in an accident on Hwy. 92 and given up driving for bicycling.  I ran into Jim occasionally when at Leslie Gardens, but then heard from Cookie that he was up in Napa.

I enjoyed knowing your father and am sorry for your loss.

 Janet Herringshaw

Hello,

I had  the  pleasure and honor of working with your dad.  Together we assisted the special needs students in the general education classes.  I remember him taking me, along with the graduating 8th grade students to lunch.  We were celebrating their graduation from  middle school.  He was always concerned about one particular family and took a family member to his first Giant's game.

I will always appreciate his kind and gentle manner.

Linda Souza

My neighbour's mom has been visiting over the last week as she has needed surgery for complications following a hysterectomy. Leading up to the surgery she was unable to eat any solid food and so I wanted to provide a nice treat for her when she returned from the hospital. Knowing that she is a conscientious eater and that my neighbour's partner is vegan, I adapted a blueberry muffin recipe I have to be made with flax instead of eggs and soy milk instead of dairy milk. The muffins were a hit and I believe a welcome part of their family gathering.

While I don't know Jim as having been a baker or cook, I saw how accommodating and caring he was. I can only imagine how great a neighbour he would have been as I have witnessed how great a father and grandfather he was.
--
Matthew Thompson

"Today I dressed up as a fairy and gave away sunflowers on the streetcar and subway! Some people were scared of me, but most were really touched and amazed. A few people asked for extra flowers to take to work and give away to colleagues, security guards and friends. I had a few left when I got to work so I used them to brighten up people's offices. Thank you to Grandpa Jim for inspiring magic and kind gestures."

Love Anna, Jim's Granddaughter