I first met Jim through my friendship with his brother Gregg in the late 80’s. When Cheryl Bukant and I moved to San Francisco in 1990, Jim was the “cool Greenpeace guy” who introduced us to the local music scene. Later, after an epic visit from Gregg, (Booze up and riot!) Jim and I started spending more time together. Of course our friendship centered around music; memorable shows by Chuck Prophet and Iris DeMent. Jim loved to tease me about my “bougie” single life in Ashbury Heights while we drank in the best dives in the Mission.

At the time, Jim was working with adults with disabilities in the Tenderloin. I admired Jim for this work, but grew to really appreciate it while raising my own son, Nat. As we navigate the challenges of adulthood with diverse abilities, I will hold close Jim’s legacy of acceptance, humor, and gentle smiles.