Jimmy died. 76 years old, less than a decade older than me. My generation is mourning him…and my kids and I are mourning him. “Parrotheads” who were/are deeply into his lifestyle are mourning for reasons other than my family’s reasons.

“Margaritaville”, and “Why Don’t We Get Drunk and…..” are very well known. Buffett’s philosophical bent never was as popular. The album “Beach House On The Moon” had great philosophical truths….and humor.

A blue and white Beech 18 (the old “Twin Beech”) came into our life…and will always remain in memories. An “ex-cargo” plane, now memorialized by Matt Younkin in the pages of the EAA’s “Sport Aviation” magazine (and if you see it, it looks the same now as it did when we had it!), it gave us years, and hours of fun and excitement.

“Beech House” was the name given by the group, and my daughter made a string of lettered beads spelling out “Beech House on Da Moon”, which was strung along the picture window above the couch. A Chevy Suburban could dislodge kids, dogs, luggage, and the old Beech just smiled, and carried it without complaint. Camping trips to Oshkosh, grips to Grandma’s house, trips to the beach…all were part of the family culture for a decade. (Zero-G watching the dog float up, paddling in mid-air, also was part of the entertainment).

Jimmy’s story of “Beach House On The Moon”, talking of mystical experiences, and his son telling him that “when I am old, and gray, and feel like I’m marooned…he will take me in his rocket ship to his beach house on the moon” occasionally is repeated to me by my youngest son. He has assured me that he will be there for me when I’m old and decrepit. (His graphic description isn’t suitable for this blog, but it’s hilarious…and probably accurate).

“Permanent Reminder of a Temporary Feeling” quite accurately describes how many of us have made decisions that haunt us forever. The Eternal Damnation of Shared DNA….and Jimmy’s quite accurate statement that “There’s No Dumb-Ass Vaccine” hits all too close to home.

Some days seem too slow….and Jimmy reminds us “sometimes I feel, like I’ve lived too long, the days drip slowly on the page…and sooner or later, you find yourself pacing the cage”.

“Lindbergh left Long Island in 1927…thumbed his nose at gravity and climbed into the heavens”….reminds us that we have potential, and sometimes exceed anything we ever planned. (Title: “Oysters and Pearls”). I hope I’ve been a Pearl.

Jimmy, I’ll remember you for the philosophy…not the drinking and drugs. And I thank you for the reminder of my own mortality. And kids….I thank you for sharing some of the fun of flying around, singing songs, and laughing.

Love

Dad