And More Messages

The Memorial Service……The Tears, The Laughter, The Emotion, The Libation, The Memories and The Friendships were and are the perfect tribute to a great friend that will be missed in the many circles he revolved in.  It was most impressive to see all of those circles in one place connected by one man and I have no doubt he would have been smiling & enjoyed seeing everyone from his fishing buddies at the boathouse to Senator Thompson under the same tent for a good cause!  Our circle on the AFFTA and National Casting Call side of the fence will never be the same without Jim’s counsel, friendship and support.  Thank You Jimmy Boy and Safe Travels on Your New Fishing and Hunting Adventures!  Bill Dawson


 

To Jim Range's Family --

I was honored to work with Jim both during my tenure at Trout Unlimited and as a staff person in the Senate.  He was a passionate, fearless, and tireless advocate for conservation.  At the same time, he was kind and caring.  I have such vivid memories of every time I interacted with Jim.  Once, when I was with TU, Jim sat and strategized with me and some of my colleagues for 2 hours regarding a project that many people thought would never happen.  I remember thinking at the time that Jim was really going above and beyond the call of duty. 

Staff and Senators on both sides of the aisle respected, and listened to, Jim.   We will miss him. Kira Finkler

 



This man gave of himself to establish the TRCP for us all and I have personally responded with emails made possible on the website on a number of issues. I have found it to be the single most effective vehicle I have ever found to influence public policy relating to sportsmen and women and our environment.
You have my promise that I will continue to support the great work you do.  It is the right thing to do and everybody should be a participating member. Thanks Jim, for your vision and hard work.  I'm very proud to be a small part of it. Duffy Leahy, Los Angeles, CA


My heartfelt condolences to the Jim Range Family. The world has lost a leader in conservation and many of us have lost a “ true “ friend.

Mickey Flood


My sister, Pam Murray, just informed me of Jim's passing. My thoughts and

prayers go to Jim's family and friends. My memories are from grammer school

through high school in Johnson City and the many hours spent at the Range

home on Laurel. Jim was a great friend to us all. I am not surprised of his

continued love of the outdoors after leaving Johnson City. The range family

remains very special to those of us who lived in the south side area of town.

My best to Harry, John N and Pete.

Mike White


Dear Jim:
The last time we saw each other was a year or so ago in Soldotna, Alaska when we were both attending the Kenai Classic with Senator Stevens and friends.   It was like we had just talked the day before.   We chatted about how we never stopped being overwhelmed by the stunning beauty of Alaska, and the hospitality of its residents.   We remembered our days in the Senate and how honored we were to be able to work with Senator Baker.  And, of course, we swapped some lies about the king salmon we caught on the Kenai or the big brown we landed on the Bighorn.   I am sorry I never found the time to get to know you better but I always admired your devotion to the protection and preservation of God's creation.  Your contributions and friendship to all your many admirers will never be forgotten.  This old Dickson County boy will miss your spirit and influence.  You left this world a better place.   Douglas Buttrey


I have just joined the board of Yellowstone Park Foundation and thus was notified of the passing of Jim.  I reviewed the web site and read the message board so I have some sense of the wonderful man that Jim was.  I wish that I could have known him.  On behalf of Michelin North America, I pass along our best wishes to Jim's family and hope that the mark he left on the conservation movement will endure.  

Kind regards, Michael Fanning


Jim, 

Will head to DC next week to say goodbye, not at all certain where to put the feelings of loss and grief right now. Two months ago, we were hunting in Montana, laughing about how seriously most take this world when there are beautiful places in it like Montana that guide your spirit with bounty and grace while washing your soul clean on the way to the next great horizon. 

Horizons that you dedicated your life to preserving, and have become your legacy. 

Now realizing that the cruel seriousness that grabs the sincerity of how we are often forced to leave this earth way too soon. Done without warning or the time to fully capture life and understand its blessings before we go. 

Not fair to anyone we love, though all of us are blessed to have known you. 

Rest well, we miss you, 

Weldon Baird


I was saddened to learn of Jim’s death when reading the Johnson City Press this morning.  Numerous memories come to mind when I think of the Range boys and Dr. and Mrs. Range while growing up in Johnson City – many years ago.  I recently had a good visit with John Neal at a high school reunion and it was such fun reminiscing about the south side of town and all those who played a part in our childhood antics.  To Jim’s family and loved ones I extend my heartfelt sympathy.

Pam White Murray



I was so incredibly blessed to work for Jim at Waste Management, where his kindness and generosity to me and my family knew no bounds.  As I wrote this about his hiring me, I thought that maybe everyone who had a chance to spend office days with him would feel as I do.  I even loved him when he put his dishes in his outbox!  Only he (and maybe Cran) could get away with that.  How much I miss knowing he’s around.  Kim and Allison, I’m sure he’s with Estelle.  Anyway, here goes:

“Work with Me”

“Work with me, he said,/

We’ll have the best of fun/

‘Cause I’m the goddamn luckiest son of a gun./

I love what I do …/

And they pay me, too!/

 

I fish and I hunt with good folks and kings/

A wet and windy day – can be a perfect thing./

Down on the bay or under Montana sky/

Yup, yesiree, lucky sombitch, that’s me/

 

For all of your work, I’ll give you full credit/

A good job well done, that’s how I’ll get it./

To save all the beauty of this wonderful land/

I hope that you’ll say I lent my best hand.

 

Get me a drink, and you have one, too./

I want to thank you again, for all that you do./

You’re smart and you’re loyal, that’s why you’re here./

I like smart folks, you know, and keep them near./

 

So work with me now, you’ll see what I mean/

We’ll do all we can to keep the world green./

And while we’re at it, we’ll have a hell of a time./

When I go all will say, “His life was so fine!”/

 

Life is short (just not mine!); that’s what I say/

As I fill every minute of each waking day./

Fill it with friends, with family and deep love./

But you say a prayer for me, to the Man up above.”/

Thank You, Jim. Linda Zanelotti


I am very grateful for the opportunity to have met and worked with Jim and to have been part of many of his Congressional Casting Calls.  He was a fine fellow, and his support and advice on navigating the political waters of Washington, DC were an immense help to me and the whirling disease research effort.  I will miss him.  May God Bless Jim and his family.

Dave Kumlien

We were deeply saddened to hear of Jim’s passing.  We want to extend our deepest sympathy to Jim’s family and friends, especially to Dr. Bud, Harry, John Neel, and Pete.  Thinking of all of you brings back wonderful memories of Camp Tom Howard. Forty plus years is a long time, but some memories remain always fresh.

We were amazed to learn of Jim’s wonderful work – but not surprised.  Know that all of you will be in our thoughts and prayers.

 

David and Rusty (Davison) Light, Kingsport, TN

Tim Davison, Johnson City, TN


 

When I first met Jim Range, I don't know who I loved the most Jim Range or his dog "Plague".  I have grieved the loss of Plague and I will grieve the loss of Jim. Jim knew how much I enjoyed Plague and he asked me one day following a hunt in North Dakota,"Tommy my boy, would you like a puppy from my Plague dog", my response was yes but I had an old Lab and I was not quite ready for a puppy yet. Jim called me several time over the next two years and for one reason or another I just wasn't ready for a new puppy yet. Then I got a call from Jim in the early spring of 1989 saying, "Tommy my boy, you've got a bitch pup arriving on United Flight 210 at 3 PM in Denver, either pick her up or she is going to die". This was the arrival of Sarah, my hunting companion and love of my life for the next 14 years. 

Jim, I will miss you, when you hear some familiar voices on a crisp fall day it will be the voices of your hunting and fishing buddies telling Jim Range stories and tipping back a few. Save us some birds and enjoy the buffalo that they didn't save for us.... I will miss you Jim..Tom Dougherty  



 


Click Here To Read More From TRCP Fellows and Friends

 

A VIDEO TRIBUTE TO JIM
   

SEE JIM RANGE PHOTO GALLERY  

SEE MORE PHOTOS AFEILD

JIM'S Obituary 

A thank you.

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