Ode to Jim

Here is a copy of the poem my mom and Jamie wrote for my dad's retirement.

Ode to Jim

By Jamie Busenbark & Elyse Harper

This is not a life sketch.

Jim plans on having a many-more-years stretch.

He was born in May of ’44.

His parents exclaimed, “A son to adore!”

As a child his mom would try,

“Come on son. Leave the cars home,” she would pry.

But to little Jimmy, cars were the best.

He would think, “To heck with all the rest.”

As a child his family moved all around,

But an old car to work on, Jim always found.

Working with his dad he learned the trade.

His love for cars just would not fade.

Not long ago he had a dream.

He went to heaven, or so it did seem.

There he saw all the cars he loved best.

And he thought, “What a marvelous eternal rest.”

Low and behold his ’34 yellow Ford Coupe.

With this hot car there was always a group,

Of the finest ladies lining up to date.

Owning this car was part of fate.

He met Elyse, his lovely wife,

And chose to be with her for life.

There was his ’56 racing black Corvette.

With this car he earned the name, “Jimmy Jet”.

And what is this? Look and see.

The Purple People Eater was there for Jimmy.

And more of his past cars to view,

The ’38 Chevy with Al Capone on the back, too.

His heart raced to see this magical sight.

He thought, “Good thing I followed the light.”

Until someone began to approach

With a stern voice this person did coach.

He handed Jim a bucket and rag,

And said, “Get to washing and do not drag.”

Jim felt relieved when he did wake,

To find that others to wash his cars he could still make.

In 1981, Jim began work on Burley Drive.

With his partner, Jack, the business did thrive.

Now 30 years later his work there is through.

To Jack’s Auto Body he bids, “Adieu.”

For sure Jim’s love for cars is strong,

But please don’t get it wrong.

Far greater is his love for family and friends.

And that’s where this ode to Jim ends.