I was introduced to Jim as one of the interview candidates for a video we were making about Green Laning – the driving of vehicles on unsurfaced roads for leisure. I am quite involved in the Green Lane Association that campaigns for continued access to these leafy and often remote rights of way, and we were working on a video and written project to show the range of people whose lives are significantly improved through this portal to countryside access.
Jim used to be a big noise in US car manufacturing hence the splendid Jeep Rubicon that he arrived in when we met to film in darkest Surrey in the spring of 22. I was impressed with his warm friendly nature, something that many other Americans also manage to exude in spades, especially the ones who end up working over here. That is mostly what made a previous business of mine -family pictures for ex-pat US families – such a joy for the 12 years I ran it in London and Paris.
I liked Jim hugely from the very first phone call, and meeting up was as much fun as I hoped. He was an excellent interviewee and together we made this moving little film.
It’s moving because Jim has terminal cancer and has to undergo long periods of really challenging treatment to keep the hideous disease at bay. Talking to him you would never suspect what he has been through. It’s only when he walks you can see how very frail he is.
It’s moving even to write about him, and to know that there are a million unwell Jim’s out there. Life can be a challenge – make the absolute most of it. I’ve found green landing to be a good start. To my shame, I find being as hugely optimistic as Jim is a bit more of a challenge.