Happy Birthday, Grandpadaddy!

From John Hlinko

Jim Stringer once saved my life. That is, he didn't kill me when he first met me.

It was just a few weeks after Leigh and I had started dating, and Jim and Mary Helen came to DC to visit (and yes, to meet me). I could only wonder what was going through his mind when I said something to the effect of, "why yes, that's right, I quit my perfectly good job to start up a presidential campaign for a guy who's not actually running, and by the way, I'm not getting paid a dime, and oh, I think Leigh and I are already quite serious, and... hi, nice to meet you."

Well, as the father of a daughter myself now, I can only imagine what was going through his mind, and yet... he not only chose not to commit homicide, he and Mary Helen went on to get involved with the Draft Wesley Clark effort, and to ultimately lead the effort in Georgia -- a truly incredible effort which blew the doors off those in the other states.

Well, flashing forward, Jim is now my father-in-law. And while I'd like to go off on a string of "in-law" jokes, complaints, kvetches, etc., the reality is, I just can't. I got nothing, for a simple reason -- Jim really has been the best father-in-law a guy could ask for (I've got no reason to lie here, folks, Leigh and I are already married). He's been a great friend, mentor, buddy to joke around with, and time after time, a truly fantastic teacher -- including one very memorable occasion where he patiently explained to this northern boy why ordering grits and French toast together was just... well... wrong. (no eggs, no cheese, just the French toast and a pile of plain grits).

I'm a lucky guy in that I've had a great dad my whole life. But for the last several years, I've been doubly blessed to add a truly wonderful "Dad 2.0" as well.

Jim, here's to a very, very happy birthday. And once again, thanks for not killing me.

John Hlinko

From Larry Jones

Just want Jim to know that his medical marijuana crop is doing well here in Northern California although why he needs 2500 pounds a year for health reasons is a mystery to me.

From Lu Lu Black Stewart

Jimmy and I were soulmates in our junior and senior high school years, and I have fond memories of our dates. (Mary Helen already knows about the dates.) I watched with pride all the football games, even though I had to ask him on occasion if he played well or not! I was too busy cheering the team on, and was too short to see over the sideline players to see how he did. It was all fun, and I had many great times with him, especially walking in the senior prom leadout. I felt like a very special person, walking with my arm on his arm for the leadout and dance. He was and is a very nice, special person. Mary Helen is a lucky gal.

Give him a kiss and hug for me, and tell him HAPPY 65TH BIRTHDAY!!!

(My 65th birthday is in April, so I'm not too far behind him!)

Lu Lu Black Stewart

From Laura Russell

Dad-
I tried to think of some funny stories of you from when I was growing up, but most of them involved me being in trouble, so I probably won't bring those up... Some of my fondest memories are of you when you had the leads in the All Saints Episcopal plays, specifically Mr Banks in Mary Poppins, the guy who runs the orphanage in Oliver, and Captain Von Trapp in The Sound of Music, which is still my all time favorite movie.

Through the years, you've not only been a great dad, but also a great role model, driving instructor, lender, financial planner, mover, co-worker, singer, alarm clock, electrcian, car repairman, lawyer, tax preparer, chef (including green eggs and ham on Saturdays and more than a few suprises in my lunch sack in elementary school, including pigs feet and frogs legs) and most recently, a great landlord, babysitter and grandfather.

Thanks for all you do- I can only hope my next husband is as great with you, but with a lot more money! Haha!

Love, Laura

From Lenn Bomar Jackson

Happy Birthday Jimmy...from another '62 classmate. Thanks for always being our fearless leader!!!

Hope you have a great day and MANY more!!

Lenn Bomar Jackson

From Beba Tinney

Remember the surprise when you were a teen,
A new addition to the Stringer team.
Once again, you had to be the big brother.
Did you ask, “What were you thinking, Mother?”
As you were deciding life’s path you would take,
Here was the sister to cause you headache!
Embarrassing moments she loved to provide
Especially to you and your soon-to-be bride!
She rode on your shoulders and took piggy-back rides
She drove you crazy, but you took it in stride.
You taught her manners and how to have class
Even though she was a pain in your ass!
You taught her these things like no other,
‘Cause you knew you couldn’t count on the other two brothers!
Yes, it is I, the fifth of the bunch
Here to say, “Thank you, and I love you so much.”

Happy 65th Birthday! I love you,
Beba