| Author |
Message |
    
Djkaplan
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 28, 2002 - 10:09 am: | 
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Hits home, it really does.
I'll be thinking about JB1 on my next ride. |
Blastin
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 28, 2002 - 10:33 am: |
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I don't do well with the typed word, and can never fully express what I really want to say.
My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
I also just read Court's most recent post and hope that all goes well with the surgery
Sincerely,
Jerry |
Court
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 28, 2002 - 10:40 am: |
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Jerry:
I have talked to all the Bantz's I can run down and communicated, on all our behalf, to lend our prayers and thoughts. I have, in addition, volunteered to poll our group in the event there is anything we can do to be of help in anyway.
Court |
Spiderman
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 28, 2002 - 10:53 am: |
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JB2 i have been reading these posts for the last week trying to get an idea at what i should say i even started to type a few times but the words wouldn't come out right. Even if you never told your dad how much you Loved him or riding with him He knew just by you riding with him, that alone made him the happiest man alive my dad is the same way when i look over at him he has this shit eatin grin on his face which i'm sure you dad still has on right now while he watches over you. My deepest sympathies and prays go out to you and yours,
Tony |
Mavinwy
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 28, 2002 - 11:40 am: |
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I, like most, have read these posts for the last several days, and could not really find the words to write to express my feelings.
Jim, your courage is beond measure, in re-reading your first post, all you ask of others is for everyone to tell their loved ones how much they care. You have our symapthy and condolences, even from those who have not met you.
I read your post, and called my father... Ironically we spoke mostly about riding and getting together to ride. He could not understand when i had to change the subject because I was getting to broken up thinking about this post. I did tell him how much I cared, and how much I loved him.... and I felt saddened that you would never again have that opportunity.
You have the courage to go on because you must, but you have people here to lean on for support. My you find peace in this somewhere.
Jim |
Peyote
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 28, 2002 - 12:15 pm: |
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I'm new to this forum, but want to give my condolensces. Our prayers from Oklahoma are with you and your family.
My wife was visiting a friend in Florida and after seeing the news report on the barge hitting the bridge on I-40 in my own state, I was very anxious to hug my wife & tell her I love her.
I just read your post this morning and am so sorry for your loss. Many people never get to have the close relationship with their dad that you have.
I can't begin to understand what your going through, but I know there are many people that care.
jeff darnell |
Jocklandjohn
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 28, 2002 - 12:37 pm: |
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I bought a Buell and then realised that in doing so I had entered into a relationship with 'something' much much more.......a fellowship of like-minded individuals, scattered around the USA and beyond...
I supported the Elves and was thrilled with their victories; I wore (and still wear) my T-shirt and patches with pride, and despite the (Atlantic) Ocean that separates me (in Scotland) from you all I felt that I played a (very small) part in that success.
And now this bad news - which hurts because one of this 'fellowship' of Buellers has been lost. And despite the distance I feel a great sense of loss, although I never met the man. And I feel it even more because the warmth evident in all your comments makes me realise I have missed meeting someone very very special.
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Court
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 28, 2002 - 12:55 pm: |
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I talked to Mrs. Bantz, (JB2's Mother) and to "Jimmie" (son of JB2 and Grandson of Mrs. Bantz)
JB2 has had his surgery and they are to call me as soon as they have a condition report.
I have called Kim (the wife of JB2) to offer our prayers and support and to provide contact info should she need anything.
I can not tell all of you how much the Bantz Family appreciates the care, concern and support of OUR FAMILY in the loss of Mr. James L. Bantz and the following injury to our own Jim Bantz (Team Elves Treasurer)
Court |
Court
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 28, 2002 - 01:34 pm: |
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Good news.....somethings never change...our dearly beloved JB2 is a DOOF!. . . a DOOF with the "shiner from hell".
He and son Jimmie are driving home to Indiana to collect the family and he's ask me to extend thanks from the Bantz family to all.
I am thinking of offering to pay for his first water ballet lesson.
Court |
Ferris
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 28, 2002 - 02:26 pm: |
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time and emotions do not permit a thorough telling at this writing, but JB2 has been a friend to me like very few others in my life.
he has, without a shadow of a doubt, been my lifeline as i passed thru a couple of dark periods, and i can tell you with certainty that if he is YOUR friend, you are blessed.
Court, i just got home from work and immediately jumped on here to catch up, thanks for keeping us posted. i'll call Kim in a few for an up-to-the-minute but i'm encouraged by the upbeat tone of your last post.
JB2, you've got more friends out here than you could ever imagine :-)
XOXOXO,
FB |
Blackbuellm2
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 28, 2002 - 02:28 pm: |
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My heartfelt thoughts and prayers to JB2 and family.... and secondly a gentle reminder to all of my friends here on the BWBBS...
Happiness On Hold
We convince ourselves that life will be better after we get married,
have a baby, then another.
Then we are frustrated that the kids aren't old enough and we'll be more
content when they are.
After that, we're frustrated that we have teenagers to deal with.
We will certainly be happy when they are out of that stage.
We tell ourselves that our life will be complete when our spouse has
his or her act together, when we get a nicer car, we are able to
go on a nice vacation, or when we retire.
The truth is, there's no better time to be happy than right now.
If not now, when?
Your life will always be filled with challenges.
It's best to admit this to yourself and decide to be happy anyway.
Happiness Is A Way Of Life. So, treasure every moment that you
have and treasure it more because you shared it with someone special,
Special enough to spend your time with...and remember that time waits for
no one.
There is no better time than right now to be
happy.
Happiness is a journey, not a destination.
So work like you don't need money, love like you've never been
hurt,
And dance like no one's watching. |
Msetta
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 28, 2002 - 02:36 pm: |
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JB2,
As has been said, the only thing I can think of to say is sorry. I have never met to you or your dad, but we are all a family in the badweb, and please know that my prayers are with you. A small consolation, your e-mail has reminded me to visit my dad and tell him I am glad he's around...
Setta |
Rattler
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 28, 2002 - 03:20 pm: |
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Jim, I don't know you or never met you, (I think), but I believe I may have met your Father last year at the Salt with Team Elves. It sounds as if you both had a special relationship with each other that many men wish to have with their own fathers, (daughters too).
In this time of your grief which only the passage of some time can heal some, I'd like to quote something here:
" I said in just a little while I will be gone & you won't see me anymore. Then, just a little while after that, you will see me again. Truly, you will weep & mourn over what has happened to me, but the World will rejoice. You will grieve, but your grief will suddenly turn to wondeful joy when you see me again, then you will rejoice & no one can rob you of that joy! JOHN 17: Vs 19-20
Words from Jesus to his disciples...I hope they comfort you some & I'll pray for you & your family this night & that you are reunited with your Father sometime in the future.
Dale A. |
Ferris
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 28, 2002 - 04:58 pm: |
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got off the phone with JB2 a bit ago, am pleased to report that in spite of the cruel hand he's being dealt, his humor is still intact. we even laughed some together, something we were unable to do yesterday.
he broke several of the bones that surround his eye socket, and they had to bring in a specialist to sew his eyelid back together. his eye, the doctors say, has suffered no permanent damage.
during our chat, in which we both were trying to lighten our burden a skosh, i commented to him that if i didn't know what he was going thru, i wouldn't have been able to tell by his words or tone.
"Ferris", he said, "I'm on a mission, and this was just a minor setback."
we both knew what he meant.
people, the tremendous words of love, encouragement and support you have written here, i'm sure many of which were composed thru your tears, are exactly what the Bantz's need most: the steady, unwavering knowledge that you care.
my thanks to all of you, and my continued prayers for the Bantz family.
Ferris |
Court
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 28, 2002 - 08:35 pm: |
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Friend Ferris:
Nice try at writing....cute, moving and everyword was true (wasn't that a line from Steely Dan's Doctor Wu?)
But . . . alas, once again you leave it to me to COMPLETE the "Bantz-0-Gram" and share, for the benefit of our friends here and in distant lands the "truth and the whole truth".
I can not, personally, attest to these facts. But in typical "Gonzo Journalism" I have some disturbing observations to share.
First....I found out today, in a conversation that much emulated the "who's on first" skit that there is a JB3. Hey, I am the messenger, don't blame me, but it appears that JB2 reproduced. I called this morning, not knowing that "nose dive" was hospitalized. . .
C: "This is Court, is Jim there?"
?: "This is Jimmie" (Ignored Clue #1)
C: "Jim this is Court"
?: "Who?" (Ignored Clue #2)
C: "Court. . . the Eternal Optimist"
? "Oh, you must be looking for my father" (Readily Apparent Clue #1 lucid and intelligent conversation)
Soon. . . we untangles the JB-uzzle and he went on to relate the story of the 4am face plant and dispell any rumor of a DNA link to the Amazing Walenda's.
Anyway. . . Ferris, Dear Ferris, you did the best you could, with the sketchy facts you had. . let me fill in your gaps with what I know to be a fact.
My concern for the safety for America's Nuclear Plants has, based on a recent conversation, been subrrogated to that for citizens in and along a line twinxt SC and Hartford City, IN.
The connneciton was poor but as best I can tell JB3 is driving JB2 to Indiana in a Lincoln Town Car. I was able to confirm that JB2 was seated in the back, wearing a felt hat but about that time, when I asked about the curb feelers and the "BACK OFF" mud flaps, the connection went bad.
Frankly, Ferris, oh child of the liberal west, I fear the worst and suggest you stay high on that hill in the mountains until I gather more information and cna issue an all clear.
Court |
Ferris
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 28, 2002 - 10:34 pm: |
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well, if there's a lighted crown on the Lincoln's dashboard i am OUTTA here 
FB |
Josh
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 29, 2002 - 12:44 am: |
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I emailed Mariabelen the news.
"My eyes have some tears to hear that sad story, I'm so sorry to heard that. Please send some words to him. It's very hard to understand that accidents can happened to your loved ones."
I called my dad this afternoon - he got back last night from the Run to The Wall (D.C.) on his HardTail Springer. Other than last year's trip to Sturgis we don't ride together much but I think I'll find the time for a ride soon.
We're sorry to hear of your loss Jim.
Josh and Mariabelen |
Jb2
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 29, 2002 - 01:29 am: |
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All,
It's late and I have to be back on the road tomorrow before sunup. I had to take a few minutes from it all and have a set here at the computer.
Words can't express my gratitude to all of you for your thoughts. There are simply too many postings and e-mails to respond to but you all should know that we are very thankful.
Many of Dad's friends and relatives have been lurking on the board to find some comfort in all this tradgedy. I think they are a little taken with the strength of this group and how there seems to be a spiritual safety net amongst us in the riding community.
Thanks Court and Ferris for jerking some smiles and chuckles out of me today. I needed that.
Thanks and Ride Safe, JB2 |
Aaron
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 29, 2002 - 10:40 am: |
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http://cgi.citizen-times.com/cgi-bin/story/news/13681 |
Court
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 29, 2002 - 05:31 pm: |
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Talked to Jim about an hour ago. He's headed back to SC from IN. Doing ok. Sends thanks to all for support and kind words. |
Ferris
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 29, 2002 - 08:33 pm: |
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we're with you all the way, JB2.
AW, thanks for the link to the story.
FB |
Superbad
| | Posted on Thursday, May 30, 2002 - 01:55 pm: |
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JB2 I am very sorry for your loss. My friends and I passed the spot on 28 on Saturday and Sunday. 4 of the members of our group are Police officers and 1 is a Traffic Homicide investigator. They noticed the scrapes on the road and figured a Fatal accident had occurred there. I am sorry it was your father.
We were all in the NC mountains on a sort of "memorial" ride for a friend who passed away in January. He was a member of our riding group and the Father of another member. His favorite spot was the Blue Mountain overlook between Highlands and Dillard. Friday night we had a small tribute to him there. It is truely sad another Father was slain in those same mountains that weekend. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family in this difficult time.
Bobby |
Ferris
| | Posted on Thursday, May 30, 2002 - 04:41 pm: |
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anyone wishing to send a card and flowers for JB1's memorial service tomorrow may call:
The Flower Cottage
828/894-3989, ask for Laura
peace,
FB |
Dino
| | Posted on Friday, May 31, 2002 - 08:23 pm: |
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To JB2
Posted on behalf of my friend, Ferris Bueller
My dear friend JB2, I can't be with you and your family in person to help pay final respects to your Dad, although I am there with you in spirit. The past few days, I've thought much about you, about your father, and about MY father. I know you'll understand when I say that the following words are nearly as much for me as they are for you.
My Dad died in 1987, quite suddenly and unexpectedly, from a brain aneurysm. He went quickly, but not before us kids got to see him in the hospital and say our goodbyes. He couldn't speak, or even move his eyes, but as we
each took our turn telling him how much we loved him, he would squeeze our hand, almost imperceptibly, to signal that he understood.
When he was gone, the sense of loss was immense, a dark, swirling chasm of intense emptiness that seemed to swallow me whole. In time, however, the wounds began to heal, and I found that I COULD actually go for an hour, or a day, without a torrent of uncontrollable grief overcoming me at the thought of his passing.
The following tale is true, and happened during reconnaissance for the recent All-California BRAG Tour. I thought at first that I would relate this story that evening on BADWEB upon return home, but I elected to keep it to myself as it seemed a little too personal. Now, it seems entirely appropriate.
I was in my truck, it was a bright, sunny day, and I was driving down a particularly gorgeous stretch of Old Stage Road just after it crosses into Tulare County. This area is very green and pastoral, a rugged, remote valley that sees very little traffic. A slight movement out of the corner of my eye got my attention, and I slowed to investigate.
There, fluttering in a gentle breeze, was a blue balloon, tethered tenuously to the ground by the weight of two other balloons that were deflated and lifeless. As I drew closer, it became apparent that this had been part of some sort of festive arrangement at one time, perhaps for a child's birthday or some other joyful occasion.
I could only wonder how the balloons got here, in this far-away, wild spot, and as silly as it probably sounds, I felt respect for the little blue balloon. It was tired and weary, yet still had enough life left that it tugged gently, yet insistently, at the ribbon connecting it to the other balloons, as if pleading for it's freedom.
I knew then that my duty was to release the balloon from it's bonds, and set it free. Again, I know this probably sounds pretty off-the-wall, but you know me well enough to know it's EXACTLY something I would do.
I carefully undid the other two balloons and their ribbons, not wanting to damage the blue balloon in any way, or allow any of the precious little helium left inside it to escape. Finally it tugged at my hand unfettered from the others, seemingly with renewed vigor. It was apparent that the little blue balloon was ready to resume its mysterious journey.
I looked around for a suitable launching point, and chose a rocky outcropping several yards above me, safely away from the oak trees scattered about the hillside I was standing upon. And it wasn't until I actually released the blue balloon, with a silent wish for a successful journey, that I remembered.
In the years after my Dad's passing, whenever we'd have a birthday party, or some other occasion that included a helium balloon, my kids and I would always take it out in the yard when the festivities were over, hold it aloft, and send it skyward to my Dad. "PaPa!" they would call out to him, "Here it comes!"
I'm not really sure how this tradition started, but I remember doing it many times with my son and daughter over the years, and we would always watch the balloon drift ever higher until it was too small to see. At this, our little celebration of life would be complete, and I would always feel a little closer to my kids.
As I set the blue balloon free that day, these memories came flooding back, and I started to cry. I didn't know it at first, but this chance encounter with a helpless balloon was meant to recharge the connection between me and my Dad, and as I watched the balloon ride slowly higher in the warm morning air, I sobbed and thought about good times with Dad.
The first time we went deer hunting. The first time we went salmon fishing. The first time he held my newborn son and newborn daughter.
The last time I got to tell him I loved him.
The blue balloon was indeed exhausted from its travels, and it took a long time--perhaps 20 minutes or so--for it to climb high enough that I could no longer distinguish it from the sky. I did not take my eyes from it for even a second during this time, for I knew that when it finally disappeared from sight, my Dad would have it. This exact moment was important to me, and I
could not, and did not, miss it.
I finally looked around at my surroundings again. Birds chirped in the nearby oaks, and the occasional cow would moo in the distance. Other than that all was quiet and still, and not a single vehicle had driven by during this time. I felt enriched and humbled by this chance encounter with life and soul, and grateful for the ability to appreciate such a simple act of love and devotion.
And as I climbed into my truck to continue my duties, the radio, which was tuned to a distant classic rock station, softly spoke these words:
"Butterflies are free to fly, fly away, high away, bye bye." Through a new round of tears I listened to Sir Elton John sing as if he had just witnessed my encounter with my father, yet I was able to manage a chuckle as I looked out the window to the heavens and said, again, "Hello, Dad!"
JB2, I am sorry for yours and your family's huge loss, and i'm sorry you didn't get to say good-bye to your Dad.
I also know something that you cannot yet know: As the hours, and days, and weeks, and months, and years go by, there WILL be many opportunities to say, "Hello, Dad!", and I'm certain that he'll cherish these opportunities as much as you.
Your friend in sorrow, your friend in happiness, your friend in riding, your friend in life.
Ferris Bueller |
Tripper
| | Posted on Friday, May 31, 2002 - 09:48 pm: |
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Oh jeez.... I was OK till I read that.
TO DADS! |
Pilk
| | Posted on Saturday, June 01, 2002 - 12:37 am: |
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Thanks FB, I wish I had been able to tell my dad I loved him before his untimely death. Not a single day goes by that I don't think of him, and what a great man he was, I truely hope that I can someday become just half the dad he was.
Dad I love you and miss you
FB-my wife thanks you also, made her cry too.
Pilk |
Jb2
| | Posted on Saturday, June 01, 2002 - 12:20 pm: |
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Ferris, my friend, a ride to California is in order. I hope it still comes off as scheduled for this September it's just too far away to plan with what's on my plate today.
Like your dad my dad was there for both of our children's births. We found a picture of him standing behind Kim and I at our wedding with a handlebar grin. I can't think of one aspect of my life that he wasn't involved with.
I'm home again in Indiana tonight to get a much needed break from the pace of this past week. As we were leaving I was walking around the property trying to touch base and say goodbye to as many relatives as I could find. When I approached the house from the shop you could hear laughter ringing through the entire house. There almost wasn't a place for sorrow.
Even as I set here tonight the celebrating continues. Several friends and many relatives are still there. They've built a fire in the pit and are setting by it telling stories, listnening to the rippling of the creek and cracking of the fire.
The "Hog Pen" will be hallowed ground for the months to come as the healing continues. I've already spent several hours there setting in his chair, breathing in the atmoshere of his shop, looking at all the things he was doing and had done. Our California trip for September was penciled in on his calendar, our trip last year was highlighted on a US map that hangs there. There's an American flag stuck on everything I pick up. In his life everything counted. Every minute, every person.
I cry with great happiness for having had him. His kindness, generosity to others and belief in God and country welded this family together and will continue to live on as our example. All who knew him were blessed.
I'll be leaving Sunday to spend some time with Mom and help her pick up the pieces of her life. It won't be easy but if the roles were reversed he wouldn't fail me.
Thanks a million to all of you who have sent condolences.
Ride Safe, JB2 |
Ferris
| | Posted on Saturday, June 01, 2002 - 12:43 pm: |
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JB2,
i cry with great happiness, too.
let's ride,
FB |
Firemanjim
| | Posted on Saturday, June 01, 2002 - 01:47 pm: |
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Jim,we will miss your dad at Bonneville this year,I hope in my heart that you can find the time to make it again.I know our first toast at dinner will be to the memory of your great dad.Wish I could be there to give you a big hug.Til I see you,your friend,FMJ. |
Vwolf
| | Posted on Sunday, June 02, 2002 - 03:53 pm: |
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To Jim and everyone.
I didn,t know you Jim or your Dad.I am sure that in time I would tho.I have been a Bueller only 2 years and Know of you.I was going to call some of my Brag members here in Chicago ..but I found I couldnt speak through my tears.So I want to say I am sure we here a Wcb send you Condolences.I wish and pray for you and your Father,JB1 with all my strength and wish for you to have strength also.. Vwolf WCB |
Henrik
| | Posted on Monday, June 03, 2002 - 11:05 pm: |
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Dear Jim
I am so terribly sorry for your loss. I can't begin to imagine how you feel - please accept Melissa's and my sincere condolences. I hope that you will find strength in the knowledge that you and your family are in our thoughts and in our hearts.
I just got back from the Blue Ridge Mountains that you and your dad introduced me to in 1999 on the BRATPAC tour. We had a great time, and I came to know your dad as a genuinely kind and caring man, and as a great fellow motorcyclist. That trip also gave me a glimpse of the fantastic relationship the two of you had. I met your dad again at Bonneville in 2001, and enjoyed his company and how easily he made friends there as well.
And now I sit here with tears in my eyes because a good and gentle man has passed away - too soon.
If there is *anything* I can do, please let me know.
Henrik |
Roc
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 04, 2002 - 01:23 pm: |
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I am very sorry to hear about your Dad Jim. |
Rocketman
| | Posted on Friday, August 23, 2002 - 10:34 pm: |
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Jim I had no idea, and now I'm crying.
Rocket XX |
Edmanning
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 27, 2002 - 06:29 pm: |
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Jim, I've talked to you on the phone since. You were in my prayers when I found out. I'll be in Franklin next month and think of your father who I only met once but will ride with every time Im in that part of the country or with you.
Forever wheelin,
Your Bro, Ed |
Socal
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 27, 2002 - 07:44 pm: |
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May God be with you my friend, in your time of loss and always. |
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