| Author | Message | ||
     Jb2 |
I set here holding a bag that contains a wallet , a belt and a pocket knife that is marked "Bio-Hazard". It belonged to one of my very best friends. I'm setting here in a Franklin, NC and my whole world has changed this afternoon. I have met some truely good people today(Thanks Mike and Sue)but this day won't be over for several days weeks, months... maybe even years. On our ride from Deal's Gap to Franklin a 19 year old boy, in a moment of distraction, turned his car left into the path of my Dad's bike. I wish for me and all of you here who have met him that the outcome was different but I don't have the power to change it. I'd give anything if it were me instead of him. None of you can fix it either but do this one favor... always tell your loved ones you love them. Always wear protection. Always consider the cagers as your worst enemy... they are. Take care of yourselves and ride your next ride for Dad. Thanks, JB2 Dad, I'm going to miss you sorely. Love, JB2 | ||
| Andrew |
JB2, My sincerest condolences on the loss of your father. Please know you are in our prayers. Sincerely, Andrew | ||
| Aaron |
Oh my god, I'm so sorry Jim. | ||
| Christos |
I can't imagine your pain, my heart and thoughts go out to you and your family. Christopher | ||
| Xgecko |
Jim you don't know me but I am very sorry for your loss. Please know that you will in my thoughts this memorial day weekend. Peace Tony | ||
| Peter |
Jim, I don't know what to say. That's a tough pill to have to swallow. Love to you and your family from Amsterdam. Pete | ||
| Loki |
Jim, thoughts, wishes, and prayers to you and yours Bry | ||
| Court |
Jim: This is terrible. I know how close you were with your Father and how much you cherished the fun times together. You have the comfort of having told him, and more importantly shown him, time and time again how much you loved him as the two of you celebrated life together. Your Father was one of the parents who, vicariously, entered the badweb family and many of us around the world will be praying for peace and whatever comfort there may be for you and your family. With love and sympathy, Your friend, Court | ||
| Buellnuts |
Jim, Sorry to here of your loss. He will be missed! The good thing is, He will be remembered! Our thoughts and prayer's to you and your family. In The Rain Forest, Bob | ||
| Danny |
Reprinted from the GDB: I rode my S2 back east in May of 98 for the Bantz family trek to Deal's Gap at the invitation of JB2. On the second day of the trip, my ignition circuit breaker gave up after nearly 4000 miles of being soaked with engine/primary oil. I felt stranded in Tellico Springs Tennessee. Jim Bantz Sr. jumped on his bagger, rode 5 hours in holiday traffic to retrieve his pickup, drove 5 hours back to load me up, then ~3 hours back (less traffic) to his house in the middle of the night. In the morning, he took my bike to Greenville, SC to be repaired. The JB1 house was then headquarters for the next couple days as JB1, JB2, S2Pengy, and myself rode all the terrific roads in the area. Meals, shower and beds all complimentary. Words now escape me but mine and my family's condolences go out to the entire Bantz family. Danny, Daphne & Amanda | ||
| Ken01mp |
so sorry jim, my deepest condolences to you and your family.i watched my best friend watch his father pass, and there is nothing a man can say when a travisty like this occurs. know that his love for you and his love for riding will live forever, as will the echoes of his memories travel infinately through space and eternity. all is well in the end, if all is not well, it is not the end. you will see him again, but until then take comfort in his riding with you and guiding your safe journeys. i will pray for you and your family. Ken | ||
| Court |
I have just talked to Jim and his Mother. Jim will post information regarding services this evening. I asked what we could be doing and the Bantz Family has requested that anyone wanting to contribute do so in memorial of JAMES BANTZ, SR to the Brain Injury Association (formerly the National Head Injuy Foudation. Checks, made payable to BIA, may be sent to: 105 North Alfred Street Alexandria, VA 22314 I assured Mrs. Bantz that she had freinds around the world who's thoughts and prayers were with her. The world of motorcycling is small, the world of Buell even smaller. When one of us hurts, we all hurt. Court | ||
| Hans |
Jim, our deep respect and condolences, brother. Hans | ||
| Newfie_Buell |
Really Sad, My condolences go out to you and your family. | ||
| Lake_Bueller |
Jim- Our deepest condolences from the Brew City BRAG chapter. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. | ||
| Gian4 |
Jim: I stare at the screen but the words aren't there. I have no words but you have my thoughts and deepest sympathy. | ||
| Aaron |
I was so shocked when I first responded that I didn't know what to say, either. Still not sure I do, but I'll take a shot. Jim, knowing how close you were to your father, I can only imagine the depth of your grief. My heart goes out to you. I don't know if this will do you any good or not, but as someone who lost his father many years ago, what I learned over the years is that even though you don't ever really get over it, you do learn to live around it. It will always hurt, but you'll learn to manage it, and ultimately you honor him and his name by picking up the pieces and carrying on, trying to be the person you imagine he'd want you to be. Grieve now, it's the right thing to do, but I'm sure he wants you to live your life optimistic, hopeful, and ambitious. You'll get there, you're a strong person with the resiliency to survive this. If there's anything I can do, please let me know, I mean that. AW | ||
| Bluzm2 |
Jim, This morning I read of your loss. I wanted to post condolences but I couldn't figure out how to put it to the keyboard properly. I'm afraid I still don't. Please accept my most sincere condolences for you and your family. The thoughts and prayers of all us Minnesota riders are with you and your loved ones. Brad | ||
| Jb2 |
All, Dad's services are as follows... 10:00 am Friday May 31st McFarland Funeral Services 54 McFarland Drive Tryon, NC 28782 828-859-9341 Cards and flowers should be sent to the funeral home. Cash Memorials should be made to the Brain Injury Association as per Court's post. Thank you Court for your help today. A big thanks to complete strangers but fellow riders, Mike and Sue Breedlove, for taking me in and helping handle all the details. Thanks to all of you who have sent your thoughts. I rode today. It helps in ways that only you folks would understand. JB2 | ||
| Ferris |
JB2, i just now walked in the door from an awesome 36 hours of riding in the Sierras, absolutely elated about the seat time since yesterday afternoon, and amped about jumping on BADWEB and catching up on the haps. this thread was at the top of the Quick Board, and altho i wanted to go to the CA BRAG page first, something told me to start here. my heart sank when i saw your "jb2" start the first post. i'm typing thru tears, my friend. i, maybe more than anybody else on BADWEB, know how close you and your Dad were, and i feel so fortunate to have met him and ridden with him during the BRATPAC Rally. i really don't know what to say. i remember when my Dad passed away that it just helped to have friends say they cared, and i sure do, Jim, i sure do. my love to you and your family, and know that we are all here for you. Jerry Haughton, aka Ferris Bueller | ||
| Donald |
Jim,Our thoughts and prayer's to you and your family. Donald | ||
| Hein |
Jim, though I never met you or your father I think I know what you feel and I feel for you. I lost my father when I was 7 years old and I understand from the posts of your friends that your father and you were as thick as thieves as I would have wanted to be with mine. Remember him with pride and I hope you can learn to give him a joyfull place in your life. Hein in Am*dam | ||
| Ferris |
well, i've dried up enough that i think i can type. i spoke with JB2 via phone a bit ago, he is an amazingly tough individual, asking ME how I'M doing. he is with his Mom, and JB3 has flown in to be at their sides. i spoke with Kim, JB2's better half, earlier as well, and she described thru her tears Jim's Dad as the "perfect" man, warm, gentle and caring. Mike and Sue, not sure if you'll read any of this, but i can tell from talking with JB2 that you guys literally saved his life during this terrible tragedy, and we extend our warmest thanks. my friend, when you decide to head to California and complete the ride you and your Dad were planning, it'd be my honor to be your wingman. love and respect, Ferris | ||
| S2pengy |
Having had not only the privilege to meet the man but also to stay at his house I am going to miss him. He as well as JB2 left a lasting impression. This man not only had an outstanding garage (I am a Mechanic and tend to judge people by their garages and tools) but the neatest room off the garage I have ever seen... It was his contemplation room where he could sit in solitude surrounded by pictures and memorabilia that were special to him. In a sense it was a mirror to his soul and said more to me about him than words could ever say... I am sorry beyond words for the loss that his Wife and JB2 and his family must feel. But heart goes out especially to Jim for being there when it happened.. From a special moment riding with your Dad to such tragedy is a travesty Todd Ride safe all | ||
| S3dave |
JB2. My condolences to you and your family. A very hard time, I know. | ||
| Raymaines |
I'm VERY sorry. This kind of thing shouldn't ever happen. | ||
| Racerboy |
"I rode today"...Jim, we do understand and hope that your ride was a celebration of your father's life and love for you and motorcycling...Be thankful that you and your father were able to share so much together...If my son thinks of me as "one of his very best friends" then my job as his father has been successful... My deepest regrets to you and your family from all of us together in the wind and rain... Sincerely, Bob | ||
| Dust_Storm |
Ever since I lost my own father, i do I lot of things for both of us. Riding is one of them. Today your father joined us. May peace be with you, friend. Chris | ||
| Sarodude |
Jim- In times like this it's tough to offer comfort to those in mourning. You can be assured, though, that all our thoughts are with you and your family. My dad doesn't ride - though he did make thorough use of a Lambretta scooter when he live in India. He's even told me a couple of funny stories about his hijinks on that thing. This thread has made me think of what an amazing guy he is - as all parents should be to their children. It pains me to imagine life without him. I then only begin to realize how you must feel. I hate beer but tonight I think I'll have a beer with my Dad. Along with my sincerest condolences, I also offer you my thanks for reminding me what my dad means to me. -Saro Marcarian | ||
| Court |
Friends, I am sorry to report that Jim Bantz, our very own JB2, working on something like 5 hours sleep the last 3 days, fell in the shower at 4am this morning, suffered a severe cut, was rushed to the hospital and is in intensive care awaiting a surgeon's arrival from Ashville or Charlotte to perfom surgery on his eyelid. I am sorry to report this. I just called to check in and talked to his son. I am going to call Kim, JB2's wife, to share our communal concerna and offer of support. In the meantime, a couple prayers and some crossed fingers. This is very sad news. Court |
