In Memory of James K Mattis - Please leave your thoughts here.

Status
Not open for further replies.
I came on BFC tonight to find something funny to read...get a laugh. I feel like a got punched in the stomach instead. My words seem little, so I'll just say...may he rest in peace, and be remembered by thousands.

My condolences.

Caleb
 
I only meet the man at the BSW. I wish I was able to get to know him better. He sounds like one of the nicest guys out there.

RIP
frown.gif


------------------
Pain was made for the weak!
 
Toni -

Please accept the condolences of the staff of Blade Magazine, and the Blade Show staff here at Krause Publications. If there is anything that we can do to somehow make this time easier for your family, please call.

I had the pleasure of talking with you and Jim at Blade West, and considered it an honor to meet the man that I had admired through these forums. Please know that he touched many hearts and will, for that reason, live on forever.

Missy
 
I would always go out of my way to read a post or thread with Jim's name attatched, whether or not I was interested in the topic.

Toni, you and yours have the prayers of me and mine.

shalom

pat
 
I am deeply saddened to hear of this, I just got back today and this is not the kind of news I like to come home too.

I never meet James in person, but have spoken to him many times over the phone and through the ether and a finer person is hard to come by. I purchased from him on more than one occasion and profited by his advice to myself and others many times.

A true knife aficionado and proponent of fairness and reasonableness in all things, cutlery and otherwise.

He will be sorely missed.

Condolences to Toni and the rest of he Mattis family.


------------------
~ JerryO ~

Cogito Cogito Ergo Cogito Sum
 
I’m deeply moved by the passing of James Mattis.

No one has influenced my view of owning and using knives as James has. To me he was the “compassionate thinking man’s” moderator and knife dealer. James successfully converted the knife owners image from the 9inch-barbe-wired-ninja-rambotron toting survivalist into that of a passionate husband and grand-/father who uses knives as tools and not to intimidate or hurt others. I loved the story when he used the 8” CRK Jereboam in his temple to cut the Jewish ceremonial bread and convinced the people of his congregation of the usefulness of even big, black blades. Another example of James’ positive attitude is when he regarded the Cold Steel Vaquero Grande not as a tool for self defense but as the perfect bagel knife.

What touched me most was James’ spiritual view of the world and how he combined this with action. Best example was the “good karma” donation he would make when buying from him. James did not just talk about doing good, he did it himself and motivated others to follow him.

James passing leaves a big void in all of us. It cannot be filled. All we can do is try and keep his values alive.
 
Mr Mattis made a valuable and appreciated contribution to all our knowledge.
My condolences to his family on their loss, which is all our loss.
Sincerly,
Dennis
 
I did not personally know James but enjoyed reading his replies and comments on the forum. It is a great lose. I wish his familly my best.

Wolf
 
There's a hole in all our lives with James' passing. He's one of those rare people who made the world a better place by his personal conduct.

We'd talk into the wee hours on IRC on many diverse subjects. I got to meet him at Blade in Hotlanta.

Toni....let us know if you need anything.


Regards,

Pat
 
It has taken me some time to know what to say about James. I have known him since the creation of the Benchmade rec.knives knife. James is one aof a few I really respect, it is hard to find someone as good as him. I will miss him along with alot of others. I pray that one day I will have the same efect on so many. James is truely a great man. Peace buddy.
 
Recently I've ordered a knife from James, and it arrived to Poland today. Probably one of the last knives he sent.
What's more, I told James that I had lost a very close friend 2 weeks ago on a Polish yacht that was crashed by a tanker on Nord See.
And he said:
"Oy!! Damn! The Grim Reaper works much too hard!"

What can I say? Damn! You were right about it James.

 
I cannot hope to say anything that will ease the pain Jame's family is dealing with now, and though my own sense of loss is a trifle in comparison, I offer words that have given me comfort at the loss of another truly magnificent man.

Under the wide and starry sky,
Dig a grave and let me lie,
Glad did I live and gladly die,
And laid me down with a will.

This be the verse you grave for me:
Here he lies where he longed to be;
Home is the sailor, home from sea,
And the hunter home from the hill.

Robert Louis Stevenson
Requiem

Fair winds and God's love James.
 
I didn't know James very well. I only chatted with him a few times in the BFC chat room. But, in just those few times, I was exposed to the side of him that made him so well liked. He didn't disregaurd the 'new guy' like will happen so many times. I remember one night he was posting pic links in chat and I didn't know how to look at them. I asked him to send me some in email. Wow! It took me almost half an hour to get through them all!

He had a real passion for the blade. I'm sorry he had to go. But, he's not really gone. All you have to do is look around on the forum and you see him everywhere. Yeah, he'll be around for a long time to come. Some day, it'll be our turn. We could only hope to be missed like we miss him. So long James.
 
I am at a loss for words...To the Mattis family, I offer you my most humble sympathy and love in your time of grief. James Mattis is a name that I have known from my very first days of interest in knives and it is a name that I will carry in my memory until I, too, lay down one last time. Peace be with you, and with this whole extended family of good people at Blade Forums.
-Jim
 
Though I never had the opportunity to know Mr. Mattis, it is always sad to see a person leave. He sounds like a true gentleman from which a lot could be learned.

God Bless

Kevin
 
With Deepest condolences....he *will* be missed by all who were lucky enough to have spent some time with him.
 
I've been out of the loop for a while. Of all the threads, I am glad I didn't miss this one. I thought he was a man of great character, and it is sad to see him leave. I will think of him tonight.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top