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

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Well, we're not as active in the knife community these days, what with our major link to it being gone. But today, through the slowly-moving grapevine, we heard the sad news (incidentally, while I was in the car coming back from a show).

I durned near started bawling. It's a good thing my husband was driving.

Suffice it to say that Jim was one of the neatest guys I've talked with throughout the better portion of my young life. Having grown up in the House of Muzzleloading (which later became Blades 'n' Stuff, one of Jim's hangouts), I've known this man for an awfully long time.

I didn't really start talking to him much until we needed his legal knowledge... at which point, he spent a great amount of time on the phone, giving us suggestions as to what to do on a situation at hand (at about 11pm). That, in and of itself, speaks volumes of this man's willingness to help others.

After Bob Engnath died, I spent a lot of time reminiscing with Jim through email, and at a couple other functions. When another knifemaker friend passed on, we did it again.

This time, however, I'm at a loss... my consolation buddy's the one gone, so who should I email now?

Bad jokes were occasionally passed back and forth, but as time moved on, I slowly slipped back into the living history circuit (and the powwow circuit) and he back into the knifemaking circuit, and rarely do the twain meet or mix. I haven't talked to Jim for nigh on a year, and it cuts me to the quick that I hadn't. To think of all the conversations we never got around to having...

I'll miss you, Jim.

To the family, we (all the old House of Muzzleloading staff) wish you only the best... that G-d ease your suffering and bring you peace; that all things work out; that time brings you the understanding needed; and ever so much more.

I only wish we'd known earlier than now... Someone said, in another message on here, that it's 'like your favorite uncle died and you couldn't go to the funeral' (I'm paraphrasing; forgive me any glaring errors!). Well, I somewhat feel the same way... were I only to have known sooner...

If there is anything that we can do to help, please let me know, Toni. You're in our minds and hearts, you and all of your family.

May healing begin swiftly and may your prayers speed on eagle wings to your Creator.

Lori Fuller
(the daughter of Leif Nielsen, one of them HML owner-types)
 
Mrs. Mattis,
I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Mattis's passing. He was truly an inspirational knife lover, user, collector, and dealer. I don't how many of you remember me, Mike I'm sure you do, but Mr. Mattis turned me onto kinves back at the Benchmade forum about 2 years ago when the knife forums got really popular. I have been away at college and just graduated and got on the net to look at a forum I have not seen in quite some time and discovered the news. I'm very sorry, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Buck
 
Thanks to the posters who have favorably commented on my post regarding death. I am touched that my words found something inside you. Something good and sensitive.

It seems that my post was read by the Grim Reaper himself, and he decided to not let my challenge go unanswered. Three weeks ago, my ex-wife, who is a very close and good friend to me, felt a lump in her breast. A biopsy revealed cancer, and she had a modified radical mastectomy two weeks ago. She will have prophylactic chemotherapy despite (thank God) negative lymph nodes, meaning she probably has no metasteses. Hopefully she will be cured. My mother died of breast cancer, and her identical twin had two radical mastectomies, lived to be in her 90's and eventually died of a stroke. Liz had no risk factors, however.

Liz chose to have a modified radical mastectomy instead of the less disfiguring lumpectomy for one reason: there was a better chance of her being around longer to see our son grow up. She is determined to see our grandchildren.

Sometimes heroism is not something overt and noticeable. Sometimes it is just a simple inability to conceive of making a choice regarding one's health in a manner other than that designed to maximize your ability to care for one's children. I think Liz is a heroine; the epitome of true mother's love for her child. I honor her and I love her.

I would appreciate it if you would all pray for Liz and me, and our wonderful 9 year old son, Andrew.

Death, slink from the room frustrated again; you have encountered a true fighter who will not give up a single minute of her time on this world to you without a struggle. A woman who selflessly puts her child above all else.

Thank you all in advance for your support.

Walt, Liz and Andrew
 
I haven't visited here for awhile and it came as a great shock to learn of James's passing.

James Mattis set a good example for all of us.
I will think of him often, especially when I have a question in my mind about the right and decent thing to do.
 
Walt,

Please rest assured that you and yours are in our prayers.

Liz,
I admire your courage. I recently ran in Baltimore's Susan G. Komen Race For The Cure, to benefit breast cancer research. Whatever you do, keep fighting. Don't ever, ever give up fighting. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
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Love and light,
Thomas

------------------
"Life is uncertain --Always carry TWO blades..."

-Thomas the Terrible
 
I've been away from this forum for several months..last night i checked in and landed at the homepage...Got the awful news...
I am just so sad for the family and friends of James...woke up this morning thinking about him...think i'm going to go away for a few more months....

Fair winds, James

With deepest sympathy to the Mattis family

Barry Norback
 
I was watching an old John Wayne movie the other night. I didn’t see the beginning so I don’t know which one it was, but he portrayed a cowboy – ‘Mr. Anderson’ – who was moving a herd of cattle along with one other man and a dozen boys. At one point, one of the boys died. About death he said something like:

“If you do what you can, and do your best at it, I guess somehow you’re ready for it.”

I never had the chance to know Mr. Mattis personally, but I admired his stands and words of wisdom and humor here on BF.

May we all be as ‘ready’ for it when it comes to our door, as Mr. Mattis was when it came to his door. James, wherever you are, thanks for the great example of what a gentleman should be; an example that will not be forgotten and that will hopefully be followed by many.

My sincere condolences to the Mattis family.
 
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