Fishing loses a good friend

[Rick LaCourse]

Walleye fishing lost a good friend today with the passing of Mike James from Ranger Boats. Mike was helping a friend when from what I was told had a Heart Attack and passed. Mike leaves a wife and two sons and Mother Sylvia. Please keep these folks in your prayers. We'll not forget you Mike.

[T-Mac]

He was a good guy. Sorry to hear.

[Jim Coon]

Rick
I must agree Walleye fishing and many people lost a great friend and person with the passing of Mike James. Mike was helping a friend according to what you stated. Mike was never to busy to help when called and was always a true gentleman. My thoughts and prayers go to Mike's family. He will missed by many who's paths he crossed but will not be forgotten!

[Mike Michalak]

It's with utter shock I read of Mike James' passing. We were just on the phone setting up the final touches on the company boat for this season.

Mike has long been a friend, not only to our company, but many others throughout the industry. He was one of the "movers and shakers" but you'd never know it to talk with him or meet him for the first time.

He will be sadly missed by Ranger, having so much history there, and by those of us who've been fortunate enough to know and work with him. Thank you, Mike. We'll miss you...

[Nofish]

Dear Lord!!

I cannot believe this! I am deeply saddened at this news, as I am sure you are Rick. I knew Mikes dad as well and both left us way too soon. The fishing world, ah he11, humanity is in a darker place now. Mike was one of the most honest and sincere people I have ever met.
I am at a loss for words....

God bless his wife,sons and his mother Sylvia.

[Jeff Berg]

My condolences to Mike’s family and friends. It’s always tough to lose a loved one, the holiday season makes it tougher.

God Bless,
-Jeff

[ETT]

Tried to do this last night, but just couldn't get past the shock. Mike was a friend to everyone, how good a friend was up to you, because he was always there.

My prayers to his family, and Sylvia.

Say hi to Frank Stedke for me, Mike, he'll have some fishin stories for you.

[Juls_WI]

Unbelievable! My sympathies and prayers go out to his family and friends. Mike will be missed by many, but I'm sure God had his reasons, and needed Mike "upstairs" for something special. God bless.

Juls

[ebijack]

prayer's go out to mike's family. what a great guy! the fishing industry did lose one of the best. with all he touched, his rememberance will go on.

[Chairman]

Sad and shocking to hear of the pasing of Mike James.

Prayers go out from my family to his with their loss.

Bruce De Shano
Chairman

[Cary & Kathy RCL Staff]

Mike was a good friend to all the people he met. He will be missed by all in the fishing world. By now he is more than likely catching a big string and telling lies about the big one that got away. If someone has his address we would like to send a card. Mike, you will be missed by all. Email rustler@tvsonline.net 402-664-3556

[Jim Coon]

Address for Mike James family is PO Box 1533, 4304 Western Avenue, Mattoon, IL. 61918. I believe this is the home address not the busines address. I hope this helps.

[ETT]

Rick,
Kindly post the arrangements as soon as you are made aware. I'm hoping to be able to go over. Thanks, Jim

[Gary Parsons]

It's hard to find the right words for this post. I'm still a little shocked from learning of Mike's passing. This was truly a man of the highest qualitiy. Many of you had the pleasure of working with Mike on a first hand basis...you were very lucky. Although I never had the chance to work in the "business world" of fishing with Mike, we met and talked many times. He treated me awesome... just like I was one of his Ranger Profishermen... and I'm proud to say we were friends. Fishing and in fact humanity has lost one of it's best. My sympathy and prayers go out to his family and close friends. We will not be the same without him, but all much better having known him.
Gary Parsons

[Tom Vanderweide]

Ditto on everything everyone has said. This is a big loss for everyone that knew Mike. I had just gone to bed when my son Joshua came in and told me.I could not sleep all night. All I kept thinking about was Mike and my conversations we had from time to time. Deepest sympathy to his family.

Tom and Joshua Vanderweide

[Backwater Eddy]

My sincerest condolences to the family in this time of sorrow.

Ed Carlson

[Cheri]

Mike's funeral arrangements are for January 2, 2002 - Visitation from 1-3 pm, funeral at 3 pm at Mitchell Jordan Funeral Home, 1200 Wabash, Mattoon, IL. God bless Mike and his family. We will miss him.

[Rick LaCourse]

Here are the arrangements-
Visitation: Tuesday Jan. 1st,2002 beginning @ 5p.m.
Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home
1200 Wabash Ave.
Matoon, Il. 61938
Funeral Services: Wednesday Jan. 2nd, 2002 @ 3p.m.
Visitation prior to services at 1:00p.m.
First Baptist Church
1804 S. 9th
Matoon, Il. 61938
In lieu of flowers the family has asked that contributions be made to the Mike D. James Memorial Scholarship Fund which will provide scholarships for Matoon High School football players who wish to attend college.

Contributions may be sent the funeral home.

May god help us all.

[Ted Takasaki]

It's a very sad day. Mike James was a great friend and mentor in my fishing career. He was one of the first to take a chance on a couple of guys (John Campbell and myself) who wanted to fish for a living. He would always take time to listen and would help whenever he could. He touched many lives and will be greatly missed by all.

Our sincerest condolences go out to Sylvia, Mike's family and the Ranger family that he loved so much.

Ted, Lori and Kristi Takasaki

[Chris Bahl]

I just returned and learned we lost a great friend. May we all tell someone in our sport we appreciate them today. I am lost for words.

God Speed, Mike!

Chris

[ETT]

Chris,
Great idea!!
Let me start by telling you that I greatly appreciate your confidence and support.

We all need to remember that there are no guarantees. Each day is a new begining...make the most of it.

Think I'll call Scott next. Happy New Year.

[Tommy Skarlis]

Still in shock over what has happened, I have finally come up with a few words concerning this tremendous loss:

Seldom in life do any of us get a chance to be blessed from the friendship of a truly great human being. Mike James was one of the greatest I have ever known. Always a straight shooter; never spoke a bad word about anyone; Always willing to help someone even if it would never benefit himself.

I remember Mike for inviting me to Ranger functions when I was not even in his territory, and treating me as if I was his own. His advice and assistance was monumental not only in matters of my career, but in my life also. Wow, what a mentor.

Our prayers and thoughts go out to Mikes family.

Although many of us have lost so much, God has truly landed a keeper!

May his memory be eternal.

Tommy and Michelle Skarlis

[Ralph Muccilli (Nofish)]

Hiya Tommy,

As long as thoughts like that are spoken, Mike Memory will be eternal, as is his Fathers for me.

Also, if you look at some of your comments, well most of them, they can be easily applied to you as well.

Take care all, and God Bless us all during the coming year.

Hug someone you love...........R

[Sonny Reynolds]

I am still in a state of shock and denial I do believe. There has never been such a loss to the fishing and boating community such as Mike James and a personal loss to myself as well. Mike has done so much for so many in a sport that we all love. My personal relationship with the James family goes back to the 70's not only with Mike, but Mikes dad Bob James as well.

Mike has had such an impact on so many anglers career's and dealers success. His faith in the people that he took under his wing and the guidance that he gave them is a quality and gift that few men possess. Mike was always there for us .. just a phone call away.

Mike will always be with us in the inovative ways that he has helped grow the sport for all of us.

We will miss you my friend,

Sonny Reynolds

[Schmitty]

I also am shocked by the loss of a good friend.
The world is a better place because of the time he spent here.
Lets all try to treat each other as kindly as Mike treated all of us.
Are thoughts and prayer are with his family.
The Schmidt Family
Dave
Kim
Mike & Patrick

[Marge and Gary Pelkey]

>Walleye fishing lost a good friend today with the passing of
>Mike James from Ranger Boats. Mike was helping a friend when
>from what I was told had a Heart Attack and passed. Mike
>leaves a wife and two sons and Mother Sylvia. Please keep
>these folks in your prayers. We'll not forget you Mike.

[Pat Kleppert]

There are few people that you remember the exact day that you met them. I remember the day I met Mike like it was yesterday. Having the opportunity to work for him was a privelege and an honor.

Mike was a huge football fan, loved to go muskie fishing and watch his kids play sports. He put importance on the little things and was as thourough as anyone I have ever met. He was a boss and a freind and I will miss him as much as he will be missed.

Mike was a friend to all fishermen and our industry is better because of him. He left behind his wife Lori, sons Ryan, Cameron and Conner along with his mother Sylvia. Please keep them in your prayers.

Pat Kleppert
Ranger Boats

[Sylvia James]

Thank you for all your comments. I am monitoring this site. Keep the prayers coming. I am going to print these out for my gransons to read and keep in our archives. I plan to take these to the display at the visitation tomorrow. (I hope my printer cartridges hold out). I sincerely thank you for your kind thoughts and comments. Sylvia:)

[Harry Stiles]

I have struggled with this, ever since the phone call came. Mike was solely responsible for me making the Ranger Pro Staff back in 1992. Since then, it was refreshing to know that your friend and alli was just a phone call away. Mike will be missed by many. What saddens me most, is that all those young aspiring fishing pros out there, will not have the friend and alli that I and many others were so blessed to have had.
God Bless,
Harry Stiles

[Fish_on]

God bless you Sylvia. I hope you find comfort in God's love through these difficult times. A lot of us know and love Mike and our heart goes out to you.

Bernie Barringer

[Joe and Mary Whitten]

Mike James was one of the finest employees of Ranger Boats I have ever met. If I had to list the number of things Mike has done for myself and friends I would be here all day. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends during this very difficult time.
Your flag will fly forever. THANKS!

Joe & Mary Whitten

[slip_bobber]

Mike was the first person I met from Ranger in 1995. He made the same impression on me that he has made on many. A class act. Always on your side and willing to help. He will be missed. Jackie's and my prayers are going out to Mike's family.

God Bless

Michael and Jackie Meyer Jr.

[Marge and Gary Pelkey]

I guess I can now finish the post I started the other day. I was just so overwhelmed with this news I didn't know where to begin. Mike James was such a great guy and wonderful person to work with. We are so proud to be part of his team. Gary and I have talked numerous times about Mike since our prostaff weekend in early December.He and his staff are a class act. He will be greatly missed by all. Sylvia our hearts go out to you and you are in our prayers.
My heart aches for his wife and children. I know the Ranger family will always be there for all of you.

[Scott Richardson]

To the children and family of Mike James;

No words can capture the deep sense of loss all of us who knew your dad are feeling right now.

He was a friend to all. "He never knew a stranger," as the old saying goes. He never spoke a bad word about anyone.

In business, his actions defined the word, "integrity." For most of us, he was Ranger Boats.

For tournament anglers, he was a one-man pit crew and cheerleading squad.

He loved fishing and the people who fish, and we loved him. The hundreds who turned out at his wake were proof of that.

His passing leaves a vacuum in this world that can never be filled.
May God hold your father in His loving arms until we meet again in the next.

I am so sorry for your troubles,
Scott Richardson

[Lou Parsons]

I have just read all the wonderful comments made by so many friends of Mike James. As many of you know, Sylvia, Bob, Lane and I had been friends since the mid-seventies. Having both lost our husbands early on brought us even closer together and the fact that Jason went to work for Mike even moreso. Our families have been extremely close over the years. If it had not been for Bob and Sylvia James, Lane and I would probably never have gone on to make Midwest Bass Assn. the success it was. Mike, after Bob passed away, stepped in and continued the support and advice that was always available. As many of you have mentioned, he always was available to lend an ear and help out whenever and wherever necessary. I cannot begin to tell you how much of a personal loss I feel. Mike was not only a friend to all, he was a mentor to many. My heart goes out to Lorri, Ryan, Cameron, Connor and Sylvia. It is important that all of you stay in touch with this wonderful family. The legacy they have built, not only weith Ranger Boats, but with the entire fishing and sports industry should always be remembered and cherised.

[Tammy Wood]

I had the honor and privilege of working with Mike James for 10+ years as a sales account manager with Ranger Boats. During that time, I came to not only respect him greatly as a businessman but I admired him greatly as a person. He was so dedicated to his work with Ranger and with the fishing/boating industry but I respected him more for his dedication to his family and the people he called friends. I have lost not only a cherished and brilliant co-worker but a dear friend and someone I considered "family". My thoughts and prayers are with Sylvia, Lorri, Ryan, Connor and Cameron now and forever more and it helps me greatly knowing that Mike will always be there to watch over us and lend a hand when we need it just like he always did. I may not be able to see him, but I know he is there. God Bless each of you for posting your kind words here and let us never forget what Mike stood for in work and in life. Take Care!!!