I'm so deeply saddened to hear of Jim's passing. He was always there for the "newbies" and the "recurrence club" members...everyone, really. He had a lot of insight and experience to share. Though I did not know him well, I will never forget his ever-presence on these boards.

Rest in peace, Jim.

So sorry to hear of Jim's passing. His presence and compassionate way of encouraging others were always a bright spot in my day. I loved his humor and positivity and his entertaining typos! Everything about Jim was genuine. He will be missed for a long time to come.

I knew of EzJim's continuing struggles and admired that he still reached out to others. He was a regular on the boards, six years ago, when I first joined. There was so much he could have complained about but he didn't seem to become bitter. He once sent a supporting PM to me when I hadn't even asked a question.

I'm relieved to know that hospice was able to help him at the end. He certainly deserved some comfort after so much hardship.

With condolences to his family,
Lottie

A lot of us spent many many hours "talking" to Jim and I for sure will miss his bantering back n forth.

So long ole friend.

I'm deeply saddened to hear this. I know some of you will remember when Jim first arrived, and the urging of his then-girlfriend? (my recollection...may/may not have the relationship correct). I remember welcoming a reluctant, somewhat negative, pragmatic man who had "come to grips" with cancer, and was "O.K." with it taking his life.

It took a while for him to begin to change, but change he did. Watching him, and talking with him as he continued his journey with the Beast, I saw an amazing transformation...the more difficulty he faced, the more determined he became. Determination to be positive, to become more educated on the latest roadblock, to develop countless changes in approach to his "new normal"

I remember Jim saying he KNEW cancer would end his life. I also remember him being convinced that it would do that quickly, within 6 months of him joining us here...more than six YEARS ago.

Safe travels, & happy trails to you, EZJIM. You gave me something I needed badly all those years ago; someone to champion, someone to help, and in doing so help myself. You played a big role in my adjusting to my new normal which at the time, I wasn't sure I COULD fully adjust to. In the years that followed, you gave me an example, many times over that living life richly, even after oral cancer was a very "do-able" thing to do. You'll be missed, my friend

Here is Jim's Obituary which was posted in the Wheeler Funeral Home's site. You can leave condolences and memories there if you like.
http://www.wheelerfuneralhomes.com/Obituaries

James E. "Jim" Westling
February 21, 1936 - May 14, 2014

James E. �Jim� Westling, 78, of Mingo Junction, Ohio passed away Wednesday May 14, 2014 at the Valley Hospice Care Center North in Steubenville, Ohio. He was born February 21, 1936 in Steubenville, Ohio, a son of the late John and Anna Marie (Futey) Westling. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a son, James R. Westling on July 4, 2011; and three brothers, Clifford �Kip�, George and John Westling. Jim retired in 1984 from Wheeling Pittsburgh Steel Corp., where he worked as a yardmaster in the Railroad Department. He served his country in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict and was in the Presidential Air Force Honor Guard. He was the former mayor of New Alexandria; a member of the Smithfield Masonic Lodge #182 and the Brilliant American Legion Post 573. Surviving are a son, Ryan (Jamie) Westling of Wintersville, Ohio; two daughters, Lori (Todd) Burnett of New Alexandria, Ohio and Sue (Joe) Malmisur of Cortland, Ohio; the mother of his children, Bette Westling of New Alexandria, Ohio; a brother, Russell (Sherry) Westling of Dillonville, Ohio; two sisters, Carol (Harold) Cunningham and Regina (Douglas) Patterson both of Mingo Junction; thirteen grandchildren, Amanda (John) Wright, Megan (Dustin) Hendricks, Donnie (Lindsay) Mayse, Brianna, Gabrielle, and Jake Marker, Kaitlyn, Kali, Dylan, Landen, Cooper Westling, and Brock and Eva Burnett; and five great-grandchildren. Friends will be received on Friday from 5-8 p.m. at the Wheeler Funeral Home, 712 Third St., Brilliant, where his funeral services will be held on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Bill Westling, officiating. Interment will follow at New Alexandria Cemetery, with Military Honors by the Ohio Valley Veterans Memorial Squad. There will be a Masonic Service on Friday at 6:30 p.m. Memorial contributions may be directed in Jim's name to The Oral Cancer Foundation, 3419 Via Lido # 205 Newport Beach, CA 92663 or online at OCF's online donations Offer condolences at www.wheelerfuneralhomes.com

Visitation

Friends will be received on Friday from 5-8 p.m. at the Wheeler Funeral Home, 712 Third St., Brilliant Masonic Service 6:30pm on Friday

Services

Wheeler Funeral Home, 712 Third St., Brilliant Saturday at 11:00 a.m.

Im hoping everyone will post a condolence on Jim's obituary. His family was very generous to have donations to OCF in lieu of flowers. Please add (OCF) after your name so his family will know just how many friends he had here. Jim touched hundreds of lives thru this forum. He will be greatly missed by so many.

Jim left a big footprint here at OCF. I always pictured him out in the yard mowing his lawn. He was a lively guy and I'll miss his posts. He fought the good fight with humor and a great attitude.

Hi Christine:

Thanks for sending us his obituary. Do you know, or can you find out, an address that we can send a condolence card to his family?

Thank you so much.
julieann

If anyone is making a donation in lieu of flowers to honor EzJim, make sure you put his name in the comments section at the checkout.

At this time, his family has not set up a memorial in Jim's name.

Thank you for any contributions!