James P. Haney
It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of James Paul Haney — known to the love of his life, Jeri Sue, as well as to so many of his friends as Jimmy Love. Jimmy was born on March 29, 1957 in Canoga Park, Calif., and most unexpectedly passed on to another life on Oct. 4, 2011.

Jimmy leaves his father, Robert E. Haney, and has joined his mother, Betty “Sue” Haney who has passed on to another life; they are together now. He also leaves his four brothers and four sisters, Merethe Haney, Becky Ault, Matthew Haney, Elizabeth Burks, Sally Mollett, Jonathan Haney, Rodrick Haney and Daniel Haney. The Haney’s are a big family and he loves each and every one, including all of his sibling’s spouses, his beloved nieces and nephews, grandkids and great grandkids, aunts and uncles. The circle of life grows huge around them. His arms are around each and every one of them. He also leaves Jeri Sue’s family — parents, brothers, aunts, uncles, nieces, grandniece and nephew. He loves them all.

Very important in his life are many lifetime friends who loved him deeply and enriched his life. Many people in Idyllwild cared for him, respected him and loved him, often from just a chance meeting.

Jim had a devout love of nature and one of his favorite joys was camping, exploring and enjoying a campfire. He taught so many of us about the beauty and our connection with nature. One of his passions was to learn about life and all of its miracles. Jim’s life was always about love — love of family, friends and all living things. He was a wonderful artisan and was always expressing his love in many forms of art — photography, finish carpentry, glass art, poetry and whatever he could do to bring beauty to us. On his last night on Earth, he wrote a poem entitled “Forward.” It was written for all of us. He was a great person to talk to whenever you really needed encouragement and love. Jimmy will be sorely missed by so many as each life he touched was as special to him as his was to each of us.

His life will be celebrated at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15 at the Idyllwild Town Hall. All are welcome. Bring a dish if you would like, a salad, casserole or dessert. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made to Idyllwild Community Fund, Idyllwild Community Center or to the Nature Conservancy, all fine nonprofits so very meaningful to Jimmy.

Rest in peace, sweet Jimmy Love. Oh, how you will be missed by so very many people whom you loved and who will forever love you.

Forward
by James Paul Haney
October 3, 2011

Wind whipping through hair
as well as sails
Love mixed into …
interwoven trails
Boat wake shows the mixing of
Still and motion
Nature’s Mix
Placid waters turn to waves

In a heartbeat of nature’s way
Offers respite
Once again the reflection
of eternity becomes blurred
And the wind picks up,
and … all moves forward
Wind whipping through hair
and tensioned sails
Still water giving way to keel Love mixed
into interwoven trails.
Boat wake reveals
the blending of still and motion
Nature mixing
Placid waters turn to waves
In a heartbeat of nature’s way.
Roiled waters once again … Still
Reflect the eternity all share.
The wind picks up
reflection is blurred.
And all moves forward …

4 COMMENTS

  1. Jim was one of the finest human beings I have ever had the privilege to know. His many acts of kindness and friendship will never be forgotten. My heart goes out to Jeri Sue and the rest of Jimmy's family. Jim you were a great friend and you will be missed.. Rest in Peace.

    Bruce Watts

  2. I am shocked to hear about the passing of Jim. When my parents moved from Yorba Linda to Las vegas in 1976, I was taken in by Jim and Jerry Laursen and the three of us became room mates in Fullerton. So many laughs and memories I can't count them all. My favorite reflection is when a group of us went ot Turlock to see Jim while he lived on his father's almond ranch. we jumped into Steve Jones' Cadillack and drove to he Mountain Air Concert in the High Sierras. Waren Zebon, Jimmy Buffet and jackson Browne. Marty Van Zee, Debbie Bloom, Jim, Jerry and i all have a great memory to share. Jim and I were good friends at Mabel Pain – we lived around the corner from each other. We became close friends again after I finshed high school at Servite. He once painted his 1962 Corvette in the garage of Jiffy Gas station. (Red paint everywhere). He had the best sense of humor. He is probably the nicest person I have ever met. I am sorry I lost touch with Jim after he moved to Idylwild. I have never forgotten about him. He made a hude impact on my life. So sorry Jeri Sue!

  3. I'm so sorry to hear about Jim's passing. Even though we lost touch when I moved out of state, I assumed he would be there forever. I have such great memories of him during our teen's and 20's. I remember the red corvette and the blue truck. Hours of painfful boredom in his front yard working on those automobiles. My only respite being Jerry, coming from next door. I'm thankful that I was able to know Jim. I enjoyed all the dances and parties I was lucky enough to attend with him. My best memories are with him and Jerry and the whole crew on campouts to Joshua Tree. What a great time we had. Jeri Sue, you were the most perfect match for Jim. The ying to his yang. I know that you must feel torn inside with the loss of your other half. I know there are no words to share that can bring comfort. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Jim was a wonderful person and the world will miss him. Carrie

  4. I am blown away and shocked of the passing of Jimmy! I am so sorry, I did not know about the celebration of Jimmy's life! I would have been there! I just found out right now from the Town Crier this weeks edition,from Bruce's article! Jim and Jeri Sue have been in my rollercoaster of life for many years! I Love them both!
    I remember, the many hikes with the dog's. Meals I have shared with he and Jeri Sue in the past! He was the kindest man. Always, willing to give you a hug or talk to you if you needed someone to share or vent with. He was an awesome artist too! I also loved his aquariums and natural eco systems he made for them! In 1985, my daughter Marcell was the first baby born in Idyllwild. We won a portrait sitting of the family, all 6 of us ,at the time, at his Minds Eye Studio! It was cool and fun! He laughed because Marcell, slept through the whole sitting! Jeri Sue, I am sending you Love and Strength. My heart goes out to his family too! Jimmy, may the angels, kiss your eyes and watch over you on your journey! Love and Blessings,