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 …