By Terra Avilla
With Father’s Day approaching, I feel like it’s only right to give a shout out to all of the amazing fathers we have in our community. And in good ole’ Lassen County Fashion, we have a lot of them. Great men, who raise great sons and daughters. This week however, I want to highlight one in particular who has always been very near and dear to my heart. Jim Dandois.
Although Jim entered my life through one of the most painful experiences a parent or person could ever go through, the loss of his child, Jim has since become someone who I love very much, and through this tragedy, have been blessed with his friendship.
Jim has worked in this community and has been an active member of multiple benevolent groups and clubs. He and his beautiful wife had two handsome wonderful sons who Jim dedicated his entire life to. When his rambunctious and wonderful son Max passed away, Jim could have chosen to harbor anger, or despair. He could have chosen to be spiteful or discourteous. However, my dear friend, chose to rise. He chose to lead his family, and many of his friends (me included) by example.
Jim remains an active volunteer within our community, and goes out of his way to help anyone and all who need it. I cannot count the amount of times I have received texts from him, telling me and my husband that we are loved and a blessing.
I have received spontaneous text messages from him thanking me for what I do as a community member and police officer. Text messages checking on Frankie, as he knows his season is canceled. Just genuine concern and genuine friendship.
Last year, Lassen County organized our very first suicide prevention awareness walk/fundraiser. I knew instantly that no one would be a better ally to this cause than Jim. And I was right. His passion and spirit helped make the event a success. He is a role model to anyone that is suffering, that your life is what you make it, and even through darkness you can rise and lift others up along the way. That is what Jim has done for me over the past four years. He has been such a good reliable friend and human.
But prior to me even knowing who Jim was, he was already helping save the world by proudly serving in our military and volunteering countless hours at the VFW. Jim is just a giver. A giver of his time, his love, his servitude.
If you don’t know him, I would encourage any of you to reach out to him, or when you see him out and about introduce yourself. You can’t miss him. Ninety percent of the time he is sporting American Flag apparel to honor his late son. I promise you, you will gain a one-in-a-million friend.
Happy Father’s Day to all of you amazing papas out there, and Happy Father’s Day to you, Jim. An astounding father and one of the reasons I love the place we live.
