For those that are not on social media and perhaps a few that haven't logged in of late. Our good friend Jim Simpson succumbed to the heart issues he had on Tuesday. Jim was a founder member of XRV, the forerunner of BT , a great guy and friend to many. A great shock to us all. I know he wasn't on here of late, but a bike enthusiast to the end. He will be sadly missed.
Shocked & stunned when told - taken before his time. The way most of us will remember him I think . . . Smiling Supping Swift journey Jim
Wow,funny isn't it when you lose touch with someone you knew well ,and then suddenly hear of their passing. Rode across the French/Italian Alps with him way back as well as a trip around Normandy. Hadn't heard from him since he lost his wife though. Well Jim , see you on the other side bro. I'll hold the memories til then. I'm purposely none FaceBook. So thanks John for the heads up,.
We don't loose touch Nick, just time passes. End of the day we pick up straight from where we left off. We are only a message phone call from us all Sent from my S41 using Tapatalk
If anyone has incriminating video or pictures of Jim can you email them me. Only problem I'm finding is I was as pissed or worse than he was Sent from my S41 using Tapatalk
A few more piccies of Jim from me . . . though nowt that'll make you go Grinding Jim AfricaJim on an Africa Twin Then I found this one . . . . . . and this one from 2013
Each Other When we strip away all that is inconsequential And much of what we feel is important is inconsequential We're left with what really matters Each other In sorrow painted with tears and in smiles tinged with laughter In the brightness of day and in the darkness of night In the rebirth of spring and in the aging of winter We have each other In the pain of grief and in the joy of new life In the emptiness of doubt and in the fullness of hope and on a forum We have each other. We possess much and own nothing We strive to reach perfection and lose sight of the fact that we're already there We have all we really want and everything we really need We have Each Other
I couldn't and didn't want to believe it when I first saw the "RIP Jim" messages on Facebook. "No, it cant be". "It's a sick a joke". "It better bloody not be true". All went through my mind. But a bit of digging that I didn't want to do and it was true. I didn't want to believe it. Then I felt cross. Cross at Jim briefly, then at the world. Taken too early, I hadn't finished my time with Jim. I still had whiskies I wanted to share with him, tales of travels, drunken bollocks to be talked over a campfire or a greasy spoon breakfast. Rides on motorbikes not yet done. It's all wrong and all too soon. Bollocks, although I only ever saw hime every year or so he was a mate and I will mis him. Scotland is the poorer for his passing. He was stalwart of my trips to Galloway, Piel Island and others. He always always gave good feedback - good and bad and it was Jim's feedback that gave me the confidence to go on. Bastard. I think I said before, but I will miss him.
Ah, the bear picture. I remember it as if it was yesterday . Great times had with a kindred spirit. I went though to see Jim in his new wee hoose about three weeks ago, he was in fine spirits, just frustrated with the situation he was in. I was there when he got word of the 26 cases of covid in Aberdeen after he had been for his 1st op. His first words were, that's that feked then, followed by It wisne me ye ken that spread it Obviously his op was cancelled, so near and yet so far. What a guy, he will be never be forgotten for sure. Jim's daughter has asked that a few number of bikes would be nice. I am taking Jim's old AT along and Steve his taking his bike. If any one else wants to attend, let me know. I know it's a bit far for most of you and I am sure you will all raise a glass or remember him at an appropriate time on Thursday, when the funeral will take place in Keith. Still can't believe I am writing this, going to be a hard shift on Thursday.
Well, a final farewell was said to Jim this morning, with several well known faces from this place present - Jim would have enjoyed some great craic with those present All present raised a dram of Jims favourte malt at the graveside, with Jims ashes having several drams accompany him on his way . . . along with a bottle Jack Daniels of course Rode several of Jims favourite roads afterwards, thinking all along as I rode, of the many times Jim & I had hooned these bits of tarmac together. Go ride the long road Jim, pop the occasional wheelie and divert onto the dirt as and when the occasion arrives.
I am raising glass as I write this. He realy was a good bloke. I wonder on what bike he arrived at the pearly gates.
