Do you not know that a prince and a great man has fallen this day in Israel? 2 Samuel 3:38
James W. Huston – Photo by Kristen Bons
Yesterday this world lost a prince and I have lost a model.
Jim modeled everything I would ever hope to be. First and foremost, he was a godly Christ follower. As part of his expression of following Christ, Jim was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, extraordinarily talented advocate and lawyer, and church worship leader and elder. He presided over the board of his children’s private school. He was a patriot and scholar of American history especially of World War II. Jim loved his country and served it well. A Top Gun graduate and Naval Flight Officer, he continued for years in the reserves. Oh and by the way, Jim dictated bestselling, meticulously researched novels, thoroughly historical and technically accurate, while commuting to his office. And then there was his blog.
Jim’s command of doing so many things well all the time set an overwhelmingly high bar to follow. But his exemplary life was not demoralizing. It was pure inspiration.
Jim’s command at living well did not make him aloof; far from it. He was everyone’s best friend. He had a constant infectious grin, and wit that was razor sharp but never cutting or mean spirited. I never quite knew what he was going to say next but it always advanced the conversation ten paces.
I had the pleasure and privilege of learning to practice law from Jim as one of many wonderful mentors. Jim had an open handed participative style with everyone on his teams. Though succeeding in the cutthroat world of high stakes litigation, Jim never let the intensity overpower the value of the human beings around him, or the legitimate objectives of his clients. His work product and analysis were brilliant. His style was personable and warm. No staff member or young associate was ever treated as anything other than important and as a trusted friend.
In one case, the opponents were particularly ruthless and, frankly, evil. Jim was drafted to step into that fray as an advocate. He had exactly the right combination of expert tactics, calm resolve and decency to bring the matter to a just and right conclusion.
To this well lived life was added cancer, at far too young of an age. There again, Jim prevailed over all expectations. In addition to Jim’s many accomplishments and relationships were now exposed his grace and dignity in confronting a horrible disease. The illness was unfair, including to the many in Jim’s circle who had to witness the battle and lose this model and hero too soon from this life.
Jim’s hope was eternal, no doubt the source of his indomitable courage, optimism and cheerfulness. He will always continue as my inspiration and model, to never compromise principle or the highest standards of excellence. He is greatly missed.
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Duane, you so eloquently captured this most humble of a man. Jim was exactly as you described in our firm and in the community, and most importantly to his family. To add to this man was his love of God and Country. He inspired me in my walks with cancer. We were candid as old friends tend to be and as cancer survivors. He laughed when he told me he couldn’t feel his feet but he ran often, this just a couple of years ago. I can’t feel mine either, I said and we shared a big laugh. My numb feet took me on long walks. We agreed we would keep praying for each other. And so it began; the prayers for Jim and his family on my walks. I had my second cancer not long after our talk. Jim represents the thousands of people living with cancer as a chronic life threatening disease. It was by no means easy yet Jim set an example for me and others to follow. His star is now shining down on us amongst the other saints.
God gifts came through you, Duane, to write this great piece, brother. A wonderful narrative about a solid, godly man. Thank you. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. Philippians 1:21.
Duane, what a lovely tribute you have written. I know it will bring comfort and peace to his family as they deal with their loss. May you also find comfort in having known this man…
Wow, what a lovely tribute to a beloved friend and coworker. You are a wonderful write, Duane, so thank you for sharing your gift with us. I am sure that all his friends and family were deeply blessed and touched by this tribute. My only regret is that I didn’t know him. So glad that he is with our Savior.
I remember the great blessing of hearing him teach the History of the Reformation series at New Life Presbyterian Church. He is missed, but now with our Redeemer, Christ Jesus. I will keep his family in our prayers.
http://www.newlife-pca.com/audio-worldviewwednesdays.php?sermonsite_action=view_sermon&sermonsite_sermonid=8901
I have not talked with Jim for over 20 years , but I remember Jim as a committed Christian man who loved his God and his family.
Thank you for a beautifully written piece. It is exactly as you described. I have often asked myself in tough situations: “what would Jim do”?
It is going to be tough sledding without him. I ache.
Blessed be the name of the Lord.
Mike Dudley
Oh my…so sorry. This world has lost a champion. And at the same time Heaven is welcoming a good and faithful servant….and a real man. Jeff
Beautifully written- I can sense your loss and wish I had known him. RIP