Most know Jim as someone who could make anyone laugh. He could light up a room effortlessly. He may have served you a drink only once or maybe you were a regular of his. For the past 42 years, Jim has been serving food and drinks to the masses and his community while making people smile, comforting lost souls and inciting laughter through the nights as a bartender. Unfortunately, his current medical condition is no laughing matter.

Jim was diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis, a chronic autoimmune disease, almost 2 years ago. He worked through 2024 until it was obvious he could no longer keep up with the strain it caused on his body. Then, on November 7th 2025, he had a knee replacement hoping this would allow him to be able to move around a little better with the hope he could return to work. While in Southshore Hospital the doctors found that he had Diverticulitis which resulted in tears to his colon which required a resection surgery. This did not go smoothly as some complications arose due to the Myasthenia Gravis and its effect on his bodies ability to heal. Since then, he has been bedridden in the hospital and in and out of ICU, dealing with heart issues, pneumonias, sepsis, fistulas, and extensive wound care (since his autoimmune disease makes it harder to heal) as well as a restricted diet. He could only eat ice chips and air for 2 months. He gets his nutrition intravenously, and will continue to until his body allows him to eat regular food again. There were nights we were not sure he would survive; but Jim has a lot of heart and, although he managed to get himself out of ICU, he still has a long way to go.

So far his wounds are still open and he is now starting to work on therapy for his legs, which have atrophied while on bed rest. Since he hasn't worked in over a year and, it is undetermined if he ever can again, he has incurred numerous bills. He has had to subsist on credit cards, accumulating debt, and the medical bills are piling up. He also must still maintain his health insurance, as losing it would be catastrophic, but premiums have been increasing. He also still has his ongoing housing costs, plus his home may need modifications to accommodate his new limitations and disabilities. Doctors say his recovery may take a year or more. Jim optimistically is praying it will only be 9-12 months.

If Jim has ever served you food and beverages or made you laugh or smile, please feel free to “Tip” him one more time to help him literally get back on his feet. As always, Jim wishes only peace and love to you all.