Pestering Uncle Jim

My uncle, Lester “Jim” Wolfe was a wonderful uncle. He was married to my dad, Al Spencer’s sister, Ruth. He was a funny man who loved to chase us around the room and tickle us. Uncle Jim was an old hand at tickling. Tickling us was his way of “getting back at us” whenever we pestered him…which, of course, meant we always pestered him. Once we knew he was coming after us, we would scamper off, trying to escape, though we never really did. I don’t know what there is about tickling kids, but they always seem to come back for more. My great grandsons, Justin, Axel, and even Cristian (the littlest one) want me to tickle them. They will come to me and say, “Tickle me!!” It reminds me of how we were with Uncle Jim.

Uncle Jim was a favorite uncle to my sisters, Cheryl Masterson, Caryl Reed, Alena Stevens, Allyn Hadlock, and me. He had a wonderful sense of humor and a deep love for family. He adored kids and treated all of them with kindness. In fact, Uncle Jim was kind to everyone. He truly was the best kind of person, with a soft heart. Whenever we were with him, if he had any say in it, we could have or do whatever we wanted! I’m not sure how my parents, Al and Collene Spencer, felt about all that “spoiling,” but I’m certain they didn’t mind too much since it was just temporary. Uncle Jim simply loved making us happy.

Uncle Jim was the kind of person who would help anyone in need, if it was within his power…neighbors, friends, or even complete strangers. He was generous and always willing to lend a hand. He was fiercely loyal to his family, and no one dared harm his wife or kids. He defended them with both words and actions and remained faithful to them in every way. When he bought land in Washington to build his forever home, he made sure to purchase enough so that each of his kids could have a place nearby. He wanted to ensure they always had a home, and he liked the idea of a family compound. The land he chose was atop a mountain, offering breathtaking views along the way up. Uncle Jim did everything he could for his family, and I don’t know anyone who didn’t love him. Even in his later years, when Alzheimer’s Disease required him to move into a nursing home, his character remained the same. He loved making the nursing staff smile and brightening the days of visitors. He was often found getting into harmless “mischief” behind the nurses’ station desk, just “visiting,” of course. My sisters and I still love him dearly!! I miss those good times so much. Uncle Jim went to Heaven in 2013 to reunite with his wife, Aunt Ruth, and other family members who passed before him. Today is the 104th anniversary of Uncle Jim’s birth. Happy birthday in Heaven, Uncle Jim. We love and miss you very much.