I saw Jim in the dog run but avoided him like the plague since he added me to the famous "jim crazy rant" thing he does but it was worse because he blatantly lied about me so much so I can never help me again. Me being me -- I still have these impulses or wishes -- oh I wish I could take him in but really for Jesse because I love her so. She has been through too much. Many others have offered him and Jesse shelter and the amazing Cooper Square Housing activists actually got him housing but he would have to fill out a form and for Jim that was impossible for the same "Jim reasons" that make him rant and rave about the people that actually have helped him. Jim is a Viet Nam Vet and he needs care and support. When I called the VA they had a recording for Vets from so many wars including our most recent. As usual they is way too much need and way too little resources.
My friend said it had rained so hard and the sign was hard to read but it she got the gist...
She called Jim my friend. I told her the horrible lies Jim said and said I could no longer help him. That although not a family member I had even called the VA hospital several times, stated I was not a family member and to please help him including even when he was in the VA hospital that I payed to transfer him to from Brooklyn to Manhattan when he fell and broke his wrist and shoulder. Again it is amazing he did so and still continues to make high quality art work. He is like a character from Edith Wharton's Ethan Frome his body so twisted by this life's journey but the drive to make art still so strong and his work is so high level. He remains so productive with no home or stable resources or support.
I told her if she sees him and it feels right than go for it -- give him so money.
So that is the Jim update. Sad news.... It is the same situation -- the Jim viscous cycle but the very sad news it he is older and in far worse shape... I will always admire the high quality of Jim's art work, his very high level of art and work ethic under the worst conditions possible but he is just getting older and in far worse condition. Jesse is old and she has endured extreme situations and circumstances that no dog should so I tell myself as true for us all there is a limited time on earth. I don't know how long she and even he can hang on in extreme conditions, etc. That being said, one store owner that always helped Jim and gave him money to take Jesse to the vet -- and Jim never took her cut Jim off as well. He couldn't forgive not taking Jesse to the vet when he gave Jim the money has gone through major surgery so shocking and radical it is a miracle he is alive....Sometimes I think Jim will outlive us.
Note: HBO ran a documentary on a man like Jim with similar art work located in Philadelphia I believe, I am extremely tired..., and he was far more mentally ill even having been rushed to the hospital for hurting himself in a gruesome way but he also was married and had two sons. With medications he seems to do better.
Jim's art is powerful and his work may be the largest out door free museum in NYC.
Note: I had even called community affairs awhile ago and stated Jim is in worse shape. If anything happens to him please do not send Jesse to a shelter. I almost cried. She has been through too much and she should not be put in a dog shelter. I said call Clayton Patterson. He is in the phone book. He would take her if anything happened.
FYI: Clayton and his wife Elsa took Jim and Jesse in. I don't know many people that would open there doors to a homeless man and his dog but they did. They too were the victims of Jim's ranting and raving lies. Anyway Jim may out live us...who knows...sad that he is desperate for housing but is a place he has been many a time.... Sad....
