I feel as though I cannot post these web pages without saying a few personal words about Jim. Jim Maita was a loving, sensitive and complicated man. He was deeply loved by his family and friends. In his lifetime, Jim navigated through the best of times, and the worst of times. He had great success, and some failure too. Jim seemed to take advantage of the harder lessons in life, and parlay them into the successes that he enjoyed before his death in 1999.

As I sit here in my dusty office surrounded by photograph's, I find myself at a loss for words. There's Jim with mom, there he is with all of his sisters, there he is with Dad, there he is with his wife and daughter. It conjures up so many thoughts and feelings that are indescribable. I'd like to give you the essence of my brother if I can.

He was an emotional man, but stoic at the same time. He was a giving man, but had boundaries about the way that he conducted himself. He had the most distinct laugh; almost a boisterous giggle. I can still hear it, as sure as I can hear our father's laugh. He enjoyed food, drink, and a good cigar.  He loved a big party, surrounded by his many many friends. He loved his wife and children. He doted on his mother, and he always missed his father. Dad's death left a great vacuum within Jim, and it drove him to push toward success. (Yes, dad would be proud of you!)  Jim held a lot of his feelings inside, but was an expressive person in other regards.

People still ask me how Jim died, and for those of you who have just surfed into this site, he died from a head injury sustained while practicing his team roping. He remained with us for 6 months beyond the accident. In those months, I think we all learned a little about humanity in it's purest form.

Jim was a successful businessman, an avid rodeo participant (he team pinned), a loving father, a devoted husband, a cherished son, a dear brother, and a good friend. He left behind his mother and stepfather, 5 sisters, a wife and 2 daughters, and countless friends and associates.

I love you Jamie.