Posted by RogerC on December 31, 2002 at 17:33:43:
from a photo list:
It is with extreme sadness that we must report the passing of legendary UW Instructor, Author and Photographer, Jim Church. Jim passed away earlier today at his home in Miami Lakes, Florida. In keeping with Jim’s wishes there will be no formal services. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim’s name to the Catholic Hospice, 14100 Palmetto Frontage Road, Suite 370, Miami Lakes, Florida, 33016.
Of all the accolades that Jim has received throughout his life, the one that meant the most to him was simply “teacher”. Jim spent his life as a teacher, first in the school systems of California and ultimately as a teacher to us all who ever wanted to take a picture underwater. There are very few among us who have not been influenced by Jim’s writing or
by his hands on instruction. Many of today's professionals started with a camera in one hand and Jim's articles and books in the other. His articles and photos have appeared in dive magazines for 32 years.
It would be fitting on this last night of 2002, that we all lift a glass in the direction of the nearest ocean and shout a toast to the wonderful spirit that was Jim Church. For those of us who have had the honor and privilege of knowing and loving the man, he will be missed more than words can express. For all of us, the world will be a little sadder and emptier in 2003.
God bless you Jim. You were and will remain one of a kind.
Mike Haber and Mike Mesgleski