The above Celebration of Life invitation was forwarded to me. I decided to RSVP since Jim Short held a special place in my heart and I will be in Southern California on that date.
Well, it turned out that those who received this announcement were invited and attending this particular memorial event is by invitation only and I am not on the invitation list, so I can’t attend.
Since I can’t attend, I will write out some of my memories of Jim.
As a skater, I always knew who Jim Short was. His slogan “Skate Because You Love It” was always in the competition programs. He was a coach with some very good skaters.
When I became the Skating Director at Iceland In Paramount in the late 1980s, I talked with Jim every day in the coaches room. He would tell me stories and he was always so appreciative about everything I did at the rink.
I remember giving him a gift once and he told everyone how much he appreciated it. I can still hear his voice talking about the gift!
He told me stories about his skating life. I remember he told me that he didn’t compete the year where the entire 1961 US world figure skating team was killed in the plane crash because he was serving in the military that year. His life was saved because of that.
He talked about his friendship with Barbara Roles too.
I just enjoyed Jim Short and yes, I do miss him. He was a kind person and I don’t believe he ever had a conflict with anyone. Just knowing he is no longer with us adds to all the losses I’ve experienced.
Thank you, Jim Short, for “Skate Because You Love It!” Your life impacted mine.
