Dear Bluebird Family,
A sad heart and fond memories combine as I share this announcement about our dear friend Jim Rathert. Jim passed away peacefully on July 2nd.
Jim was of course known across the state and beyond as the premier wildlife photographer for the Missouri Conservationist magazine for over 20 years. He impacted so many of the various birding and conservation entities in our state. To our Bluebird family Jim was a Founding Board member of the Missouri Bluebird Society, a joy to be around at conferences and events, and valued for his wisdom about nature, conservation and people! Jim designed and donated to our Society the beautiful MOBS logo. Like everything else he did artistically, he put his heart and expertise into every aspect of creating it. Now on this 20-year anniversary of the Missouri Bluebird Society we can all look back and be grateful that Jim was willing to step forward to help bring this organization into existence. Jim remained a board member for MOBS for all 20 years!
We will have a special tribute to Jim at the upcoming Missouri Bluebird Conference on July 17th and 18th in Jamesport.
Jim’s family has planned a Celebration of Life for October 3rd at Callaway Fields in Mexico, Missouri – time and details to be announced later. Jim’s family has requested that memorial donations be directed to:
· Caring Hearts and Hands Hospice in Columbia (www.caringheartsandhands.org)
· The Missouri Bluebird Society, P.O. Box 105830, Jefferson City, Mo 65110
Jim’s wife Debbie has also shared that they intend to set up a “Memory Chain” for sharing stories and memories about Jim in lieu of condolences. This will be a wonderful way to honor Jim and a joy to his family. We will share more details about that soon.
We will miss you our friend Jim and we are grateful for all you have left us!
Steve Garr
Missouri Bluebird Society President