Funny story about Jimmy. We played Little League football together fall of 1960. As you might expect he was our quarterback and punter. One night after practice my Dad, sage that he was, said "I don't think the Sheffield kid will ever be much of a quarterback." I guess Jimmy showed my Dad. Jimmy always ran with the cool dudes like Watson and Armbrister, but he seemed to always make time for the lesser folks, even the golfers.Might have been the connection we made playing little league all those years before, but I always felt a mutual respect from Jimmy. He was a special talent and a good guy!
A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO THE CLASSMATE WHO SENT FLOWERS TODAY TO THE JIMMY SHEFFIELD SERVICE & SIGNED THE CARD "GOD BLESS. WE WILL MISS YOU! CLASS OF '67"
I am writing this overlooking a lake in Mississippi on a stopover on a trip to D.C. Yesterday was Jimmy’s funeral. Cindy and I decided to leave a few days early to attend. We met LIbbey Hilliard and Tina Reid while coming in the door to the funeral chapel. It was a short simple affair. A stocky man of about 40 gave the eulogy. He recalled that Jimmy’s garage was Teneha’s gathering place for anyone who was serious about lifting weights. Early on as a boy he had tried to convince Jimmy to let him join in with his elders, but was rebuffed as too young to be serious. When the boy reached 15, his father died. Jimmy then took a different course telling the boy if he was committed, willing to sacrifice to improve and if he would not quit when he wondered if the results were worth the effort, he could join in with the others. I had heard this before from Coach Burton before the start of every football season.
Jimmy was an extraordinary athlete. He was slippery fast, could loft a 50-yard pass with accuracy and if that were not enough kicked 50-yard punts all season. At his funeral, my wonder at this led me to realize that I must have been surrounded with many who though less visible were equally extraordinary. I don’t recall a losing season in football or basketball while at Black or Waltrip. I know that we had an award winning drama team. I had a minor role on the yearbook staff, saw its hard work and was proud of our product. My memory (and much else) is not what it once was but I would be surprised if our band was not equally superior. The Imperial Guard certainly drew my attention, what little I was able to see of it.
I grieve the loss of classmates I got to know well, Jack Moore, Emil Michel, Lynn Howden and Gil Welch and realize that as we lose them there should be others I could grieve. I am in the mood to think that I did not appreciate you. Seeing you at reunions and hearing of your lives after graduation only confirms this. We were all so fortunate to have each other.
Tim - What a very heartfelt and introspective posting (without seeming sexist I will say especially from a man). I think about that too and have happily realized that there were a whoooole bunch of fellow students out there having a very good time - with family, friends, talents, cars and love lives, etc. I personally was loving my life but didn't know the lives of everyone else. Also, looking now at the successful careers of so many individuals and the many miles traveled and the large families raised shows that the good things did not stop at Waltrip. Don't feel too bad, I do believe the athletes had a job to fill with winning precision on the fields and they walked the walk in the halls knowing it. Your gift was doing all you could do to win for your school and we knew! Your job was not to smile and say hi to everyone - that was mine! Enjoy D.C. and get home safely.
Tina Reid Rose
P.S. I figured that young man was repeating some teachings of Les Burton received via Jimmy Sheffield.
In Stevens Elimentary, I thought of Jimmy as one of the cool guys and always had the perpect flat top. I don't even think he used Butch Hair Wax, which I needed, but even then, my hair would stand 5 minutes followed by it's inevitable desent to prone. I'll have a toast to Jimmy tonight.
All things Stevens, Black, Waltrip, U of H, C6 Corvettes,
Thanks, Tim. Your comments summarized many of what your fellow classmates also feel. We lived in a special era growing up in the 50's and 60's. We had a great school, great student body, and a great environment in which to mature. Jimmy was an exceptional athelete whose leadership brought prominence to Waltrip in the Houston area. As a minimally gifted athelete, I admire what was accomplished in multiple sports by our stable of atheletes. I also admire the accomplishments in multiple areas by many of our gifted students.
Again, Jimmy was a great contributer to Waltrip and our memories. Sad to see the passing of our classmates, but thank God for the gifts we were given and still have today.
Bob Cheaney
Funny story about Jimmy. We played Little League football together fall of 1960. As you might expect he was our quarterback and punter. One night after practice my Dad, sage that he was, said "I don't think the Sheffield kid will ever be much of a quarterback." I guess Jimmy showed my Dad. Jimmy always ran with the cool dudes like Watson and Armbrister, but he seemed to always make time for the lesser folks, even the golfers.Might have been the connection we made playing little league all those years before, but I always felt a mutual respect from Jimmy. He was a special talent and a good guy!
Gary Armbrister
To all Rams of 67. No way at this time can I express what my friendship with Jimmy means to me. To many memories have passed in front of me this week.
Blessed to have had him as my best friend in those younger care free days of growing up. All things, Stevens, Black, Waltrip and Texas A&M.
Last time together at the 55th.
Pat Clooney (King)
A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO THE CLASSMATE WHO SENT FLOWERS TODAY TO THE JIMMY SHEFFIELD SERVICE & SIGNED THE CARD
"GOD BLESS. WE WILL MISS YOU! CLASS OF '67"
Johnny emailed tonight & said:
Pat
Thanks for the beautiful flowers
For Jimmy from his class
The service was beautiful
Johnny
🌹🌹🌹
Tim Duff
I am writing this overlooking a lake in Mississippi on a stopover on a trip to D.C. Yesterday was Jimmy’s funeral. Cindy and I decided to leave a few days early to attend. We met LIbbey Hilliard and Tina Reid while coming in the door to the funeral chapel. It was a short simple affair. A stocky man of about 40 gave the eulogy. He recalled that Jimmy’s garage was Teneha’s gathering place for anyone who was serious about lifting weights. Early on as a boy he had tried to convince Jimmy to let him join in with his elders, but was rebuffed as too young to be serious. When the boy reached 15, his father died. Jimmy then took a different course telling the boy if he was committed, willing to sacrifice to improve and if he would not quit when he wondered if the results were worth the effort, he could join in with the others. I had heard this before from Coach Burton before the start of every football season.
Jimmy was an extraordinary athlete. He was slippery fast, could loft a 50-yard pass with accuracy and if that were not enough kicked 50-yard punts all season. At his funeral, my wonder at this led me to realize that I must have been surrounded with many who though less visible were equally extraordinary. I don’t recall a losing season in football or basketball while at Black or Waltrip. I know that we had an award winning drama team. I had a minor role on the yearbook staff, saw its hard work and was proud of our product. My memory (and much else) is not what it once was but I would be surprised if our band was not equally superior. The Imperial Guard certainly drew my attention, what little I was able to see of it.
I grieve the loss of classmates I got to know well, Jack Moore, Emil Michel, Lynn Howden and Gil Welch and realize that as we lose them there should be others I could grieve. I am in the mood to think that I did not appreciate you. Seeing you at reunions and hearing of your lives after graduation only confirms this. We were all so fortunate to have each other.
Bob Cheaney
Great Post Tim!!
Tina Reid (Rose)
Tim - What a very heartfelt and introspective posting (without seeming sexist I will say especially from a man). I think about that too and have happily realized that there were a whoooole bunch of fellow students out there having a very good time - with family, friends, talents, cars and love lives, etc. I personally was loving my life but didn't know the lives of everyone else. Also, looking now at the successful careers of so many individuals and the many miles traveled and the large families raised shows that the good things did not stop at Waltrip. Don't feel too bad, I do believe the athletes had a job to fill with winning precision on the fields and they walked the walk in the halls knowing it. Your gift was doing all you could do to win for your school and we knew! Your job was not to smile and say hi to everyone - that was mine!
Enjoy D.C. and get home safely.
Tina Reid Rose
P.S. I figured that young man was repeating some teachings of Les Burton received via Jimmy Sheffield.
Billy Smith
I agree, nice post Bob & also Tim,
In Stevens Elimentary, I thought of Jimmy as one of the cool guys and always had the perpect flat top. I don't even think he used Butch Hair Wax, which I needed, but even then, my hair would stand 5 minutes followed by it's inevitable desent to prone. I'll have a toast to Jimmy tonight.
All things Stevens, Black, Waltrip, U of H, C6 Corvettes,
Billy Smith
Larry Jones
Thanks, Tim. Your comments summarized many of what your fellow classmates also feel. We lived in a special era growing up in the 50's and 60's. We had a great school, great student body, and a great environment in which to mature. Jimmy was an exceptional athelete whose leadership brought prominence to Waltrip in the Houston area. As a minimally gifted athelete, I admire what was accomplished in multiple sports by our stable of atheletes. I also admire the accomplishments in multiple areas by many of our gifted students.
Again, Jimmy was a great contributer to Waltrip and our memories. Sad to see the passing of our classmates, but thank God for the gifts we were given and still have today.
Cheers & God bless,
Larry Jones
Bill Sherrill
Just what a Great Person he was and will be in our Heart. RIP JIMMY!
Kirkley Lee Thompson '65
Prayers from Iowa for the family.