Jimbo posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 13, 2022
Who was James Robert Manno? Above all, he was a devoted Christian – putting God first.
He was a member of “Jim and Joan and the 9 Js”, the perfect role model, a “get the job done” kind of guy, and a friend. He was never afraid and always willing to help someone – treating them with respect.
For years my dad would deliver newspapers on Sundays to people in the hospital, but he would also sit and talk with them about anything. It also became a tradition that every time we would go somewhere, at some point the words, “Where’s dad? Oh, he’s over there talking to…”.
He loved a good newspaper, watching the financial shows or the news, fishing for walleye, sitting outside on a nice day, a challenging puzzle, feeding the birds, and having a cold beer! We were even able to share one more cold beer in his last days. Doctor’s orders. From my count, he survived 2 heart surgeries, cancer twice, major lower back surgery, and breaking his neck while flipping from the front porch and snapping a piece off the gas meter. He had a blessed life.
My dad cherished the 66 years with his wife (mom - we all love you) and ALL the things they did together. The special date nights at the house while we were kids - from the upstairs bedrooms we could smell the steaks cooking on the grill! There was always a kiss when he got home from work for 42 years. And every day a kiss good night and that includes last Friday.
He was a part of raising 9 unique children in a 4-bedroom home. WOW, was there some memorable times in that house. The battles over who was right (still going on today), the battles over cereal, who gets the bathroom, who was just in the bathroom, Joyce! Did you use all the hot water, whose turn to set the table, clean the table and so on. For the record, the 3 brothers blame the 6 sisters for all the problems. I’m sorry I had to get that in.
My dad loved his extended family. I can still picture the smile on his face when he would see his grandkids and what a special day was shared a week ago today outside of the hospital with each family generation represented. I know that it is a day that will never be forgotten.
I could stand up here and list ALL the wonderful things my dad did, but it would still fall short of describing who he was! I could go on and on, but most of us know that my dad was NEVER one to sit still for very long. So, I think my dad would want all of us to keep these four things to live by:
God is #1
Love of Family
Respect for All
Have Integrity
I had the honor of sharing 52 years and 364 days on this earth with my dad. But I know that through a relationship with the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we all can see my him again! So dad, this is not good-bye, but see you later!
