I am Phil Fisher. I am very honored to have been asked to say a few words about Jim today. Jim and I were partners and practiced law together for the past 12 years.

When I was asked to speak about Jim today, I was given three sets of instructions:

1. The first was from one of my partners, who told me – “Don’t mess up. He was a good guy.”
2. One of our staff – reminded me not to curse and not to cry.
3. Lastly – Maryanne simply raised two fingers and kindly whispered “You have no more than two minutes.”

I will try my best today to follow each set of instructions.

Jim was one of the most unique men I have ever had the pleasure to know.

Jim was unique for many reasons. One of the most unique things about Jim was that he was always happy. I rarely saw Jim unhappy or in a bad mood. Even when Jim was fighting his illness, he remained happy and upbeat to the very end. He made the people around him happy. He made ME happy — there are those at my firm who marveled at THAT particular feat. Jim wanted nothing more than to make others happy and laugh.

I admit that I actually thought about telling one of Jim’s jokes today. But I know it would have taken way longer than two minutes and would undoubtedly have ended with the entire congregation groaning.