Help save Papa Jim

Imagine if you will, one day while you go about your normal daily routine, the unthinkable happens. Without prior warning, half of your body shuts down as your body experiences a massive stroke. You’ve done everything right up to this point in your life...set a great example, raise a wonderful family, contribute to society, and be a genuinely good person. You have so much more you want to do with your life…watch your children raise their families, spoil the grandchildren, and do some more charitable work as you wind down your career.

What is happening to me?

Your mind hasn’t yet grasped the gravity of the moment…or the consequences. The recovery, possible death, financial distress, all the lost moments, loss of memory, the unconscionable possibility of never seeing your family again…none of it. Your body is in suspense, and it’s as if time has stopped. You aren’t aware yet that your family is in distress too, for the future is abruptly uncertain for them. Their fear reveals itself through the tears they shed, for their lives are now in suspense too. They hug each other but don’t know what to think at this point. The pain is real.

Now, imagine that it’s not him, or them…it’s YOU and your family. Imagine enduring countless surgeries, complications from treatment, comas, near death experiences. Imagine having a portion of your skull removed because your brain won’t stop swelling. Imagine painful therapy to try to learn basic functions all over again. Imagine enduring all of that for nearly ten months, with your family by your side, suffering through every waking minute of your recovery.

Then just as your recovery begins to show some promise, your start to turn a corner for the better, some bureaucrats at the insurance company decide that you no longer need the specialized care you’ve been receiving. You appeal their decision, but they hold firm. Now what? It’s unthinkable, right?

I’ve known Jim for over two decades. If Jim has touched your life, you don’t forget him. His family loves him. His friends love him. His peers love him. I, along with all the other people who know Jim, love him as well. His empathy, compassion, and desire to make a difference in people’s lives is constant and ever-present.

Jim didn’t ask for this, but rather than assume the role of a victim, he has fought hard for ten long months trying to regain his life and continue to be the rock of his family. That’s what Jim does.

His family should not have to endure more financial hardship simply because an insurance company failed to do the right thing. He should be focused on his recovery, rather than having the distractions of how this may devastate his family’s financial future. With our help we can alleviate the financial strain and allow both Jim and his family to focus on the recovery. Jim needs to continue the specialized treatment he was receiving, the same treatment the insurance company wants to deny him. He needs it now.

I am committed to doing whatever is humanly possible to make sure that Jim and his family can do just that. I could use your help, and thank you in advance for your support. - Curt Green

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Here is what a few of his friends and family have to say about Jim...

Jim Applegate !! I can thank a mutual friend who convinced Jim to work at our business in Turlock. Words to describe Jim are gentleman, the best to have on your team, thoughtful, honest, ethical, unbelievable work ethic, a family man first and a good Christian with a great sense of humor. I think all that know him consider him a friend as I can’t imagine how anyone could think ill of him. He knows when to hold his ground and has no problem giving his thoughtful honest opinion on any given business situation. Jim is one of two people I consider the best to know in the business world we were in. I have not seen him for over nine years, but I still remember his dry sense of humor and will always wonder how many times I missed his wit. The last time I talked to Jim late last year he called me with one of his disguised voices and tried to sell me an extended warranty for my ’68 Cougar. It took a minute to realize who it was and realized he had me going yet again. I pray for the best for Jim and his amazing family. --Tim Vieira

It is so hard to see a family that you love, admire and respect go through the journey they have been on since September 2020. Jim suffered a stroke and has been through multiple procedures and surgeries. He has made progress in his recovery but still needs assistance from his doctors and therapists. I have seen the answers to prayer not only in his recovery, but also in keeping his family healthy and strong as they deal with decisions, living their daily lives, etc. Continue to pray for Jim & Paulette and their family. Please consider donating to help with medical and physical therapy needs in order for Jim to make a full recovery.--Kathy Davis

This is an honor and I only hope my words do a Jim justice.

Jim Applegate is a man who always lifts or improves any place or situation he is near or involved in. Always giving, teaching and building confidence in all who interact with him. Jim is the first to lend a hand and give everyone hope better days ahead. Never seeking credit or recognition for the himself just helping to better his fellow man. His generosity in love and other ways can't be measured.

I have known Jim as a competitor in business, a vendor, co worker and a true friend for over 30 years. He is the man you want your
daughter to marry, your sons to aspire to be. The Jimster has a real zest for improving all he touches!

A devoted Husband, Father & Grandparent now needs a hand up from his fellow man, Jim is a yardstick all men should strive to measure up to! I ask you do what you can to help him and his wonderful family in this trying time.--Rob Sellers

To me, Jim will forever be "Tink"...

I first met Jim when our daughter began participating in Starmite productions led by Christie Lundquist at the Denair Gaslight theatre. When our daughter started, we were simply parents on the outside supporting our daughter, but then we got to know and eventually love and adore Jim and Paulette Applegate. Their huge ability to love and support and encourage every kid that walked through the door was amazing. Jim, especially, because he always had that sense of fun and mischievousness…and a forever grin on his face. That man doesn’t have a mean or angry bone in his body. He is kind and kind-hearted. Loving to everyone, and he is incredibly loving and faithful to his beloved family.

When Jim suffered a severe stroke, one that he probably should not have survived, he was left with a very long road to recovery. Although slower than he’d like, he is continuing to improve, day by day, and I know his dream and the dream of his family is for him to get back to some sense of normalcy, although it will be a new normal.

There are no government bailout opportunities, no stimulus checks in the mail, no government programs that can help him and his family fund what it will take to get him to a point where he can go home. It is only his family’s limited resources that are now being quickly and significantly drained. Many people seek money through GOFUNDME to help with burials, or expenses as a loved one is dying. This one, however, is to help Jim live….to live and love and laugh again with his beloved family. I ask you to please look deep in your heart and join me in supporting the recovery of this truly sent-from-God-to-make-us-grin special and truly loving and caring human….my forever Tink.
--Kathy Halsey

Jim and Paulette are wonderful people! They have raised their grown children well, and are fantastic grandparents. Jim has always been a guy with a great sense of humor, and a hard worker. They love the Lord and have found much peace and guidance in their faith during these most challenging times. I highly recommend them to anyone who wants to invest in a couple who have given to others all of their lives, and now are in need themselves. Such a great investment in quality people. God bless you as you consider blessing Jim & Paulette in this gofundme campaign.--Pastor Doug Pittam

Jim is such a great guy! So many memories of him helping others whether it be building something or being there just in support of someone. Always a strong presence of love and support mixed with his Crack-you-up humor to lighten up any situation. However you can help the Applegate’s out, by donations, prayer or both, their lives will be impacted by your kindness, the way their love and kindness has impacted Jimmy and my lives and the many others lives that they have touched. --Ally Fletcher

Jim is an amazing man. He has worked hard through the years to provide for his family in every way. He worked hard for financial stability, to raise solid successful kids, to provide a secure loving life for his wife, and to create a spiritually solid home for his entire family. His grandchildren are richer in the things that matter because of Papa. His sense of humor has always had such an influence on those around him...sassy, snarky, and just plain fun! He has worked harder than ever to come back from a major stroke and is now having to fight to return to a normal life. We pray that his God will continue to supply his needs...miraculously, through his friends, however He chooses to do it. Jim, we love you and continue to pray for you! -Randy & Edythe Watts