James Gearhart

There are few people who have led a more interesting life than my dad Jimmy (best known as Chance by his friends). Born in Chicago, he attended New Trier High School where he was a multi-sport State Champion and caused a fair bit of ruckus -- including driving his motorcycle through the halls on his last day of school -- but was also an Eagle Scout and supported his family by working multiple jobs.

He went on to literally travel the world and could "mumble through" dozens of languages -- visited India over 30 times, China & Peru over 20, and spending many months traversing all over Africa. That's where he met my British mum, Noelle, at a bus stop in Jo-burg.

They never had a lot of money and my father has had health issues for years, but always worked so hard. We are devastated to learn that my parents missed his last life insurance installment (April 2) and all the money they had invested for decades is now inaccessible to them.

We are humbly asking for help to cover some of the expenses of his cremation and to ensure my mom will be taken care of.

If you are morning my father, please read this ... “just walk fearlessly into the house of mourning, for grief is just love squaring up to its oldest enemy. And after all these mortal human years, love is up to the challenge.”