The Jimmy Memorial Trophy Part #2

Jim Howard loved basketball.  Now mind you, just because Jim loved basketball that doesn't mean he was good at basketball.  Jim and I faced off against each other in many pickup basketball games because we had an equal lack of skills.  Invariably, during almost every game, Jim would have a question for me.  He would squint his eyes, tilt his head over slightly and the nod upwards to me with funny little smile.

"Hey, Lafe, why don't we just take it easy a little bit.  You let me get a few shots and I'll let you have a few shots."

And so we would run back and forth with not too much effort.  Every now and again we would do a little trash talking for the others to think we were really trying.  I am quite certain no one believed us, but still we kept up the spectacle every time we played.

Many of these half-hearted games came after a day filled with watching the NCAA tournament with a lot of friends.  Although Jim had moved to Florida, Texas or California, I was never surprised to see him sitting next to me watching a potential upset in the first round or watching the Wildcats play.

Jim took his life back in January of 2019, so when March rolled around a group of his friends and family decided the best way to remember him was start a March Madness league.  There had been a few talks about it last year, but ultimately the NCAA Tournament was cancelled.  So, we are starting it up again this year.  

With at least a $5 donation to Vibrant Health (The foundation that funds the National Suicide Prevention Hotline) you can join in our league.  After you donate, just send an email to [email redacted] for your invite to the league.

There is only one grand prize, a custom made trophy called "The Jimmy." The real prize is helping others in tribute to our beloved Jim's name.