In Memoriam: My Uncle James Joseph Lynch III
Since it’s Memorial Day, I wanted to share some stuff about a member of my family that lost his life while fighting for his country. He was my uncle, I’m named after him (I have my mom’s last name not my dad’s). His name was James Joseph Lynch III. He was a PFC – E2 – in the United States Marine Corps.He was killed in Vietnam on April 7, 1969. Edit: I have tried to clean up the original photo with Paint Shop Pro but I’m no expert with it. So here are both versions and you can make up your mind as to which one is better.
Click for a larger image of the original photo of my uncle Jim (around 178K)
Click for the edited version of the larger image of my uncle Jim (around 200K)
I just want to say thanks to him and all the others have gone before him and after him for sacrificing themselves for the rest of us. We don’t know how good we have it until we stop to ponder what their sacrifice has provided us with. We are blessed to have walked in the footsteps of giants like my uncle Jim. Here is a copy of his purple heart certificate and a baby photo of him:
Click the photo for a larger image of Jim’s Purple Heart certificate.
One thing to remember in all of this is that my uncle (and everybody else who has died fighting for our way of life) was human. He had his likes and dislikes, and all the usual human foibles. And I wanted to share some of them with you in this entry. So here’s a little bit more about my uncle (courtesy of my mom) that will let you know something more about him than just his death.
He loved to ride on tobogans and he was always in the front seat.
He also loved to race bicycles.
He enjoyed fishing, skating and hiking.
He was an extremely polite and kind hearted person.
His favorite color was blue and (as you can tell from the photo) he had beautiful blue eyes.
He was about 6 foot 2inches tall and did the marine uniform proud.
He was a roman catholic and the first born brother of 20 children. Yes, 20. And all of them good souls too.
Rest in peace, Uncle Jim. Thank you so much for what you’ve given to all of us.
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The Collective
Sounds like you have a lot of respect for your uncle, and for good reason. It is important for all of America to remember that Memorial Day is not just a long weekend, a day off work – but a day where we need to remember those who fought for our freedom. There are not enough words to express; anything I could say would be woefully inadequate.
I will just say “Thanks†to all who gave of themselves. Those who are still with us, I hope you have an enjoyable day with their families and friends. Those who have died I wish all of the blessings of our Father in Heaven.
Thank you for sharing your story with all of us and thank your uncle Jim for his dedication and love for his country and the ultimate sacrifice he made for all of us. His life and all those who have died for our freedoms will never be forgotten. God bless them all.
You will be forever in our hearts and memories.
This beautiful memoriam is about my Uncle. This is the most beautiful thing I have read. Jimmy Joe was a hero and always will be in our hearts. He is missed by us all each and every day. He was a young wonderful soldier when we lost him. He died fighting for what he loved “Our Country”. So many veterans are forgotten by society and government. These men and women are the heros of this country and when it comes to the amount of money they have received and the services they are offered are pathetic. Entertainer’s make 10 times more then a Vet and they don’t do nothing that campares to a vet’s life. They should be the highest paid, most honored men and womenin the country. It makes me sick to see a vet suffer from trauma’s of war and the same country he/she risked their life for neglects them. I love you dearly “Uncle Jim†and will honor you for eternity!
A moment in time is just that, a moment. It may be fleeting or perhaps one feels as if that moment has stood still. I know that the moment my brother gave his life for the rights and freedom of not only our country but for humanity, it is that very moment that will forever stand the test of time. He will now and always be a hero in my eyes. I grew up never meeting this young man who gave all he had. I never new Jimmy Joe but when I look at his pictures he has such a peace in his eyes and a remarable kindness that radiates from him. I am very honored to know him as brother and hero. i salute you Jimmy Joe for all you are for all you gave and for all whom you’ve touched. May you be in the arms of angels and the presence of God. With all my love.. your little sister