43 responses to James Michael Causky

1. 

   Amanda Navarro says:

   April 4, 2019

   It still doesn’t not feel real! I know that Jimmy touched me heart like he touched so many others! He was a kind man with a heart made of gold! He loved his girls more than life itself and was so proud of them! He many not be here physically but he will never be forgotten!!! Rest In Peace Our New Beautiful Angel ?

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2. 

   Bob Lamberton says:

   April 4, 2019

   My sales-diamond in the ruff ,

   Jim Causky was about twenty-three years old the day we boarded our United Airlines flight bound for Harnischfeger’s yearly “Crane training school” in Wisconsin. Jim had been serving for a few months as our newest temporary-corporate credit manager at Santa Fe Equipment Company located in Santa Fe Springs California.

   I was the sales manager back then charged with training Jim and moving into a sales position. We both had first class tickets front row. Our trip-route was to Phoenix first where we would stay onboard and take the same plane on into Chicago and then Milwaukee.

   Jimmy arrived at the airport in his dark slacks, light blue button down collared shirt and stylish slip on shoes. His blond hair was neat and puffed in front by the wind. His look matched well with that boyish smile, which always accompanied his presence. I wasn’t to familiar with Jimmy at that time. Sometimes Jim seemed his age while other times he looked and sounded much younger. At best they warned me he was a handful and very bold. This first trip would reveal much about the man.

   The aircraft arrived on time docking in Phoenix. The announcement came that passengers continuing on to Chicago would be allowed to leave the plane. They expected about one hour before departing. Instantly, Jimmy had to check the Sunday NFL game scores. Reluctantly, I agreed and we left our belongings on the seats and searched the airport restaurants for scores.

   Jimmy chattered on like a woodpecker as I kept my eye on the clock. About a half hour into our sidetrack, I grabbed the check and ordered us back to the plane. Jim objected, he wanted to finish his beer but I got him to follow. Arriving back at the gate everything seemed quiet. No passengers, no clerk and no plane. Our plane had left and with it went all our papers, clothes and tickets.

   As I searched for a fast solution, Jimmy started to come unraveled. No way, he said. They have to notify us. This is bullshit! I didn’t even get to finish my beer.

   Noticing another clerk at the next desk down, I sprinted over and quickly explained our situation. He checked, said our Chicago flight received and early opening so, they left. Over my shoulder, Jimmy shouted directly at the portly clerk demanding he get our jet back right now! I turned to calm Jim down as the clerk screamed back they were not legally obligated to do anything once passengers leave the plane. Just about then Jimmy pointed his finger back at the clerk and said Listen “fat boy” and with that I pushed Jim physically around and behind a pillar and told him to shut up. This kid was liquid fire.

   Returning to the clerk I somehow convinced him we had to be on that plane. With one last long pause and mean glare at “Jimmy the hotrod” he picked up the phone and four minutes later my rookie credit-manager and I were on a golf cart chasing our departed plane down the tarmac. (Who does this kind of stuff?) (NFL scores my ass)

   As the jet slowed to a stop, a stairs-ladder desends (unbelievable) and up we climbed. The pilot was leaning back looking through his open door. He smiled as I rushed in and looked back towards Jimmy. Jimmy popped aboard with that huge Hollywood smile. “Hey man, you never called me at the bar” The pilot fired back, “Sit down sunny-boy were rolling.” Jimmy paused and looked towards the back of the plane where hundreds of heads now strained to see who just got onboard. He winked and plopped down in his seat saying under his breath, “No problem.” Rubbing his palms vigorously together he looked over at me and said, “I could use a cocktail “. (OMG) I knew right then this was going to one very special trip.

   We finally arrived in Milwaukee and after checking in about mid-night, stopped at the hotel bar to have a quick beer and go over events for the next day. I was a wreck.

   As we entered, there was a table of 15 to 17 obvious crane people from other construction equipment dealers around the country. Jimmy spotted them, “Are you guys with Harnischfeger?’ They replied ” YES” and Jimmy, on the first real business trip of his entire life with his very first exhausted Sales Manager yells out “Drinks are on us boys, Sweetheart set’em up. The crowd cheered and Jimmy was an instant hit. I started crying.

   This was Jim Causky at twenty-three. In the three decades that followed that trip, I don’t really believe he ever changed. Jim Causky’s personality was as close to the character Pete Mitchell (Maverick) in the movie TOP GUN as I’ve ever known. He was full blast, wide open; take no prisoners.

   I loved the guy. I was proud of Jim and he made anyone around him feel special just because you were around him. Jimmy was always excited to see you. Excited to be with you and play golf and gamble and travel with all of us.

   He was a life-liver who never settles for the crumbs. He wanted, expected, and worked hard to be the best and earn the best. “Life” was a platter to be served and enjoyed. If he had bad days, I did not see them.

   I shared a tiny part of Jim’s first days in business. Simple days. When all that was ahead, had not yet happened. Sunny days when Jimmy had time to stretch out, experiment and learn. One hundred and fifty-seven pounds of blue twisted steel he’d always say to me each time he hit a big drive off the tee. Jim Causky packed a punch in life I never will forget. I wish I were more like him. I’m proud to be one of his many many many friends. Hold on heaven … here he comes.

   Bob Lamberton,

   North Carolina

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3. 

   Bobby Chapman says:

   April 4, 2019

   My best childhood friend, Joe Causky, Jim’s best, Jim Causky, is all tragically gone too soon. When we got older, I didn’t see Jim Causky that often, while he remained Jim’s best friend. But when I did see him, it was like nothing changed. If I came to a social occasion that Jim was at, he could be talking in a group of people, and if he saw me, he would immediately come over with a big smile on his face and say, “Bobby! Bobby!” and give me a big bear hug. He was like that with all his friends, and yes, a great sense of humor, he always had a smile on his face. He was a good-looking guy, he had a million dollar smile, but most of all….he liked people. Pretty much everybody. And everybody liked him back…that was his charisma. I don’t recall the origin, I think it had something to do with Lakers’ star Magic Johnson, but I took to referring to him as “Magic” whenever I saw him. Whether on the phone or in person, right after his “Bobby! Bobby!” (he never called me Bob) the first thing I would say to him, always, was “Speak to me Magic, speak to me!” He loved that. Just a terrible loss, the world was a better place because he was in it. So sad to realize Magic is never going to speak to me again…

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4. 

   Bobby Chapman says:

   April 4, 2019

   “I read the news today oh boy….”

   – A Day in the Life

   John Lennon/Paul McCartney

   ***

   This completes a very sad triumvirate for me and my brothers. My best childhood friend, Joe Causky, Jim’s best, Jim Causky, and Bill’s best, Richie Archibald, all tragically gone too soon.
   In the last few days it dawned on me that the first three concerts I ever went to were with Jim Causky. We first went to an Elton John concert where we had lucked into backstage passes at the Forum. That was 1974. There was a funny thing that happened after the show ended. Jim and I left from the backstage area and walked out a door into the darkness. We started walking up a long ramp with fans crowded on both sides. They couldn’t see us in the dark and when they saw two figures emerging from backstage they got excited and started to let out a roar. Elton and his lyricist Bernie Taupin? Elton and a band member? No, just me and Jim, and when we got further up the ramp and the fans could get a better look at us the cheers turned into a groan. We literally heard someone moan, “Oh wait…it’s nobody.” But Jim and I had a few moments there where we felt like rock stars. We laughed so hard over that. Then the very next year we saw Linda Ronstadt at the Universal Amphitheater, and also that year we saw Wings with Paul McCartney at the Forum.
   When we got older, I didn’t see Jim Causky that often, while he remained Jim’s best friend. But when I did see him, it was like nothing changed. If I came to a social occasion that Jim was at, he could be talking in a group of people, and if he saw me, he would immediately come over with a big smile on his face and say, “Bobby! Bobby!” and give me a big bear hug. He was like that with all his friends, and yes, a great sense of humor, he always had a smile on his face. He was a good-looking guy, he had a million dollar smile, but most of all….he liked people. Pretty much everybody. And everybody liked him back…that was his charisma. I don’t recall the origin, I think it had something to do with Lakers’ star Magic Johnson, but I took to referring to him as “Magic” whenever I saw him. Whether on the phone or in person, right after his “Bobby! Bobby!” (he never called me Bob) the first thing I would say to him, always, was “Speak to me Magic, speak to me!” He loved that. Just a terrible loss, the world was a better place because he was in it. So sad to realize Magic is never going to speak to me again…

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5. 

   Cheri MacWilliams says:

   April 4, 2019

   We are so sorry for your tremendous loss. My name is Cheri and I have been friends with your Dad for about 27 years. I met him when I began doing sales in the Northrop lobby and he was working at Maynard Precision. We were both bidding on the same package. I believe he was married to your mother about a year at that time. Your parents actually came to my wedding in 1999. I remember seeing your Dad first (your parents were seated toward the back of the church) as I was walking down the aisle and I said “Hi Jim”. He was always so generous with introducing me to his sales contacts (such as Steve O’Keefe, Tom Mazur, and Jim Frankland to name a few) even though we were technically competitors. He also introduced me to Carter Collins and set me up on a blind date with his friend Tom years ago . He was the funniest person I have ever met. We used to all go out to happy hour many years ago and laugh until we cried. I loved his funny sayings. His smile was contagious. He always talked about his girls and was so proud of you both. I always enjoyed his updates on where you were at in your lives. I also remember him talking about his beloved Max and the trips your parents went on. He was truly one of a kind and I can’t believe he is gone. My heart breaks for your family. Such a loss, so soon. “Causky” as I referred to him was truly one of a kind. I will never forget him. I have attached a picture I put on FB (It was taken at the Long Beach Grand Prix…He came down to our boat with his friend Tom) and one of us at a McDonnell Douglas gathering before Christmas which I believe was in 1994. I have so many stories, but I am not a good story teller. I will be at his service and look forward to his friends and family sharing memories and hopefully meeting you. Our deepest sympathy, Cheri & Chad MacWilliams

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