One of the best left earth Wednesday.

I want to write something to honor him, but I’m having trouble coming up with adequate words.

Is there a word for simultaneous heartbreak and joy? That’s what I’m feeling.

Heartbreak because he left behind a wife, a beautiful family, and too many friends to count. Who’s Hank gonna curl up beside on the couch?

Joy because he’s now received what we, as Christians, long for.

Jimmy has ” … fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith…” he’s received the ” … crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award on that day…” (2 Timothy 4).

If I was asked to say a few words about Jimmy Owen (I wasn’t asked, but it’s my blog so…) I would say something like this:

He was faithful. To his wife, his job, his church. You could count on him. Everyone counted on him.

He was kind. Everyone who knew him would agree. Jimmy was easy to be around. His quiet compassion + sweet spirit were admirable.

He was handy. There. Was. Nothing. The. Man. Could. Not. Do. From stage sets to the Sunday morning sound board, (and everything in between), he was our “go-to” guy.

He was godly. Galatians 5:22-23 ” But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forebearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control….” Jimmy was an example of every single one of these.

He was a servant. He was always there. Always ready. Always willing. No matter the need.

His wife and I sing together in the praise team. One of Jimmy’s favorite songs was 10,000 Reasons by Matt Redman. Wednesday afternoon his son played the guitar beside his bed while we sang to him.

Looking back, I believe God orchestrated those sweet moments of worship to gently escort Jimmy to his eternal spot at the feet of Jesus.

In the words of Preston, “Well, I guess Jimmy’s gettin’ his crown right about now.”

Thank you, Buddy, for loving our family so well, for so many years.

I miss you already.