In Memory of Jim Gray

In Toastmaster "Table Topics" Style

Table Topics is an opportunity for members to exercise their minds by creating miniature speeches on incredibly short notice. You'll be given a topic to discuss from one to two minutes. Though we encourage you to address the topic given, it's perfectly acceptable to speak on something completely different if you wish. After all, Table Topics is not only about thinking on your feet, but speaking on your feet as well.

It's possible that guests might be invited to the lectern, however all guests have the opportunity to decline.

Tonight's topics are triggered by our memories of Jim. Some may make us laugh, some may sadden us, but we're surrounded by friends and know that this meeting is a safe place for us to express our feelings while honing our speaking skills.

Last summer Jim described his motorcycle trip to Sturgis -- tell us about your favorite motorcycle trip, or, if you've never ridden a motorcycle, tell us why not.
Jim told us about a "clothing optional" section of highway near Sturgis and told us that he rode naked along that piece of road. Within the confines of Toastmasters decency standards, whatever you imagine them to be, tell us about the wildest thing you've ever done, naked or otherwise.
At Jim's funeral, his sister-in-law whispered that it was her motorcycle Jim rode. Tell us a secret that a family member let slip out about you and how you felt when your secret was divulged.
Several years ago Jim lost his teen-aged daughter to cancer. In December 1996 during Table Topics he told us about her last Christmas when she was able to come home from the hospital for a few weeks. Tell us about a special holiday visit you've had.
From our perspective it looked like Jim could always make light of a difficult situation. One such situation was when his sunken living room flooded from the rains, ruining the carpeting and walls. He joked how he'd always wanted a pool room and finally got his wish. Tell us about one of your wishes and how it came true in an unexpected way.
Jim spent a lot of time at the river, loving the water, boating, and skiing. The river can be an exciting place, but it can be frightening too. Some of us have heard the story before, but we have a lot of new members too. Tell us about your scariest river experience.
This question may go to a guest. As a guest you have the opportunity to decline. Jim's wife passed away about a year ago. What is the most difficult part of losing a spouse?
When I joined Toastmasters in 1996, Jim served as VP of Education. What's the most challenging part of that role?
Jim later served our club as President. There are several past presidents in this room. Tell us what the most rewarding part of being President was for you.
Jim Gray wore glasses. Tell us about your first pair of glasses.
Jim's mom passed away about a month ago. Each of us has lost loved ones over the years. If you had the chance, what would you tell one of your lost loved ones?
Jim was always the cheeriest of souls. Give him an adverse situation and he'd see the positive side of it. Tell us a mortifying story and how you dealt with it.
As most of you know, sadly, Jim took his own life. I suspect that many of us in this room have entertained such thoughts at some point in our past. Have you ever experienced the urge to Heed the Call and if so what did you do to overcome it?
The year 2000 had a lot of people nervous, especially in the computer industry. For example, in Sept of '99 in Maine, the state DMV began issuing Historic Vehicle license plates to new cars--the system thought '00 was a 1900 model, not 2000. Jim was a computer professional and did a lot of work to prepare systems for Y2K. What preparations did YOU make, both on a personal and a professional level?
Jim always displayed such a sunny disposition. How do you maintain *your* sunny disposition?
A poem titled "I Am Free" was included at the graveside memorial. It reads in part: "I could not stay another day, to laugh, to love, to work or play. Tasks left undone must stay that way, I found that peace at the close of day." At the end of the day, what tasks would you most like to leave undone?
If you could tell Jim anything at all right now, what would you say to him?

Madame Timer, did everyone qualify tonight? Would you give us a timer's report please?

Members and guests are now invited to vote for the best Table Topics speaker of the evening. Meanwhile, I return control of the meeting to our Toastmaster, Torkil Hammer.

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