As you know, dad has had numerous strokes and had pneumonia. He has not been able to work in over a year. He is very much in need of financial help. If anyone can help, it will be greatly appreciated. He is in a wheelchair now. He can not make his house payment or other expenses such as utilities, food etc. He has depended on family and friends but they have run short on finances and can not help anymore. He has too much pride to ask for help so I am asking for him. Thanks, Patty
Posted by Michael Berry (Member # 2604) on :
I'm in!! Send it to the above address? Made payable to Jimmy?
Posted by John Deaton (Member # 925) on :
Me too. Tell us where to send it. We've helped others from time to time, Im sure we can come together to give Jimmy a hand. Also,has JImmy filed for disabled social security? Im sure hes a prime candidate.
Posted by Curtis hammond (Member # 2170) on :
ill send something too.
Posted by Michael Berry (Member # 2604) on :
B U M P A very worthwhile request!!!!
Posted by Don Hulsey (Member # 128) on :
OK guys, it's time to get out the checkbooks.
I have asked for help for two other Letterville friends in the past, and Jimmy was the first to send something. Both of these were after Jimmy had started having problems himself.
Jimmy would be the first to tell you that he is not a sign "painter", but let me be the one to tell you, he is a Letterhead in every other aspect of the word.
I agree with Patty that Jimmy would never ask for help himself, but I know that if any of the rest of us asked for it today, Jimmy would be trying to find a way to send something.
If you can send $2,000.00, send it. If you can only send $2.00, send it.
Jimmy needs money right now, but knowing that people care can help a lot too.
Posted by Bob Rochon (Member # 30) on :
Done!
Posted by Judy Pate (Member # 237) on :
I'll send a money order today. Judy
Posted by Jane Diaz (Member # 595) on :
Done! Really, none of us know for sure that this same thing couldn't happen to us. We all need to come together and help if we can.
Posted by John Deaton (Member # 925) on :
I guess we just send it straight to Jimmy, huh? Mines going out today too.
Posted by Don Hulsey (Member # 128) on :
The address should work.
I am not sure if Jimmy still owns the shop, but it is right behind his house.
Posted by Deb Fowler (Member # 1039) on :
Jimmy Chatham is one of the dearest, wonderful persons I know. He is about the most unselfish human being I met since I've been in Letterville.
I couldn't help out when you had the Rene Guzman fund, but now I am able this time. Even two bucks would be wonderful, a gesture of kindness is just what he needs. Good man. Anyone that ever met him will never be the same. He won my heart and is a true gentleman. He and Nancie Phillips were very kind to me at Don's and Dora's meet. I love that guy! He's like a dad to all of us and even though I don't know him before that, and haven't kept in touch as well as I should have, I'm in on this too. well, enough rambling. Jimmy's a gem.
Posted by Steve Shortreed (Member # 436) on :
Over the years, Barb and I have been fortunite to spend a bunch of personal time with Jimmy. He's always been a fixture at live meets, including those held at his own shop. Jimmy has always opened up his heart, and often his wallet, to help out others. I have a personal story that I want to share with all of you.
A few years back, we were on the road attending meets and visiting Letterheads throughout the South. We we driving an old GMC Minivan that was on it's last legs. This is a bit embaressing, but the truth is we were running out of money fast. Our plan was to drive straight home and sleep in the van if worse came to worse.
Just before we left Jimmy's shop, he pulled me to the side and stuffed $100 into my pocket. I tried to give it back, but he didn't want to see us sleeping on the side of the road. He told me to pay him back when I could, and insisted I didn't say a word to Barb.
I managed to keep that promise for a few hours as we drove North. As it got darker, I decided to tell Barb about Jimmy's loan and start looking for a motel to stay at.
Barbs response was a look of shock. She went on to explain that Jimmy had pulled her aside at his shop and gave her $100 with strict instructions to never tell Steve.
Bad things happen to good people all the time. Jimmy is a great example of a Man that has worked hard all his life. For most of us, our ability to earn income and cover our bills is directly tied to our ability to get up and go to work tomorrow. A heart attack, stroke, or even a bad fall can lead to financial stress in the blink of an eye.
I know many of you have similar "Jimmy" stories like ours. We are all eager to do what we can to help out and we'll all do what we can. It may be a short term solution, but it may buy enough time to explore other possibilities.
Please keep us informed Patty.
Posted by DianeBalch (Member # 1301) on :
Never met you, will you take Yankee money? Check will be mailed tomorrow.
Please keep us posted as to how things are going. Thank you.
Love from Diane & Ernie
Posted by Ryan Long (Member # 5881) on :
Steve--
That story was absolutely heartwarming. Thanks for sharing, his generosity reminds me of my late grandfather.
Maybe someone will be able to accept donations via PayPal to make it easier for people to donate...just an idea.
Posted by Judy Pate (Member # 237) on :
Here's Jimmy's home address. He does live behind his shop but his home address is on Stark Street.
Jimmy Chatham 468 Stark Strret Commerce, Georgia 30529-3266
Patty, Please check in and let us know what's going on with Jimmy. Thanks, Judy
Posted by Judy Pate (Member # 237) on :
Just talked to Jimmy on the phone. He wanted me let you know that he appreciates your help. He has recieved letters sent to his shop address. He says when he can get his hands to work or can get Patty to come over..he's type out his own thank you. Judy
Posted by Robert Richards (Member # 3244) on :
I'm not a real Letterhead, just a sometimes wannbe, but I enjoy this sight when I have time to use it. In the past Jimmy offerd to let me come by his shop for some tutoring. I never got to go but I sure appreciated the fact that he would take time out for a rookie, vinyl cutter like me. I am sending something today. We should also keep him in our prayers.
Posted by Donald Thompson (Member # 3726) on :
I just got back from visiting with Jimmy. What a great and humble guy. I know many of you know how he has helped so many, and some of you don't have a clue who Jimmy is. This is someone that takes it one day at a time, but after 15 strokes I guess you just have to. Jimmy's spirits were high for his situation, but I'm sure he would love to hear from some people even if it was just a card, call or e-mail to let him know that you are thinking of him.
He did tell me that he has a Graphtec plotter for sale. If anyone is interested just contact him.
He would never ask, but he could use any help that we can offer.
Posted by jimmy chatham (Member # 525) on :
i want to thank everyone i was going to call everyone and thank them personally but after talking with don and getting emotional i decided not to. but i do thank each and everyone.
Posted by Carl Wood (Member # 1223) on :
Got 'er done - Jimmy you are missed - post when you can (p.s. hope you enjoy the eye candy I enclosed)
Posted by Paul Vartanian (Member # 6113) on :
I get paid Friday, I will send some too!!!
Posted by Kathy Joiner (Member # 1814) on :
Jimmy is a trooper for sure. He has had a long and difficult illness and I have not heard him whine one time. Send the man your money and a note telling him how much he has meant to you! What goes around comes around, so let's keep that circle spinning. Posted by Frank Magoo (Member # 3950) on :
Wouldn't it be great if a fund existed that covered fellow craftsmen when times such as this came along in their lives...it would take alot of work and proper planning, but achieveable in my opinion... Other advantages would come along as it grew...group health for one...
Posted by Carl Wood (Member # 1223) on :
Be nice but I think the logistics would be a nightmare! First off, would it be a Non-pfofit? Start up costs would depend I guess on the people behind it and number of participants. How & who decides on distribution? Would benefits be taxable? Elected boards? In what investments would the fund reside? Then you get the different states involved, makes me tired just starting to think about it -
Posted by Frank Magoo (Member # 3950) on :
Jimmy, sorry to have hi-jacked this thread, let this bump it and start fresh, this posting needs to stay near front, I'll start a new one on topic I brought up, again, my apology's.
(my check, small as it is, is on it's way)
Posted by Doug Allan (Member # 2247) on :
I read this post when it first came up, & had to hold off making my intentions public until now, but I too will be sending a small monetary expression of my gratitude for the generosity Jimmy has shown so many.
Jimmy was the very first letterhead to call me on the phone with a solution after seeing one of my posts on this site. The solution required not only his advice & knowledge but a software "patch" file I was unaware of.
I still remember that voice of a southern gentleman that we don't hear much around these parts, & I thank Jimmy also, for putting a voice & a heart to the whole letterhead enigma that was previously only a cyber-experience for me.
Thanks Jimmy!
Posted by Deb Fowler (Member # 1039) on :
correction to my post: my apologies, Renatta, not Rene. (edit expired)
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