Haircuts in heaven

I just found out that the man who gave my son, Matthew, his first haircut passed away earlier this week. Here is the obituary:

AMHERST -- James Mason Stotler, 84, of Amherst, died Saturday, Sept. 1, 2007, at Amherst Manor Nursing Home, following a lengthy illness. He was born March 18, 1923, in Portsmouth, where he was raised. He had made his home in Vermilion for 30 years before moving to, where he had lived for the last six years.

Stotler served in the U.S. Army during World War II in the European Theater, where he received the European African Middle Eastern Medal and one bronze star, the Victory Medal, the Good Conduct Medal and the American Theater Service Medals.

He attended the Columbus Barber College and owned and operated Jim's Barbershop in Amherst for many years as well as the Windjammer Barber Shop in Vermilion. He concluded his 60-year career at Delmonico's Barber shop in Vermilion. He was a member of Amherst Church of Christ. He enjoyed golfing and was an avid Ohio State football fan.

Survivors include his wife of 42 years, Betty Eileen Stotler (nee Weaver); sons Steve Dunlop of Lafayette, Ind., and Randy Stotler of Vermilion; daughters Vicki Turner of Amherst and Candi Ziegler of Wellington; and eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a brother and three sisters; and by his parents, Mason and Bertie Stotler (nee Thompson).

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Jim was a great man. He was humble and kind. During the time I knew him, he never made much of a fuss about anything.

I believe that a true test of someone's character can be looking at how their children turn out. (This is not fool-proof, but often a good barometer.) I had the honor of spending three years working at the church where both of Jim's daughters are members. Both of these women are salt-of-the-earth people. They would do anything for you and are great servants. One is now the wife of an elder and the other is the wife of a deacon at that church.

I always enjoyed sitting in Jim's chair. By the time he was cutting my hair, Jim was getting older and the stories would often be the same. But spending time in that chair was often the highlight of my week. He would always have an encouraging word and a smile.

I still remember the day Matthew sat in that same chair to get his first haircut. Jim was so patient with my little boy who had no real desire to be there. He just smiled and patiently trimmed Matthew's hair.

Jim will be missed. He will be missed by his friends from the barber shop. He will be missed by his church. He will be missed by his family. But I imagine that even today there are probably people in Heaven lining up to sit in Jim's chair.

shine!
Jason