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I got a call this morning with some very sad news. My friend and Duke classmate, Jim Blackwood, died suddenly this morning of a heart attack.

Jim was about the 5th person I met when I set foot on campus back in August of 1980. He was a high school classmate of my BFF, Kim. He quickly became one of my close friends. Jim was truly one of the good guys.

Jim was overjoyed when his daughter, Beth, graduated as valedictorian of her high school class and began her Duke career last summer. Jim and his wife Kay came to many football games last fall--mostly to see their daughter Beth, but also to cheer on Jim's beloved Blue Devils.

Some of you may have met Jim when he stopped by some of our tailgates. He bought tickets to a game one time from our Brunchgate extras. Now he has a front row seat to all of the Duke games.

I am broken-hearted and shaky. I will miss seeing him and reading his hysterical FB postings. Quite naturally, his last FB posting was this: [Jim] is thinking the University of North Carolina, in light of its budget troubles, could probably go without filling a couple of recently vacated positions. Rest in peace, my dear friend.

Very sorry to hear this news Cathy. My thoughts are with you.

My sympathies to you and to his family. He sounds like he was a wonderful guy. Take comfort in knowing he will never meet another tarheel...because of course they are all in hell....

I raise a glass in his honor....Go Devils!

Prayers for you. Prayers for your friend and his family. I can understand your feelings. One of my dear circle members died suddenly and unexpectedly at home on Monday.

Rest eternal grant to him, O Lord: And let light perpetual shine upon him.

Condolences to all. I'm so sorry.

Cathy, you should let Beth know that should she need anything from her Duke extended family living around here she has but to ask. We all wait in the wings. It doesn't matter that we haven't met ..... yet.
Love, Ima

Very sorry to hear this. Our sympathy to you and his family.

Very sorry to hear of Jim's sudden passing. Certainly a shock to all. Our condolences to you, his family and all his friends. And yes, what Ima said.

So sorry to hear for your loss Cathy. Kelly and I send our vibes.

So sorry for your loss, Cathy. Sending vibes to you and to Jim's family.

So sorry to hear this, Cathy. Prayers and vibes go out to you and to Jim's family and friends.

Cathy,

So sorry to hear of your loss. You, his friends, and his family will be in my prayers.

I'm so sorry to hear this. Thoughts, prayers and hugs to both Cathy and Devil in the Blue Dress.

Sorry to read about the loss of Jim. Thoughts and prayers to his family and all of those who knew him.

Damn damn damn damn damn damn damn.

Jim was one of the best. We were in the same dorm junior and senior years. We kept in touch sporadically over the years and he was so glad Beth got into Duke. This one hurts a lot.

I'm sorry to hear of your friend, Jim, death. He was way too young. Prayers and vibes to Jim's family and you.

My condolences to Jim's family for their loss and to you for the loss of a friend.

Cathy,

I've been out of pocket for a few days but............wow. VERY sorry to hear about this news. So freaking sudden and in the picture you sent he looks so happy, healthy. Again, very sorry to hear this news. Hang in there. Vibes and prayers to you and everyone he knew, including his family.

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-EarlJam

It appears you have had more than your fair share of loss lately.
Much sympathy from here.