I was given the unenviable position of facilitating friend, boss, mentor and extended member of the family Jim Soaress Memorial Services yesterday. While I shared some stories and hope I conveyed what he meant to not only me but my wife and son, I missed a couple things which Ill bring up here and then we will remember, but never forget this great man. It was an absolute pleasure to see John Soares at the services yesterday. Yes, they had their differences, but to see Jims brother in attendance when most thought the rift was too deep was a truly classy move by John, who saw family through the anger/disagreements/whatever. Im sure most of you out there know over the past few years you were either a Jim guy or John guy behind the scenes. I personally tried for reconciliation many times but as you know, Jim was steadfast in his beliefs as Im sure John was/is as well. I have still never met John nor wife Donna but would have liked to. Maybe someday. Today, its all water under the bridge and it doesnt matter anymore. Now we are left with whats left over, and we all get to pick up the pieces and move on, like life tells us to do every day in an infinite manner. I got some alone time with Jims wife Karen and it was heartwarming to see her smile and laugh, a testament to her resiliency. Upon seeing me, she bounced up with a hug and a thank you and we shared stories over the last nine years Ive worked for her and Jim. Its been all my pleasure. The loyalty, concern and genuine love youve shown for my family can never be repaid. Also, the love and dedication Rick Faeth showed is real. I know Rick had a tough time getting through this week and did yeomans work all weekend to get the track looking good for the service. He is to be commended and thanked for what turned out to be a great day of memories and a great day of emotion, hurt, sadness, joy and even laughter. The promoters on hand show how close the community truly is: Alan Handy of Placerville Speedway spoke through tears with my family afterwards, Scott Woodhouse and wife Lisa formerly of Hanford Kings Speedway shared stories and laughter, the aforementioned John Soares of Antioch Speedway...lots of love and olive branches extended. Sparky Howard, always a Jim Soares favorite was given the task of piloting Jims vintage midget which Jim was so proud of. Ed Coughenour of PitStopUSA spoke through tears at the podium. Lifelong friend Pete Paulsen struggled to find the words and gave a heartfelt speech and shared a story. David Gullo from San Jose Speedway shared a story of a cornfield in turn 3-4, while Steve Lafond of Tear Off Heaven Fotos shared his views of Jims immense track forming talent. Roger Miller, racer and Jims chosen leader of Demo Derby car preparation practices at Petaluma Speedway gave a heartfelt speech along with former longtime Jim guy Harlan Osborne, publicist extraordinaire and Petaluma icon of the community setting the record straight on a few facts. Thank you to each and every one of you who contributed yesterday to remember Dr. Dirt. The racing family is strong, full of history and legends. Yesterday, we celebrated losing a member of it who fit both categories, a man who blazed his own trail in life all based around cars going in circles for the better part of all of his 68+ years with us, who also found time to serve our country somewhere in between. If thats not a hero, Im not sure what is. I will miss seeing Jim on that quad rolling through the pits, cigarette dangling, King of his Domain. There was comfort in seeing him there. He was Petaluma Speedway, but to Jim, Petaluma Speedway was more than that. To Jim, Petaluma Speedway was home. Until we meet again... - Ron
Posted on: Mon, 15 Sep 2014 20:39:35 +0000