In the wee hours of Saturday May 10, 2008, my grandfather, James Junior Hoffman, went home to be with the Lord. A quiet respectful man, he recently suffered from breathing problems. He had spent the last two years of his life in and out of nursing homes, but close to family. He got to spend time celebrating birthdays and Christmas, watching baseball games, and listening to our family chatter.

When it came time to tell stories about grandpa, we struggled. We struggled mostly because he was such a man of quiet resoluteness. He held his convictions and his loves close to his heart. He loved to read. He loved history. He served in the military during World War II as a communications soldier. He celebrated his 66th wedding anniversary the very day before his death. He told my grandma that he didn't want to pass away on their wedding anniversary. He has two grown children, nine grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchildren. He loved Jesus and attended/served in their church faithfully.

I guess in the end, the story to remember about my grandfather is His Legacy. His Legacy is us, his family. How we treat one another is our legacy to him.

Love you grandpa. I will see you one day in Heaven!