Dear James, or Jimmy as I usually called him, came into the lives of the local lads on the slopes of Mount Albert nigh on fifty years ago. The man that called me Andre`. I loved it, I really did. He was whirlwind of energy and a brain just as fast, the million mile an hour man and the smartest in the class! I was the youngster, the kid that tagged behind. There were my brothers Simon and Nick, and his school friends Graeme, Colin, Clive and Dave, and maybe others if they were to be so brave? The endless games of poker, table tennis, pool and darts saw me the pauper of the class, as Jim always tried to be the very best, the one to outwit and out-class. And over all the years our friendship grew much closer with all those nights at Speedway cherished memories of our past. The seat beside me shall be empty, impossible to fill, but then again it will be full of memories, special moments, joy and sorrow, all the emotions shared, with Jimmy's love for midgets to the fore, as we always debated who'd be the champion of each class, once more. All of that said, the love, heart and kindness and the way Jim cared for his "Nan" shall always remind me of the caring spirit of his soul, his dignity and his class. To be honest, the last few months have been a whirlwind, mixed emotions and fleeting moments with the last few days mighty hard. Life now will never be quite the same, not just for me, but for but many who will miss the historian, artist and champion of our class. My love to Gwen, Steph and Livvie, I don't really know what to say, except that Jimmy was a good man, a great father and a true friend. I will miss you so very much James Ryan, Godspeed good friend, as your life's journey has come to an end. To the Top of the Class ventures he so brave to make it beyond the final bend.