Post by Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe on Mar 11, 2005 4:08:58 GMT -6
This passed week, fellow Amateur Astronomer Jim Griggs, passed away.
Jim was the owner and founder of the Meade 4505 Telescope Yahoo Group. Based here in the Chicago area, the group has a worldwide membership, and is a soruce of info, data and assists in the maintenance and usage of the 4.5" reflector telescope to thousands. Our own Chicago Astronomer Al created a search mechanism for not only his 4505 goup, but for many other yahoo groups as well.
I had the opportunity to meet Jim once, and this was after some correspondances and postings on his site. I suggested that perhaps he would like to join me in an observation session during the Mars maddness of 2003. We set up by the Adler Planetarium grounds at my usual spot by the Corpernicus statue, and we must have showed hundreds upon hundreds of people Mars that night. Quite a nice dual team I thought.
After that, we maintained some correspondance, but as he traveled the world on business, we never got the chance to meet up again.
Late in 2004, The Chicago Astronomer Forum received the "Excellence in Astronomy" award from his group and I proudly display it at the top of the home page. I am humbled that he thought my site worthy of recognition, and was the second to last astronomical site to receive the award.
Jim was a dedicated and avid Astronomer, always taking time out to observe an event no matter where he may be and helping out those in astronomy who needed guidance. Astronomy has lost a friend and will be missed, as it was comforting knowing that he was always around.
Thanks Jim.
