Some folks leave this world so quietly that the only way you know they’re gone is because the stories get heavier.
Yesterday morning, we lost Jimmy Matthew.
To some folks, he’ll be remembered one way. To others, another. Me… I’ll remember a little hardheaded boy who could turn an ordinary afternoon into something worth telling fifty years later.
The funny thing about storytellers is this: We borrow people we love. We polish ’em a little. We exaggerate here and there. Then we hand ’em back to the world wearing a story. That’s what happened with Jimmy.
Every time you’ve laughed at one of my tales about him, you were helping keep him alive. Jimmy Matthew loved the various comments about him in the comments section. You made him so proud! And I reckon that’s not a bad way for a man to be remembered.
Rest easy, Cousin and old friend.
Piedmont and our lives won’t be quite the same without you. But somewhere, I imagine the Good Lord’s already wondering what all the commotion is about.
Jim L. Wright is a storyteller with a lifetime of experiences as colorful as the characters he creates. Born and raised in Piedmont, Alabama, Jim’s connection to the land, history, and people of the region runs deep. His debut novel New Yesterdays is set in his hometown, where he grew up listening to stories of the past—stories that sparked his imagination and curiosity for history.
Today, Jim lives in Leeds, Alabama, with his husband Zeek, a tour operator who shares his passion for adventure and discovery. Known affectionately as “Ol’ Big Jim,” he has had a diverse career that includes time as a storekeeper, an embalmer, a hospital orderly, and a medical coder. There are even whispers—unconfirmed, of course—that he once played piano in a house of ill repute.
No matter the job, one thing has remained constant: Jim is a teller of tales. His stories—sometimes humorous, sometimes thought-provoking—are often inspired by his unique life experiences. Many of these tales can be found on his popular blog, Ol’ Big Jim, where he continues to share his musings with a loyal readership.
Jim’s adventures have taken him far beyond Alabama. For seven years, he lived in Amman, Jordan, the world’s oldest continuously inhabited city. His time there, spent in smoky coffee shops, enjoying a hookah and a cup of tea while scribbling in his ever-present notebook, deeply influenced his worldview and his writing.
When Jim isn’t writing, he’s thinking about writing. His stories, whether tall tales from his past or imaginative reimagining is of historical events should read from his past or imaginative reimaginings of historical events, reflect a life lived fully and authentically. With New Yesterdays, Jim brings readers a rich tapestry of history, fantasy, and human connection.
Visit his blog at www.olbigjim.com to read more of his stories, or follow him on social media to keep up with his latest musings and projects, one of which is a series that follows Bonita McCauley, an amateur detective who gets into some very sticky situations.
His book, New Yesterdays, can be found at Amazon US, Amazon UK, Smashwords, and Barnes and Noble.
Jimmie Matthew was one of the most loving giving loyal people I ever knew. At the end of every conversation he would tell me he loved me and I knew it to be true. As I also always told him I loved him and he knew it to be true. One of my favorite cousins has now passed on and will always be remembered with fondness and love. RIP Jimmie Matthew. Aka Jimmie Hardhead. I love you 💔
Yes, he truly was! I love telling stories about him, and I especially love making up stories about him that might actually have happened. Growing up with him was, as I look back, a rare privilege.
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Hi! my name is Sebastian (You can call me Seb!) ...welcome to my Blog. I'm a photographer from Worcester, Worcestershire, England. Thanks for dropping by! I hope you enjoy my work.
DEDICATED to the CROWNING RESIDUAL: To the HOPE, the PRIDE and the DETERMINATION that Somehow Survived Infancy, Adolescence and Adulthood to Burn Hot and Bright Within the HEARTS of the SEASONED SENIORITY.
olbigjim 
Beautiful, Jim. I think Jimmy likes it.
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Thank you, John.
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😊
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Terribly sorry to hear this. Sympathies and purrs to all friends and family.
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Thank you, Leah.
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Jim, so sorry for your loss 😢
The part about folks like him being in a story… spot on! 😊 🎯👌
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Thank you, Darryl.
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Your thoughts on Jimmy Matthew are wonderful to me, Jim. I’m glad you posted them. 😍
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Thank you, Tim. Jimmy Matthew and I grew up together, sharing many daring escapades and adventures. I shall miss him something awful.
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So very sorry for your loss!
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Thank you, Karla. Jimmy Matthew was a very special part of my life.
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so sorry about your cousin.
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Thank you.
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Jimmie Matthew was one of the most loving giving loyal people I ever knew. At the end of every conversation he would tell me he loved me and I knew it to be true. As I also always told him I loved him and he knew it to be true. One of my favorite cousins has now passed on and will always be remembered with fondness and love. RIP Jimmie Matthew. Aka Jimmie Hardhead. I love you 💔
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Jimmy Matthew was one of the truly bright spots in our family, wasn’t he?
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Uncle Jimmy was one of a kind im really gonna miss him. Love you uncle Jimmy
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Yes, he truly was! I love telling stories about him, and I especially love making up stories about him that might actually have happened. Growing up with him was, as I look back, a rare privilege.
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