Almost simultaneously with the recovery of Jim's body, an overflow crowd of over 2000 people made their way to Central Synagogue on Lexington Avenue for the memorial for Jim this morning; the main synagogue was completely packed, and many attendees watched the ceremony on closed circuit in adjoining meeting rooms. Speakers included teammates, family, and friends, and of course rowing loomed large, as it did in Jim's life and the lives of so many of his friends.
Most of us did not know that Jim may have been found, but by the time we reached the sidewalk, already reports were arriving by cellphone that searchers on the East River had located what would later be identified as Jim's body. Jim was found at around 11 am, at the very start of the memorial service. One can only think that he was conjured by the intense outpouring of love and affection (not to mention the bits of trash-talking and stories of good times). It became very clear today that Jim will be desperately missed by a very large number of people. We are really pulling for his family.
Here's a quick version of a story told today by Raoul Rodriguez, who rowed with Jim on the first rowing teams at Tulane. I am paraphrasing from memory, so forgive me if I drop or botch a detail, but it tells a lot about who Jim is.
In 1986, when Raoul was rowing at Tulane, he decided to move to Philadelphia to try out for the Olympics. In typical style, he told Jim that "I'm going to the Olympics." Jim shot back: "Yeah?!? Then I'm going to the Olympics too!" Three years later, Raoul made the team in the straight four, and after 10 days in the Olympic village, decided to get out of the village for an afternoon to go shopping and fend off a case of stir crazy.
Raoul explained that there were five entrances to the Olympic Village, cellphones and email were just beyond the idea stage, and contacting and finding athletes almost impossible. Hundreds of visitors and athletes were roaming around outside each entrance, trying to connect.
In the meantime, Jim had been on a plane to Seoul, got off the plane, dropped off his bags at his hotel, and got in a cab and asked to be taken to the Village. The driver took him to the one entrance he knew how to get to. Raoul made his way to one entrance at the same time that Jim arrived at the very same entrance; Raoul stepped outside the gates and heard a bellow: "Raoul!" He ran over to Jim and said "Jim, I can't believe you found me! How long have you been here waiting?" Jim: "About two minutes."
Jim's photo in the papers make him look like the successful real estate guy that he was, but most of us knew him as more like a beloved class clown than as a captain of industry (some folks can pull off both). So here's another story from the ceremony, right quick: When Jim and Nina's first daughter was born, Jim came downstairs to announce that a healthy girl had just been born. The overly rambunctious family members made such a ruckus that they were asked to leave the hospital; they made their way outside, and decided to scan the hospital windows to see if they could find the new family. They saw Jim at the window, got his attention, and he bolted from the window and came back with a big, fluffy bundle of joy. The family went nuts to see the new child at the window.
When they saw Jim later, his sister commented how happy they were to see the new child. Jim's reply: "Are you kidding, do you think I would hold a newborn up to the window? That was a pillow!"
Folks will probably add stories on the link just below; anyway, that's Jim Runsdorf for you. He will be missed.
For up to the minute information, please visit: http://jim-runsdorf-volunteer-search.blogspot.com/ and http://www.peterjaysharprc.org/.
To provide financial support for the search effort, please call (212) 304-2870, or donate directly to:
NYRA - Jim Runsdorf
c/o New York Rowing Association
4768 Broadway #225
New York, New York 10034
Statement on Behalf of the Family of Jim Runsdorf:
New York, New York, October 25, 2006 - Vincenzo Paparo, Chairman of the New York Rowing Association, issued the following statement on behalf of the Runsdorf family:
"The Runsdorf family greatly appreciates the support and sympathy that so many people have expressed over this terrible tragedy. In particular, the family is grateful for the many people who have volunteered to gather tomorrow morning to walk the shoreline to assist in the search and recovery for Jim. In addition, we want to thank the City of New York, in particular the police, the fire department, the coast guard and the harbor unit for all of their continuing efforts."
The search for Jim Runsdorf was called off last night due to darkness, and is expected to resume this morning; unfortunately, weather conditions may impair the search.
Jim is 41 years old, a graduate of Tulane University and Columbia graduate school, and the father of two daughters, ages 9 and 11. Jim is a member of the Board of Stewards for Power 10, a longtime member of the Kings Crown Rowing Association, and the Board of Directors of the Friends of Tulane Rowing, where he was on the inaugural crew as a junior in spring 1985 and rowed again his senior year in 1986.
Jim is a very well-liked member of the NYC rowing scene, and without exaggeration is the real deal, a great person to be around. On a personal note, Jim is a good friend; I'm pulling for him and his family, and my heart goes out to them; they and Jim are in the thoughts of many people constantly, without pause today.
Two-seat Ed Joyce, a Columbia grad and KCRA member, suffered a broken scapula, two broken ribs, a head gash, and required some stitches in his leg; after the collision, Ed was able to swim to the surface, and is doing fairly well as I understand it, with no seriously threatening injuries. Three-seat Vinny Houston suffered a head gash, and stroke Jeff Lundwall bruises and some other relatively minor injuries.
There have been conflicting reports in the news on precisely how the incident occurred; as best I can understand it from the folks involved, the crew was out for a regular morning row from the James P. Sharpe boathouse, and had just turned their shell around underneath the I-95 bridge near 181st street. The were taking a water break in preparation for starting a piece when they saw the boat headed directly for the bow at fairly high speed and close range, with no time to respond by rowing away, taking their feet out of the shoes, bailing out, or otherwise. The motorboat hit the crew head on, and Jim is thought to have taken the full impact of the collision. The crew had a bow-light, but reports say the pilot of the powerboat did not see it. As I understand it, the powerboat captain is himself an oarsman with the Piermont Rowing Club, located just south of the Tappan Zee Bridge on the opposite side of the Hudson River, and is on the board of directors there. He has not been found at fault at present, and no charges were filed; an investigation will follow.
row2k will update this item as pertinent information becomes available.