Posted by Stephen Morrissey on March 8, 2007:

Jim has been a longtime loyal and active supporter of the Class of 1940 e-mail "net" hosted by the Association of Graduates (AOG). He initiated retrieving individual official biographies of classmates from the REGISTER, sending them by surprise messages on line. His son, Rick, has likewise been a longtime family subscriber. Following is copy of a memorable letter about his father that Rick wrote to the Class recently: *********************************** To: USMA Class of 1940 Sent: Sunday, February 11, 2007 3:35 PM Subject: Jim Maedler's condition Sunday, February 10, 2007 I want to let the Class of 40 online know that my Dad was admitted on Wednesday, February 7 at Marin General Hospital in Greenbrae, California. He had begun eating little and feeling poorly late last year. Several tumors have been found. We were told he would survive them for two months or less. He understands the situation and is accepting of it. He wants to go. When he learned of the tumors and that they are inoperable, he immediately decided that he wants to let nature take its course: no further curative treatment. Though he has had considerable discomfort, we are grateful he is now able to be comfortable with the treatment he is receiving. His bravery has renewed my and my Mom?s appreciation of his remarkable strengths of character. Other aspects of his medical condition will likely determine how much time remains. He could pass at any time. The doctor will not predict. We have no way of knowing whether he may have another few hours or days or more than a week. Hospice will take over shortly. He is sleeping most of the time though has been lucid throughout and remains able to hear and respond well. Some of you may recall I accompanied my Dad to the 60th Reunion. I was extremely happy to join him. As a boy I?d hear him speak of West Point with a gentle pride. I was too young to understand and appreciate all that he said, though I realized that his feelings were bound up with his love of country. As I matured I realized that his reverence for West Point was from the deep gratitude he felt, for how it had shaped his character and values. Not until after our return from the Reunion did I realize how profoundly his experience there had shaped him and me as well. We both felt an awe for the miracle of the American Revolution and a deep admiration for the inspired genius and perseverance of the Founding Fathers. I also realized how deeply he appreciated and loved his classmates I felt very lucky to have come along; and, indeed, realized how lucky I am to be his son. I?m grateful, too, for the opportunity to have met some of you and for the privilege of seeing your emails, learning more about you and corresponding with some of you. I want to let the Class of 40 online know how much you have meant to my Dad. He has spoken often of so many of you to me. My father and mother had the forbearance, grace and judgment to let me find my own way. I did not choose a military career. I cannot think of a kinder, better way to pay honor to my Dad and Mom than to say I believe my Dad?s West Point experience and their time together in the military have helped to shape me deeply in positive ways, which I hope will see me to the final days and hours of my life. Earlier today I told him that he will live on in me and in his twin grandchildren, Stephen and Natalie, who are each now just three years and four months. I can almost see Natalie on the Parade Grounds in another 20 years. She is a pistol. I just wish my Dad could see Steve and Natalie and they see him before his life is over, but it would not feasible for all the reasons you can imagine. My Mom is bearing up with God?s Grace, displaying a strength and fortitude my Dad would expect. She sends her love to you, too. God bless you all. Thank you for your many kindnesses over the years, and Godspeed to you and to us all. Any responses sent soon might still reach my Dad as he remains lucid. With appreciation and thanks... Love, Rick ********************************* Following letter from the 1940 Class President, Kerm Dyke, is an appropriate and well-spoken tribute to Jim, one which with which the entire Class strongly concurs: Jim: Received the Email from your son, Rick, reporting that you are having a tough time physically. We are disappointed and surprised to receive the saddening news. But it is comforting to hear of your good attitude about your situation, one which we all have to face sooner or later. It sounds like you recognize the nature of human life and the inherent limits to immortality. We wish to encourage you to hang in there, and to enjoy the many good reflections you must have about having lived a good and useful life. Rick sends an impressive and inspiring revelation of your respect and admiration for the meaning of being a West Pointer. That has to touch all of us classmates, for we all have to appreciate what the Academy did for the development of character and understanding and respect of what is right and honorable, and for the privilege of being able to say that we were part of such an honorable group of dedicated Americans. I know your classmates all appreciate how you jumped in as a 1940 team member to help keep us together in our later years; and I, for one, want to send my personal thanks for those efforts. All the best to you, and please give our best regards and encouragements to Barbara... Take care. As ever. Kerm ************************************* To the above, may I respectfully add: Rick, your letter truly and beautifully represents Jim at this difficult time. We all fully appreciate what you say about him and how you say it. Please tell him that, and Grip both his hands in our behalf.... Steve Morrissey, a classmate *************************************

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