The Funk family lost someone special today. Jim Branam, my former taxi driver and gambling partner, died of an apparent heart attack this morning. Since my parents and I have a cantankerous releationship, Jim, who was in his mid-70s, gave me hope for growing old gracefully. He read hip books, listened to rock n roll, drove a Mustang, and was the typical cute "dirty old man". He would call me at 2AM to tell me about the hotties he just had in his taxi. I would often respond "JIM! I'M HAPPY FOR YOU BUT I'M ASLEEP DAMMIT!!!" He survived Vietnam, several marriages, and among other things, working for me. He was my friend, we made and lost alot of money together, and I will miss him very much. RIP, Jimbo.
