Wednesday, May 15, 2013
If I may, I would like to share a story about Jim while we were working together and Sinclair Refinery in 1996. At the time, I was having serious water drainage problems at my home in west Tulsa. It was to the point that during a really heavy rain our house would take on water. So needless to say I had a big problem. The neighborhood developer and homebuilder were long gone and had no intention in getting involved with any help or ideas. So I was tackling the problem with the help of my stepsons Clay and Dustin and a couple of neighbors. But, after trying a multitude of ideas, it was obvious I was in over my head. James Rogers and Jack Long - friends at Sinclair - were helping me also. They were a big help - but it was still an expensive problem. Well, one day we're all working digging a french drain along the backside of my property (by hand). I don't know exactly how I'm going to divert water out of the french drain away from my house and neighbors and into the street runoff drains. It became clear that the french drain water had to be diverted into drainage pipe to the street - a good 150 feet away. And I'm talking 10-12" pipe. I'd already spent a lot of money on this and other water drainage projects, so I'm looking at spending considerably more for the pipe - and not happy about it. This is where Jim Newberry enters the story. James Rogers, Jack Long, and I are working on the project and out of nowhere Jim, Robert Foresman, and another Sinclair friend pull up in front of the house with a truck and trailer loaded with over 150 feet of about the best 12" drainage pipe you'll ever see. I look at James and Jack and they don't have a clue and I sure don't either. Well, I walk up to Jim and Robert to inquire. Well, Jim says, we were in the neighborhood and thought we'd drop off some pipe. So I'm thinking ... OK ... how did he know I needed some pipe? Because I hadn't talked to Jim about the drainage situation. I don't know who, but some "little bird" told Jim about things. How Jim got that pipe - if he already had it, begged, borrow, or whatever - he had it now and he was commencing to give it to me. I'm standing there trying to tell Jim 'thanks but no thanks" - you don't have to do this. This pipe is very expensive. Well, the whole time I'm talking Jim and Robert are unloading the pipe pretty as you please ... not listening to a single word I'm saying. I've always been taught not to kick a gift horse in the mouth - but this was too much. But not for Jim Newberry. That's the kind of man Jim was. Kind, loving, and giving. For months I tried everything I could to pay Jim, and he wouldn't have it. I even tried talking to his son Steve about it - but he's just like his dad, so you know how that went. So, finally, I decided to accept the most generous gift a man can receive - a gift from God through a man like Jim Newberry. May you rest in peace, Jim. We all love you. -Michael Garrigan
