RMCS James R. Huber (RET.)
I wish to report the 'silencing of the key' for an old friend and fellow communicator, RMCS JAMES R. HUBER (RET.). Jim crossed over the Bar on 17 November. I do not have the particulars as to cause of death, but thought he should be memorialized here with his peers. Jim retired from the Coast Guard on 1 August 1988 and worked as an agent for Farmers Insurance for a while. I met Jim at Radioman “A” school where he was an instructor of mine. Besides instructor duty, he doubled as the softball coach for RM school and one memorable event that comes to mind was during a game. One of our players got ejected for arguing a call and Jim jumped in the umps face, displaying some of the best “sailorese” you ever heard. He promptly got tossed and when the dust settled the umpire told us to get back onto the field. Each one of us looked at one another. We looked over at Jim as he was departing the field and simultaneously, without any prompting, we dropped our gloves on the field and walked off. Talk about solidarity. We ended up forfeiting that game but we each felt a sense of pride. Jim did what any Chief would have done – he stuck to his guns and took care of his people. That was his style. Later I would have the fortune of serving with Jim on Polar Star, where he was Radioman-in-Charge. You could always count on him to have a cigarette in one hand, a coffee cup in the other, and provide a sharp comment about anything. He was truly a sailor’s sailor. As I look back on our tour together I realize that Jim taught me (an RM3 at the time) more about being a leader and a shipmate than any school ever will. Those who knew him will always remember his good nature, wit and compassion. I will carry his positive influence and friendship with me always. FAIR WINDS AND FOLLOWING SEAS, OM. 73s.'The glory of friendship is not the outstretched hand, nor the kindly smile...it's the spiritual inspiration that comes to one when he discovers that someone else believes in him and is willing to trust him with his friendship.' -- Ralph Waldo Emerson
12/27/02 Submitted by: LT. Rudy McGwin
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