Tribute
to
James Michael Rainbow
5.20.2008
Jim Rainbow 48, had many friends and loved ones who cared deeply for him. Jim was
killed on May 16, 2008 at 11:00 pm by a hit n run driver on Texas 105 in Conroe,
Texas while he was returning home from riding his Harley up to seeing his
daughter graduate from High School in Missouri. The driver was later caught a
Mexican with no drivers license and no insurance. Jim was less than 3 miles from
his home when the hit n run occurred. He soon died from traumatic arrest while
in-flight to the trauma center in Huston.
Bikers and people came to Thirsty's Icehouse to pay their respects for Jim's
Memorial Run that was being held 1 week to the day that he was killed.. Some had
not Known Jim however they were there in the morning to donate their money
towards the Memorial Run and had left. I found this to be quite respectful
towards one that they hadn't known including the ones that came that had known
Jim to help with the cost of his burial by donating funds and had left before
the run got started.
There were others that I had met that day on Jim's Run that had heard of the
horrible news of his death and came to ride the Memorial Ride in respect for
another fallen biker. Only in Texas have I seen such great support for one in
another.
The count was 102 Motorcycles not including the ones who came who hadn't known
Jim were parked at Thirsty's they had counted 150 bikers on the motorcycles.
The run was a 130 mile a big loop to all the bars that Jim use to frequent over
his yrs. The ride was one that I will never forget, it was simply a beautiful
day with blue skies with few clouds and hot very hot! We rode through the Sam
Huston National Forest which was so beautiful riding through the pines and trees
as the thunder of the motorcycles streaked & rumbled through the windy roads one
could see up ahead the bikes at a far distance rounding a bend as everyone
followed suit. There were blockers to keep the pack tight and moving. I had even
seen a few cages coming in the opposite direction pull over to the side and stop
their cars on the brim of the road as we passed them.
This is called respect for the dead. Another respectful move in Texas!
Bikers mingled together among everyone it didn't matter who knew who for Jim
knew everyone in one sense or another. Man he sure had had allot of friends and
support from strangers! Cagers came to a stand still and turned their heads one
by one as we paraded through the corridors of the forest as if we were one.
Large flags were mounted to many bikes as it turned out to be Memorial Day
Weekend as well.
They sure seen us that day!
The sounds of the music could be heard as one rode up to Thirstys. Food was hot
and waiting for all to arrive to chow down.
I passed around a journal book for everyone to write something that they
remembered about Jim , so that I could share him with all of you. Unfortunately
I had just meet Jim 1 1/2 hours before he passed as I was at Big Richards as he
rode in on his Harley as he was returning from his road trip. I had just rode
into Texas from Pittsburgh Pa the day before. The photos that you see here, I
had took of Jim as he rode into the cook out 1 1/2 hours before he was killed.
I will send the journal back to his family in Texas for keepsake.
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Jim...The guy who showed me what a real ride was! I'm grateful for Richard
making me stay @ the BBQ that day... I miss you baby, xoxoxo Judi
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This is for Jim who ate with us most Sundays and talked with Richard every night
driving down the highway. We miss Love you & miss you always Bobbi & Richard
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For my Friend...Ride Free Forever....Love Bro Moose
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Jim gave me the best birthday parties I ever had. One yr the cops showed up 3
times because the band was too loud! Lori
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From 200 - 2008 Ride Free Brother Alamo Hell! Remember The Handlebar!!! Blue Lou
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Here's to you brother...Rubber Side down Smoked A Tire To The Rim.....JUST FOR
YOU! Slide
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Parties were great Brother. Your gonna be missed. I Dumped My bike And YOU WERE
THERE...YOU were Always There! God Bless You Brother. Paul
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Your Dad always had the biggest smile I ever saw. He kept me company in the bar
when I worked there, I loved your dad & he will be very much missed! TeKatt
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Everybody claims to be a friend----YOU were and are-------
Will miss YOU--------Ride Hard Stay Free----I'll catch up to ya---Bro-----BOBBO
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You raised me and made me into the man that I am today. All I can say is that I
LOVE YOU VERY MUCH AND WILL MISS YOU! Love, Your Son
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Jim... see you on the other side...Judith
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Jim Never Met You....But I know you...Miles and Miles of Rough Roads have taught
me many lessons....The most important today is that a man is measured by his
friends & friends think of him....Dammed good to know you....You are & will be
missed....RP
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It amazes me how much work & how everyone came together in 1 week to put on a
successful Memorial run. They had HD Memory Patches sewn up, 50 of them in 1
weeks time! Tons of brisket and food cooked, raffles, beer and drinks stocked
and 130 mile run mapped out a DJ, everything one needs to do to make a run
complete, in 1 week to the day he was killed.
$800.00 was raised in a toilet bowl in the parking lot to have Little Joe cut
his beard off. People donated goods for the many raffles of the day. Everyone
was starting to have fun and was celebrating Jim's life. I heard stories about
him as I sat on Picnic tables under the shade tree.
Kathy & her husband, the owners of Thirsty's have got more memory patches made
for Jim you can stop by the bar and buy one if you missed out on the first
batch!
Over $6,700.00 was raised for Jim's Memorial in 1 week's time. Amazing!!!
I am truly sorry Jim I hadn't had the chance to talk to you that day you rode in
how was I to know....however everyone gave me the opportunities to know you
through their love..... of knowing you. You are missed in my heart. Hold the gates
for me....Luuezz
R.I.P
Jim Michael Rainbow
