Rose’s Tribute To Quinn

You may have heard that Jim Quinn has recently passed away. I first began working with Quinn 30 years ago. What started as a professional relationship blossomed into one of the greatest friendships I’ve ever known. There aren’t enough words to fully capture the depth of his selflessness in our friendship, but I’d like to share just a few ways in which Jim showed his incredible character to others.

We’ve all heard the saying that you can measure someone’s character by how they treat those who can do nothing for them. That was Jim Quinn to the core. He was always looking for someone he could bless. I can’t tell you how many times I’d be on the phone with him, and he’d suddenly cut the conversation short because he was “on a mission.” That “mission” was often as simple as following a veteran around the grocery store to pay for their groceries without them knowing.

I remember volunteering at the flood relief center in Sharpsburg after Katrina. The need was overwhelming, and I called Jim to share my frustration. I told him we needed stoves, refrigerators, and basic supplies. The next thing I knew, a truckload of appliances showed up at the center, all arranged by Jim. He asked that I keep it anonymous, but I think it’s ok to share that story now. Over the years, he did things like this repeatedly—always quietly and without seeking any recognition.

As many of you know, Jim began calling me “Church Lady” on air because of my love for Jesus. I’d share my faith with him often, and sometimes, his responses would go way over my head—talking about quantum physics and the big bang theory. I never knew how to answer that! About two years ago, I began taking him to different churches, and last August, while sitting in one of those churches, he turned to me and said, “I’ve found my church. We don’t need to look anymore.” From that moment on, he attended every Sunday, praising God with a heart full of the Holy Spirit.

The only thing that brings me comfort right now is the certainty that Jim is in Heaven. No doubt about it. And I can just imagine him up there, asking God if there’s a smoking section—because I’m sure he’s there with Rush, lighting one up. Always pushing the envelope.

In my opinion, Jim was one of the most talented individuals this city has ever known, though he never got the recognition he deserved. That used to bother me. When I told him that, he’d shrug it off, saying it never mattered to him. He loved what he did, and that was enough. Jim was never envious—he was genuinely happy for the success of others.

Honestly, how many people do you know like that?