My wife and I met Jim the morning after his 40th birthday. We have been close friends ever since. The “P” in Pyle stands for “Passion”. Just about anything that got Jim’s blood racing, Jim would go after it full steam. That included work, boating, entertaining, grandkids, writing and more. We celebrated the good times together, and we comforted each other during difficult times. We commiserated with Jim over his struggle to get his gasoline nozzle off the launch pad. But, the most successful people don’t follow the big payday. They follow passion. Jim would say that you can do anything, as long as you have the drive…and the support. There has been no partner in life more supportive that Suzanne. And, Jim’s passion for Suzanne was limitless. When Jim took up writing in retirement, we were surprised. Writing exhausts most authors. The more Jim wrote, the more energy he got. PASSION NEVER FAILS. PASSION NEVER QUITS. PASSION HAS NO LIMITS.
We will never forget Jim’s passion for life – Ally & John Lerch
To the Pyle family:
So sorry for your collective loss as I am sure Jim’s passion for life must have been an inspiration to all of his family members who witnessed his endless energy and drive to succeed in whatever he attempted throughout the entirety of his life.
During my years working for Jim in the 1970’s, I not only respected his professionalism but admired his can do attitude when attempting to achieve the seemingly impossible business opportunities he purposely sought out. His leadership skills undoubtedly inspired to me perform at the highest level and for that I am eternally grateful. Speaking of the highest level, Jim’s creativity in inserting ” Alta” in his naming of Alta Technologies which represented both his affinity of skiing at Alta in Utah as well as a strategic marketing concept when initially creating a company that focused on the high technology industry said it best to those that understood his vision. A true visionary in all aspects and in every detail!!!! Rest in Peace
I always enjoyed Jim’s blog. On several occasions, I said: “Jim, you make so much sense: you should run for President”, to which he replied, without missing a beat: “I’m over-qualified”. How true!
We shared a love of books and writing, and would sometimes exchange opinions in the brief times we met when I went to work for Suzanne. It was comforting to know that if Suzanne or I ran into any computer difficulties, Jim would solve our problems for us. He was a man of many talents.
My mother-tongue is French. Jim surprised me one day by speaking to me in fluent, perfect French! And when he gave me a copy of his wonderful “Jim’s Shorts” – his delightful collection of short stories (which I just re-read with great pleasure) he wrote a note in French in the front. It’s among my favorite books to revisit. I greatly look forward to reading his soon-to-be-published book.
Jim lives on in his writings. Thank you Jim!
Colette Thorpe
Where to begin with our friend, Jim Pyle? Needless to say it seems like we’ve known Jim and Suzanne forever, close to 40 years to some, is forever. Jim was the master of MANY things…business, writing, skiiing, cooking, humor and of course party planning (whether the extraordinary host or enthusiastic guest), ALL of these talents he shared with his perfect partner, Suzanne. We can honestly say we doubt there has been a better party planning duo in Fairfield County…EVER! From Wine Hunts, Creative Boat Races, Birthday Parties, Festive Christmas Parties (who knew piano players could play upside down) to perhaps the greatest…. planning a party within a party in Martha’s Vineyard involving a double masted schooner, a bit of wine and interesting costumes…..We can assure you a grand time was had by All! We can still hear that smile and see that laugh, you will be missed by ALL who knew you “Mr” Pyle….
KayC and Reg Pierce
It’s hard to imagine a world without Jim. He was a force, a mentor and a friend and I will miss not only his conversation and great culinary presentations but also his educated POV on just about everything.
Most of all I will miss all the fun he brought to any occasion. Jim, with Suzanne by his side, always put the most energy and creativity possible into whatever they chose to pursue. John and I have gladly been there to enjoy 40+ years as friends. Jim will live on in all the wonderful memories we share. With Love, Ally Lerch
We just heard from Suzanne and I’m so sad to hear about Jim. Knowing him, however, he would not want sadness so we’ll have to move on. We will all have to struggle through life without a very good person and friend.
Jim and I worked together at Collins Radio in the seventies and although we saw each other infrequently after that, we have remained very dear friends ever since. We lived very close together in Dallas and shared many great experiences.
Each year at Christmas we would plot how we would get together soon, but unfortunately never did.
Our prayers and sympathies to Suzanne and his family.
To dear Suzanne, Both Tom and I have been shocked and devastated by the news. I am very sad and still can’t believe that when I go to Connecticut, I will not see Jim anymore. The last few days since you sent me your letter, I have been going through all the pictures we have had through the years. Soon, Suzanne, you and I will get together.
Debbie and I remember Jim (and sweet Suzanne) from our Mission Ridge days in Singletree, in the Vail Valley of Colorado, when Jim introduced us to French Martinis, and the two of us talked of becoming novelists, which of course we did after enough martinis. We were members of an informal group known as Vail Club 50, the youngest old people in the Valley. My poem about it is included below, the ethos of which Jim very much embraced.
“Club Vail”
Richard Barlow Adams (c) 2004 (and tweaked over time)
(Engineer, Author, Vail Ski Instructor)
Shall I tell you a story enchantingly true
When I came to a valley where the old become new
Where the life blood is given to Shangri-La’s tale
Where the sun never sets and the snows never fail
How I turned and descended and saw with delight
The valley, the stream, and the mountainous height
Bathed bright in the sun, colors lustrous bold
This place I did wonder what mysteries hold
So leaving the high road, I wandered about
Being tired and thirsty, in need of a stout
I entered a pub that was full of a race
Of folk smiling and joking, and living with grace
I could take it no longer, so says I to one
Who are you, how is it you all have such fun
He clasped me by hand and smiled me a smile
Said he’d tell me it all if I’d sit there a while
So I sat and I listened and drank as he spoke
Of the time he was me before joining these folk
His tale was familiar, the things that he said
Of his climb to the top, the life that he led
When he wore the dark suit, the tie, and the shoes
Called meetings, wrote memos, and waited on news
That they got it, they did it, could celebrate now
Til they started all over, reinventing the how
See the two in the corner, he said, as I turned
He did this and she that, both ends the two burned
Now he’s eighty, bionic, and she’s seventy-three
As they run hither thither and hike, bike, and ski
But we’re all of us “them,” he said with a wink
And spying my glass, raised a hand for more drink
It’s not magic my friend; not a lamp you can rub
Would you care for the secret of joining our club
Yes I would, said a voice greatly startling me
It was I asking next, how much is the fee
By the sound of his laugh it was perfectly clear
That spirit meant more to membership here
You see, said the man, we’re no different than you
But have stake in the valley, believe in it too
And that binds us together and shows us the way
For the child buried in us to come out and play
So join us and be us and savor our life
Of reaping the joy and defeating the strife
For soon this will end, our time here to stay
When God calls us home at the end of the day
I nodded agreement, for I knew he was right
Bid adieu and departed, soon missing the sight
Then again steeped in work and wins of the day
I found myself dreaming of slipping away
Twas on Christmas it came, the answer I sought
In the laughter of children, the lessons they taught
And the rest of the story, I think you might tell
How I moved to the Valley and joined the Club Vail
So I’ve told you the story, the mystery true
Of the valley, my home, where the old become new
Where the life blood is given to Shangri-La’s tale
Where the sun never sets and the snows never fail
We were reminiscing earlier this year about our acquaintance in the 1990’s with Jim and Suzanne and we decided to find him on the Internet. The search was successful but we were astonished to find that he had passed away just before Christmas. This was sad news indeed.
We remember the occasions when we stayed as guests with Jim and Suzanne on the East Coast and their kindness to our daughters; involving them in horse riding and canoeing.
James Pyle - Author 
Merry Christmas. Dad. I love and miss you so much.
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My wife and I met Jim the morning after his 40th birthday. We have been close friends ever since. The “P” in Pyle stands for “Passion”. Just about anything that got Jim’s blood racing, Jim would go after it full steam. That included work, boating, entertaining, grandkids, writing and more. We celebrated the good times together, and we comforted each other during difficult times. We commiserated with Jim over his struggle to get his gasoline nozzle off the launch pad. But, the most successful people don’t follow the big payday. They follow passion. Jim would say that you can do anything, as long as you have the drive…and the support. There has been no partner in life more supportive that Suzanne. And, Jim’s passion for Suzanne was limitless. When Jim took up writing in retirement, we were surprised. Writing exhausts most authors. The more Jim wrote, the more energy he got. PASSION NEVER FAILS. PASSION NEVER QUITS. PASSION HAS NO LIMITS.
We will never forget Jim’s passion for life – Ally & John Lerch
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To the Pyle family:
So sorry for your collective loss as I am sure Jim’s passion for life must have been an inspiration to all of his family members who witnessed his endless energy and drive to succeed in whatever he attempted throughout the entirety of his life.
During my years working for Jim in the 1970’s, I not only respected his professionalism but admired his can do attitude when attempting to achieve the seemingly impossible business opportunities he purposely sought out. His leadership skills undoubtedly inspired to me perform at the highest level and for that I am eternally grateful. Speaking of the highest level, Jim’s creativity in inserting ” Alta” in his naming of Alta Technologies which represented both his affinity of skiing at Alta in Utah as well as a strategic marketing concept when initially creating a company that focused on the high technology industry said it best to those that understood his vision. A true visionary in all aspects and in every detail!!!! Rest in Peace
Kenneth and Linda Oliver
Wyckoff, NJ
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I always enjoyed Jim’s blog. On several occasions, I said: “Jim, you make so much sense: you should run for President”, to which he replied, without missing a beat: “I’m over-qualified”. How true!
We shared a love of books and writing, and would sometimes exchange opinions in the brief times we met when I went to work for Suzanne. It was comforting to know that if Suzanne or I ran into any computer difficulties, Jim would solve our problems for us. He was a man of many talents.
My mother-tongue is French. Jim surprised me one day by speaking to me in fluent, perfect French! And when he gave me a copy of his wonderful “Jim’s Shorts” – his delightful collection of short stories (which I just re-read with great pleasure) he wrote a note in French in the front. It’s among my favorite books to revisit. I greatly look forward to reading his soon-to-be-published book.
Jim lives on in his writings. Thank you Jim!
Colette Thorpe
LikeLike
Where to begin with our friend, Jim Pyle? Needless to say it seems like we’ve known Jim and Suzanne forever, close to 40 years to some, is forever. Jim was the master of MANY things…business, writing, skiiing, cooking, humor and of course party planning (whether the extraordinary host or enthusiastic guest), ALL of these talents he shared with his perfect partner, Suzanne. We can honestly say we doubt there has been a better party planning duo in Fairfield County…EVER! From Wine Hunts, Creative Boat Races, Birthday Parties, Festive Christmas Parties (who knew piano players could play upside down) to perhaps the greatest…. planning a party within a party in Martha’s Vineyard involving a double masted schooner, a bit of wine and interesting costumes…..We can assure you a grand time was had by All! We can still hear that smile and see that laugh, you will be missed by ALL who knew you “Mr” Pyle….
KayC and Reg Pierce
LikeLike
It’s hard to imagine a world without Jim. He was a force, a mentor and a friend and I will miss not only his conversation and great culinary presentations but also his educated POV on just about everything.
Most of all I will miss all the fun he brought to any occasion. Jim, with Suzanne by his side, always put the most energy and creativity possible into whatever they chose to pursue. John and I have gladly been there to enjoy 40+ years as friends. Jim will live on in all the wonderful memories we share. With Love, Ally Lerch
LikeLike
We just heard from Suzanne and I’m so sad to hear about Jim. Knowing him, however, he would not want sadness so we’ll have to move on. We will all have to struggle through life without a very good person and friend.
Jim and I worked together at Collins Radio in the seventies and although we saw each other infrequently after that, we have remained very dear friends ever since. We lived very close together in Dallas and shared many great experiences.
Each year at Christmas we would plot how we would get together soon, but unfortunately never did.
Our prayers and sympathies to Suzanne and his family.
Joe and Norma Culp
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To dear Suzanne, Both Tom and I have been shocked and devastated by the news. I am very sad and still can’t believe that when I go to Connecticut, I will not see Jim anymore. The last few days since you sent me your letter, I have been going through all the pictures we have had through the years. Soon, Suzanne, you and I will get together.
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Debbie and I remember Jim (and sweet Suzanne) from our Mission Ridge days in Singletree, in the Vail Valley of Colorado, when Jim introduced us to French Martinis, and the two of us talked of becoming novelists, which of course we did after enough martinis. We were members of an informal group known as Vail Club 50, the youngest old people in the Valley. My poem about it is included below, the ethos of which Jim very much embraced.
“Club Vail”
Richard Barlow Adams (c) 2004 (and tweaked over time)
(Engineer, Author, Vail Ski Instructor)
Shall I tell you a story enchantingly true
When I came to a valley where the old become new
Where the life blood is given to Shangri-La’s tale
Where the sun never sets and the snows never fail
How I turned and descended and saw with delight
The valley, the stream, and the mountainous height
Bathed bright in the sun, colors lustrous bold
This place I did wonder what mysteries hold
So leaving the high road, I wandered about
Being tired and thirsty, in need of a stout
I entered a pub that was full of a race
Of folk smiling and joking, and living with grace
I could take it no longer, so says I to one
Who are you, how is it you all have such fun
He clasped me by hand and smiled me a smile
Said he’d tell me it all if I’d sit there a while
So I sat and I listened and drank as he spoke
Of the time he was me before joining these folk
His tale was familiar, the things that he said
Of his climb to the top, the life that he led
When he wore the dark suit, the tie, and the shoes
Called meetings, wrote memos, and waited on news
That they got it, they did it, could celebrate now
Til they started all over, reinventing the how
See the two in the corner, he said, as I turned
He did this and she that, both ends the two burned
Now he’s eighty, bionic, and she’s seventy-three
As they run hither thither and hike, bike, and ski
But we’re all of us “them,” he said with a wink
And spying my glass, raised a hand for more drink
It’s not magic my friend; not a lamp you can rub
Would you care for the secret of joining our club
Yes I would, said a voice greatly startling me
It was I asking next, how much is the fee
By the sound of his laugh it was perfectly clear
That spirit meant more to membership here
You see, said the man, we’re no different than you
But have stake in the valley, believe in it too
And that binds us together and shows us the way
For the child buried in us to come out and play
So join us and be us and savor our life
Of reaping the joy and defeating the strife
For soon this will end, our time here to stay
When God calls us home at the end of the day
I nodded agreement, for I knew he was right
Bid adieu and departed, soon missing the sight
Then again steeped in work and wins of the day
I found myself dreaming of slipping away
Twas on Christmas it came, the answer I sought
In the laughter of children, the lessons they taught
And the rest of the story, I think you might tell
How I moved to the Valley and joined the Club Vail
So I’ve told you the story, the mystery true
Of the valley, my home, where the old become new
Where the life blood is given to Shangri-La’s tale
Where the sun never sets and the snows never fail
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This is absolutely wonderful! I can just hear Jum smiling over this! Keep on writing…. and skiing!
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We were reminiscing earlier this year about our acquaintance in the 1990’s with Jim and Suzanne and we decided to find him on the Internet. The search was successful but we were astonished to find that he had passed away just before Christmas. This was sad news indeed.
We remember the occasions when we stayed as guests with Jim and Suzanne on the East Coast and their kindness to our daughters; involving them in horse riding and canoeing.
Our thoughts are with Suzanne and the family.
Kevin, Rhianydd, Sara and Anna Gordon
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