Four Score and One

(That smile punctuated by the sparkle in his eyes)

At large all day on the dangerous, dirty Newark streets
The boys instantly dissolve Mom and sister Bonnie fears
Relating their many quixotic adventures

With his calm assurances, “It’s no big deal,” and
That smile punctuated by the sparkle in his eyes

Off to the suburbs, carting clubs for spending money
The boys start their underground life, hidden from worried eyes
Too young, begun adulthood’s rise

With his calm assurances, “It’s no big deal,” and
That smile punctuated by the sparkle in his eyes

More daring do, for our two-man crew. They singly
Circle the battle-scarred globe, learning the lessons
That would guide them into exciting new passions

With his calm assurances, “It’s no big deal,” and
That smile punctuated by the sparkle in his eyes

Briefly alighting, at the siren’s call. His heart is captured
By Sharon, his soul mate, his life partner.
Someone to share in life’s unfolding chapter

With his calm assurances, “It’s no big deal,” and
That smile punctuated by the sparkle in his eyes

From Pacific shores, together they travel to the city of lights.

Where soon – this adventurous pair

Find themselves welcoming a daughter fair

With his calm assurances, “It’s no big deal,” and
That smile punctuated by the sparkle in his eyes

Back home upon Erie’s shores, the adventures continue
Amid expanding family ties. Holiday celebrations unite
Past and present, promising a future bright 

With his calm assurances, “It’s no big deal,” and
That smile punctuated by the sparkle in his eyes

Work and play. New friends. New home. Suddenly the Dream has

Become their joyous reality. And, while full their lives,

Great Scott, a son arrives

With his calm assurances, “It’s no big deal,” and
That smile punctuated by the sparkle in his eyes

To lessons and games, marked by scraped knees and victories
Proud Dad revels in Leslie’s unparalleled artistry
Sam’s antics and life’s continuing mystery

With his calm assurances, “It’s no big deal,” and
That smile punctuated by the sparkle in his eyes

Too soon. Too soon. Their childhood passes. And suddenly,
Down an aisle he walks her and with raised, milk glass he toasts him

Sending new hopes and dreams with them

With his calm assurances, “It’s no big deal,” and
That smile punctuated by the sparkle in his eyes

The cycle repeats. New son. New daughter. Perfect matches.

Then grandchildren fill the spaces they didn’t realize existed
In their overflowing lives

With his calm assurances, “It’s no big deal,” and
That smile punctuated by the sparkle in his eyes

Together they thrive. Together they grow. Expanding yet
Growing closer. Through triumphs and tears
Sharing the wisdom of his four score and one years

With his calm assurances, “It’s no big deal,” and
That smile punctuated by the sparkle in his eyes

A new battle fought with courage and valor. Recalls the young rascal

Scaling New Jersey castle walls. Who bravely slides over
Into what lies beyond,

With his calm assurances, “It’s no big deal,” and
That smile punctuated by the sparkle in his eyes

To a life remembered with love and affection by Clark DesSoye [July 19, 2010].
Proud to call him my uncle and my friend, Jim Junkin, touched our lives in so many ways with his courage and wisdom. But mostly, for me, as the embodiment of all the many iterations of himself throughout his life all in one unforgettable man:
mentor, father, husband, brother, partner, colleague, friend and impish little boy, forever winning us over with his confidence and that smile – punctuated by the sparkle in his eyes.