We were lucky enough to meet Jim and Penny on a food industry trip to Hawaii. We met them on our first night there and were immediately drawn to the two of them. We spent as much of our free time as we could we them. You could instantly tell the love that Jim and Penny had for each other. Their love story is that of novels and what it's all about. I would love to watch Scotty and Jim go off to chat while Penny and I were able to chat steps behind. Our friendship has been so cherished and so easy. That friendship evolved over the years to a few more vacations, countless phone calls, emails and letters. Jim will remain one of our favorite story tellers. Conversations were so easy and time would always fly when we were together. We are better people knowing him and will miss him dearly. Rest in peace dear friend. We love you.
– The Isoms
I had the pleasure of serving with Jim in the United States Marine Corps. We were best of friends for 3 years. We lost touch after our discharge, but two years ago we got together again and spent 5 days in St. Augustine, Florida. Where I met his wife Penny. I’ll always remember that trip. We reminisced, laughed, and of course, ate and drank too much.. We had planned to meet again the following year in Savannah, GA. But the pandemic spoiled that. Rest In Peace Jim. You deserve it.
– Don Hawkins
My Uncle Jimmy, or as we liked to call him “UJ” was a true gentleman. Kind, gentle, respectful, soft spoken, authentic and genuine. He was passionate about many things, but family, tradition, relationships and food were front and center. When we all gathered in the kitchen, or sat around the table, I would glance at him. He was neverThe center of attention, but rather loved taking it all in, watching us talk, laugh and of course, enjoy our meal. There was always a back story to a recipe and we loved hearing the details, its origin or modifications. We leaned in…we took it all in. The meal was an event and we couldn’t wait to pull up our seat.
Uncle Jimmy’s love and passion for food were fulfilled in his lifelong dream of opening Gironda’s. He loved cooking with his Grandmothers, and took that love and those recipes and shared them with many. When you walked in the door you may have been a customer, but would always leave feeling like family.
Sharing family history and traditions was a favorite. He was the keeper of the stories, he loved to share, and we loved to listen. His theory…”I know there are more Gironda’s we are related too, we just don’t know them yet!"
One of my uncle's greatest superpowers was his ability to listen. It wasn’t listening to respond, but listening to really hear what you are saying. I walked away from every conversation always feeling head and understood. This gift…the gift of being seen is just one of the many things I will miss most.
Thank you Uncle Jimmy for your love and leadership in our family. We love you and miss you always.
– Laura Gironda
