| Author |
Message Text |
|
Grandma L
|
stevenjames: "TGO is my father. It makes me smile/cry reading all of these posts about your conversations with him at his bait shop or on this forum. I can’t count the number of times he would giggle waiting for someone to respond to one of his posts here whether it was about politics or fishing. He had some health issues over the last year or two and wasn’t able to fish. He was finally able to make it out fishing a few times this year so that was great to see!
He was getting ready to go out on the lake when he passed away by his dock. I don’t think that he could’ve chosen a better spot for it to happen.
I would like to thank all of you for your kind words about my dad and for entertaining him with the conversations over the years. He did not want a funeral, but we will have a gathering in the near future. I hope to meet some of you there. Thank you again"
Thanks for posting and please let us know when the gathering will happen. Several of us would like to attend. I don't fish but I would buy bait for the family. Jim would tell me how to cook what ever they caught so it would turn out "just right" and tasty. He is irreplaceable and will be sorely missed.
|
|
Jackfish
|
Very nice, Bogs. Thanks for sharing that.
|
|
arctic
|
Pinetree: "Bushpilot:
Today Jim doesn't have to worry about catching any disgusting bass or dealing with any mimes!"
Nice post.
Yes, like many I enjoyed kidding him about smallmouth bass because he always came back with a funny response that made my day so much better.
He always was willing to help people on this forum. Part of this forum died with him and it will never be quite the same.
He belonged in my opinion to the select group of Who's who of respected people on this web who added so much in many ways.
God bless you TGO."
+1 A big loss for this forum and the Ely community.
I jousted with him a bit over the years, but respected his opinions and shared his views on BWCA fisheries.
Peace to his friends and family.
|
|
andym
|
That’s really sad. My condolences to his family and friends.
|
|
moosedoggie
|
lundojam: "That is sad. Damn."
+1
|
|
drnatus
|
very sad for Ely and this site.
|
|
TomT
|
boonie: "Very sad news. To work hard all those years and then die shortly after retiring . . . "
That sucks. I enjoyed TGO on this board. He’s going to be missed. Very sad to hear this news.
|
|
Pinetree
|
Bushpilot: "missmolly: "Tears. I never met Jim, but I sure enjoyed cyber-jousting with him over the years. I wish he had enjoyed more years in retirement. Lots more. Sigh."
Today Jim doesn't have to worry about catching any disgusting bass or dealing with any mimes!"
Nice post.
Yes, like many I enjoyed kidding him about smallmouth bass because he always came back with a funny response that made my day so much better.
He always was willing to help people on this forum. Part of this forum died with him and it will never be quite the same.
He belonged in my opinion to the select group of Who's who of respected people on this web who added so much in many ways.
God bless you TGO.
|
|
Bogwalker
|
Thanks for the update Steven. From one Steve to another.
Your dad was an amazing person and one many looked up to and enjoyed having conversations with. I think there are two well worn spots on the floor in the bait shop where Jim and I would talk...the spot where Jim stood and leaned against the map desk just inside the door and the spot where I stood for hours discussing anything and everything with him.
After he sold the shop we would have chance meetings at Zups, he would stop by my place on Chapman behind Bill's custard shop to chat or I'd see him in line at JR's BBQ truck (always early) and I'd walk over and talk while he enjoyed his sandwich. I saw him right before the 4th I just wish I could have said a better good bye. I'm sure there were plenty of old friends waiting for him to get through the gates to talk. Someday he'll be there for me and we can continue the conversation. I'm sure there will be plenty to talk about from politics, mining, Ely happenings, Ely characters, fishing, BWCA.com topics and members and on and on.
Rest in Peace Jim Maki aka TGO and prayers for you and your family Steven.
|
|
moosedoggie
|
This is in the Ely Echo.
Jim's Obituary in the Echo
|
|
Bdubguy
|
Very saddened and shocked with this news. I considered Jim a buddy. Exchanged emails with him just last week. I ended up missing him at the shop the week before. Connected with him a handful of times over the years. Always enjoyed his wit and banter here. Had fun poking him about being a fellow Finlander and his distaste of Rapalas. Very sad...
|
|
tumblehome
|
stevenjames: " I can’t count the number of times he would giggle waiting for someone to respond to one of his posts here whether it was about politics or fishing. "
I knew I knew it!
I did the same thing sometimes. I secretly baited him with my responses and he took to my posts like a walleye to a leech.
In the early days he frustrated me but over time I found he was pretty sincere and gave him credit for making his case against us tree-huggers. I had a lot of respect for him. He was always fair.
Tom
|
|
LindenTree
|
I always appreciated his perspectives and passion, so sad. Prayers for Jim, his family and friends.
|
|
bfurlow
|
Wow...sorry to hear about this. Only met him once in person, but he was a really great guy. He will certainly be missed here on the boards.
|
|
rtallent
|
His forum name the perspective of all of us. RIP, TGO. Thoughts and prayers for his family and close friends.
|
|
Thwarted
|
Bait guys rarely get time to fish. Will be a hoot if the only fish in heaven are bass. TGO will think he is in the wrong place.
|
|
Zwater
|
LindenTree: "I always appreciated his perspectives and passion, so sad. Prayers for Jim, his family and friends."
+1
|
|
Duboly
|
RIP Jim. I will miss our many conversations we had while I was passing through Ely. It's a big loss to the Ely community and the BWCA board. Condolences to his family and friends .
|
|
waterdog
|
Very sad. Huge loss to Ely, this board, friends and family. One of the best. RIP, TGO. You will be missed.
|
|
Selfsuffi
|
I am still in shock trying to process this. I never had the opportunity to meet Jim in person. I only knew him from the banter on this board over the last year and a half. Just another reminder that life is short and to go out and "do" and not sit and think about doing. I will really miss his valuable input on a variety of subjects. My sympathy goes out to his family and friends.
|
|
shoreviewswede
|
I learned from his posts.
RIP.
|
|
Abbey
|
3Ball: "
We have lost a perspective. Jim was able to deliver the Ely native, pre-wilderness rules perspective that I think we need to continue to consider and understand, even if we may disagree. He wasn't afraid to speak his mind but typically was able to avoid unnecessarily offending others when offering his perspective. I will miss that participation and input.
RIP Jim."
When people talk about the ability to disagree with someone and still have respect for that person, TGO is one of the first to come to mind. He added immensely to this forum and my understanding of pre-BWCA Ely. He is missed.
|
|
drrick
|
Wow, real sad to hear Jim has passed. Always had a great visit with him at his shop. Ely will not be the same. Thanks Jim for all the advice and great conversation.
|
|
missmolly
|
Bogwalker: " If you did not know Jim this tribute from one of his neighbors and friends will help you understand why those who knew him cherished the friendship.
Tribute to Jim Maki "
This line put a smile on my face that's still there: "Jim’s final afternoon in the great outdoors was spent fishing Burntside in perfect July weather."
|
|
TomT
|
missmolly: "Bogwalker: " If you did not know Jim this tribute from one of his neighbors and friends will help you understand why those who knew him cherished the friendship.
Tribute to Jim Maki "
This line put a smile on my face that's still there: "Jim’s final afternoon in the great outdoors was spent fishing Burntside in perfect July weather.""
Yes, better than deteriorating in a hospital or nursing home.
|
|
cowdoc
|
Sad to hear. Thoughts and prayers to family and friends.
|
|
boonie
|
Very sad news. To work hard all those years and then die shortly after retiring . . .
|
|
Mocha
|
This makes me so sad. We just exchanged emails a few weeks ago and he didn’t mentin being sick. Just happy to have sold the baitshop and have more time for fishing. Hugs for Celia and his kids and grandkids. They were his life.
|
|
lundojam
|
That is sad. Damn.
|
|
djwillco
|
Godspeed, Jim. What a loss.
|
|
Stormy
|
ozarkpaddler: "BearBurrito: "I am saddened to hear this news. I will be praying for friends and family"
Me too, still shocked that another huge personality has been snatched away from the board. RIP TGO"
Very sad indeed, for his family, community and this board. Rest in Peace TGO
|
|
Zwater
|
His blue walleye lakes will live on. My buddy has a cabin on White Iron. Jim told us about a lake with blue walleyes and splake outside the BWCA.
Great guy!!
|
|
scat
|
Too many people dying these days. Guys getting hurt on the job. Man, makes you realize life is short and there is no sense fussing and fighting when you should be enjoying every day. Sorry to hear this. I can’t really add much more than that.
scat
|
|
jhb8426
|
RIP TGO.
Will miss his presence here. Appreciated his insight and comments.
|
|
Boppa
|
You are and will continue to be missed TGO.
You couldn't have been more helpful or enjoyable in teaching this reluctant guy from the East how to get a leach on a hook. We had some great laughter and memories from being with you for less than an hour. Also some fine fishing due to your teaching and fishing tips.
Missed you will be.
Boppa
|
|
Ragged
|
Total bummer, he’s a guy I always wanted to meet and never did.
RIP TGO
|
|
Harv
|
Ely, and the bwca community, lost a local legend yesterday. Jim Maki (The Great Outdoors) passed away yesterday. Sad, sad day in Ely. RIP Jim!
|
|
Bushpilot
|
RIP Mr. Maki! What a great person so sad. Jim just retired and he had battled heath problems. One would have hoped retirement would have helped his health. He is much respected man amongst the people of Ely.
Thanks Lance for keeping the people of BWCA.com posted.
JIM P.
|
|
Fried Fish
|
RIP TGO, you will be missed.
|
|
overthehill
|
Very sorry to hear this. He was a great guy with a great sense of humor too. We visited a while at the shop every time we were in Ely. His knowledge of the area and the local history was vast. He really was a positive influence and a good man. Sorely missed. He was legendary and a bit of a hero to us too. God bless. oth
|
|
missmolly
|
Tears. I never met Jim, but I sure enjoyed cyber-jousting with him over the years. I wish he had enjoyed more years in retirement. Lots more. Sigh.
|
|
Spartan2
|
We went in and met him just once. Not a lot of use for us going into a bait shop since we don't fish, but we wanted to just say "hi". Nice guy.
And when I was looking for a cabin to rent during the time Spartan1 was on his fishing trip with Ramsey Dowgiallo, he gave me a very good idea where to go. I appreciated his help and told him so.
Ely has lost a legend. Very sad, as others have said, that he didn't have longer to enjoy his retirement. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
The Spartans
|
|
timatkn
|
I personally loved his personality and enjoyed the back and forth jabs we had at each other on various topics, always made it a habit to go to his bait shop...and buy crankbaits :) he will be missed! Sending out thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.
T
|
|
Bannock
|
Very sad. My condolences to all his family and friends.
|
|
Bushpilot
|
missmolly: "Tears. I never met Jim, but I sure enjoyed cyber-jousting with him over the years. I wish he had enjoyed more years in retirement. Lots more. Sigh."
Today Jim doesn't have to worry about catching any disgusting bass or dealing with any mimes!
|
|
missmolly
|
Bushpilot: "missmolly: "Tears. I never met Jim, but I sure enjoyed cyber-jousting with him over the years. I wish he had enjoyed more years in retirement. Lots more. Sigh."
Today Jim doesn't have to worry about catching any disgusting bass or dealing with any mimes!"
If there's a Heaven for fishermen, his lakes will only hold trout and walleye and he'll use mimes for bait. He'll fish them TGO style, of course.
|
|
GSP
|
Sorry to hear, prayers for the family and rest in peace Jim.
|
|
billconner
|
TGO will be missed. No question.
|
|
nctry
|
He’s a guy only just about anybody could love. To not like him means you didn’t know him! Very hard working guy!
|
|
tumblehome
|
Wow. That is sad.
What hurts the most is another story of a a recent retiree just starting to enjoy the liberties of retirement only to have it yanked away.
Tom
|
|
BSW
|
Sad news.
~
|
|
jillpine
|
This is so sad. Mr. Maki taught me it was ok to return to the "caveman fishing" of my childhood, especially when dinner was on the line. I enjoyed his stories and his enthusiasm. May he rest in peace.
|
|
tg
|
So sad to hear this. I loved visiting Jim, buying live bait and a few crankbaits just to get under his skin;) I'll always remember him as a generous, opinionated, witty guy. I always left the shop with a smile. I'll miss this character.
tg
|
|
Jackfish
|
I can't believe that I'm reading the words above. Just so sad. TGO was a great guy and a great contributor to the board, not to mention the Ely community. Man... this is really a tough one for me. RIP Jim.
|
|
Zulu
|
This is very sad news. 70 is not that old. He contributed a great deal to BWCA.com and I enjoyed his sense of humor.
He was a Combat veteran and came under a surprise attack during the Tet offensive in Saigon. He also suffered badly from exposure to Agent Orange. I thought he was really brave then and when he lost his wife to cancer.
When I lived in town I would stop into his Bait Shop on occasion and he would talk non stop for hours. He knew everything about the history and people of the town. We would watch people come and go out of Mike’s Liquor store and he had colorful stories about all of them. He was a great entertainer and good guy and I enjoyed spending time with him. His employee Brian told me he really liked talking to me. That made me feel good.
He admitted that he liked to get certain people worked up on BWCA.com just for fun.
I hope they don’t play any polka music at his service.
|
|
Bdubr
|
What a big loss to so many...
As a fellow veteran (although non combat) I am forever thankful for his service to our country and community. Loved talking to him, even if it was only a handful of times over the years.
Life is short, folks. Maybe his passing can bring us some type of reminder that as fellow humans and lovers of the outdoors, we must respect one another and our surroundings. His life was an absolute success and makes me appreciate each day that much more.
RIP
PS: The TGO method is and always will be the most effective, simplistic form of fishing when wanting to catch a fish dinner.....period!
|
|
WhiteWolf
|
Damn. Zulu (and others ) summed it up very good. I met Jim at his store in 2015. Had nothing to hide and told you the way it was. RIP Jim.
|
|
VoyageurNorth
|
John & Jim got along great & always compared bait stories. RIP Jim!
|
|
DeanL
|
Wow, that's extremely sad news! RIP Jim.
I bought bait from Jim a few times and while I never knew him on a personal basis he always seemed like a guy that would be fun to really get to know. One such occasion stands out in particular and I knew it right away. After buying some bait and small tackle items Jim came over to my boys who were 5 and 7 at the time and asked where we were headed. When they told him Insula he took the time to explain to them (and myself) just where to look for and how to fish for walleyes. They still talk about it every time we're in Ely and I'll be forever grateful to Jim for that 15 minutes of his time.
|
|
bwcasolo
|
thanks for all your tips and conversations, he helped me find my way around burntside, rip.
|
|
snakecharmer
|
Oh no! I'm so very sorry to hear this. My condolences to his friends and family. He freely shared his vast knowledge of fishing and of the Ely area and its history. I will miss his wit and humor on this message board.
|
|
missmolly
|
Pinetree: "Bushpilot: "missmolly: "Tears. I never met Jim, but I sure enjoyed cyber-jousting with him over the years. I wish he had enjoyed more years in retirement. Lots more. Sigh."
Today Jim doesn't have to worry about catching any disgusting bass or dealing with any mimes!"
Nice post.
Yes, like many I enjoyed kidding him about smallmouth bass because he always came back with a funny response that made my day so much better.
He always was willing to help people on this forum. Part of this forum died with him and it will never be quite the same.
He belonged in my opinion to the select group of Who's who of respected people on this web who added so much in many ways.
God bless you TGO."
^This^
|
|
Bogwalker
|
I knew Jim for many years and since moving to Ely part time I got to know him better. He would be ok with me saying he was an ornery SOB but you would never have a kinder friend if you knew him. I spent many hours (to my wifes dismay) at the bait shop talking local politics, BS'ing and just enjoying each others company. Try as I might he never shared his favorite honey holes on Burntside and would always tell you not to waste your money on crankbaits although he didn't mind selling them to swampies :-).
He has had some serious heart issues over the past couple of years. I don't know if that is how he passed but the doctors kept trying different things to get it working better over the past year.
RIP Jim. JR's BBQ lost their best customer. I'll bury some crankbaits in your honor.
I still can't believe he's gone-I just saw him last week.
|
|
HowardSprague
|
Sad to hear this news. It’s heartbreaking when people pass away as soon as they start enjoying retirement. Was looking forward to one day meeting him in person, sorry that day won’t happen.
Rest in Peace, Jim.
|
|
Savage Voyageur
|
Such sad news reading this. I meet him a few times at his bait shop. He would always give us fishing intel on the lakes. I learned a lot about fishing from him. He will be missed by many.
|
|
3Ball
|
Like so many others, I thought he was a great guy.
When I first bought my cabin in Ely, I needed to get bait and then meet someone. I got bait at his store and asked for directions to the meeting spot. It was his closing time. He just said follow me, and drove out of his way to make it easy for me.
We have lost a perspective. Jim was able to deliver the Ely native, pre-wilderness rules perspective that I think we need to continue to consider and understand, even if we may disagree. He wasn't afraid to speak his mind but typically was able to avoid unnecessarily offending others when offering his perspective. I will miss that participation and input.
RIP Jim.
|
|
missmolly
|
3Ball: "Like so many others, I thought he was a great guy.
When I first bought my cabin in Ely, I needed to get bait and then meet someone. I got bait at his store and asked for directions to the meeting spot. It was his closing time. He just said follow me, and drove out of his way to make it easy for me.
We have lost a perspective. Jim was able to deliver the Ely native, pre-wilderness rules perspective that I think we need to continue to consider and understand, even if we may disagree. He wasn't afraid to speak his mind but typically was able to avoid unnecessarily offending others when offering his perspective. I will miss that participation and input.
RIP Jim."
I had the same thought about the value of his old-Ely perspective.
|
|
brux
|
Bogwalker: "RIP Jim. ... I'll bury some crankbaits in your honor. "
+1 :(
|
|
mirth
|
Bummer. RIP TGO.
|
|
Frenchy19
|
Very sorry to hear this. Thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.
|
|
BearBurrito
|
I am saddened to hear this news. I will be praying for friends and family
|
|
ozarkpaddler
|
BearBurrito: "I am saddened to hear this news. I will be praying for friends and family"
Me too, still shocked that another huge personality has been snatched away from the board. RIP TGO
|
|
KevinL
|
RIP TGO.
|
|
ducks
|
Very sad news. He was a great character and I loved my conversations that I had with him over the phone and at the shop.
Thoughts and prayers for his family and friends.
|
|
inspector13
|
Way too soon.
His presence will be missed.
|
|
jb in the wild
|
Jim messaged me just a week or so ago. It was always great to hear from him he called me Big Daddy. We chatted about just about everything from our time in the service to fishing. Oh how he hated artificial baits. I’m gonna miss him, the world is a bit darker without his life’s light. I’ll be seeing you my Brother. Big Daddy out.
|
|
mutz
|
This is truly sad. We always stopped in bought a couple of things, and asked what he had heard about the area we were going to. I never worried that he would tell us something just to sell us something. If he said the walleye were biting on small green marshmallows I probably would have taken a bag with me. He will be missed.
|
|
TuscaroraBorealis
|
Prayers for him and his family.
|
|
Stumpy
|
Sad
RIP
|
|
ekffazr
|
Very sad day indeed. Paddle on!!!
|
|
schweady
|
Sad, indeed. I don't think we agreed on that much, except our enjoyment of The Great Outdoors. Still, he spoke his mind here like he ran his shop... a sharp, no-nonsense service to the community of Ely. And to all of us. Thoughts go out to you, stevenjames, and to all of the family .
|
|
shawhh
|
Sorry to hear of his death. Enjoyed his input on this board. My condolences to his family.
|
|
fsupp
|
I only met him twice, when my brother-in-law and I picked up bait prior to separate winter camping trips a year apart. He essentially told us both times that if we didn't have Muck Boots we were surely going to die. (We didn't and were fine.) A true character. RIP.
|
|
luft
|
fsupp: "I only met him twice, when my brother-in-law and I picked up bait prior to separate winter camping trips a year apart. He essentially told us both times that if we didn't have Muck Boots we were surely going to die. (We didn't and were fine.) A true character. RIP."
This made me chuckle like many of TGO's posts made me chuckle.
RIP Jim. Your humor and perspective will be sorely missed on the site.
|
|
Bogwalker
|
If you did not know Jim this tribute from one of his neighbors and friends will help you understand why those who knew him cherished the friendship.
Tribute to Jim Maki
|
|
unshavenman
|
That was a wonderful tribute. He will be sorely missed here.
|
|
Spartan2
|
Thanks, Bogwalker. That says it all about a fine man, a "character" to be sure. Ely has said farewell to one of its best.
|
|
missmolly
|
TomT: "Yes, better than deteriorating in a hospital or nursing home."
I had the same thought.
Here's what I loved about Jim: He was always feisty, but never mean.
|
|
Arkansas Man
|
I always wanted to meet Jim, however every time I went into his store he was gone fishing... can't say I blame him. Sounds like a good down to earth guy! Loved his humor on the board too. Rest in peace Jim and may God bless his family!
Bruce
|
|
Hawbakers
|
Sigh. So sad to hear this news. Never met him but read many of his posts about Ely and its history. He will be missed indeed. RIP, TGO.
|
|
mc2mens
|
Sad to hear this news. I was just in Jim's old bait shop in Ely on Saturday. I always stopped by his shop when in Ely and enjoyed talking to him and getting his advice on local fishing. RIP TGO.
|
|
adam
|
RIP Jim. I always enjoyed stopping through the bait shop and giving him a hard time. He was a man who stuck to his guns. I do most of my walleye fishing with just a red hook and a couple of split shots 18 inches up from the hook thanks to Jim.
|
|
Hawbakers
|
stevenjames: "TGO is my father. It makes me smile/cry reading all of these posts about your conversations with him at his bait shop or on this forum."
Thank you for posting. Please keep us informed about when you will be having the gathering. I would love to attend.
|
|
Bushpilot
|
Yes keep us posted. I also plan on attending. Jim P.
|
|
stevenjames
|
TGO is my father. It makes me smile/cry reading all of these posts about your conversations with him at his bait shop or on this forum. I can’t count the number of times he would giggle waiting for someone to respond to one of his posts here whether it was about politics or fishing. He had some health issues over the last year or two and wasn’t able to fish. He was finally able to make it out fishing a few times this year so that was great to see!
He was getting ready to go out on the lake when he passed away by his dock. I don’t think that he could’ve chosen a better spot for it to happen.
I would like to thank all of you for your kind words about my dad and for entertaining him with the conversations over the years. He did not want a funeral, but we will have a gathering in the near future. I hope to meet some of you there. Thank you again
|