My Brother James

He would give God all the praise,

Then go out and look for some hell to raise.

He would read the bible while toking a joint.

His topic would scatter but eventually got to the point.

He was a great husband and father.

He made sacrifices and never let on.

He had the biggest heart anyone could have.

He would give a stranger everything he owned.

Growing up, he was always five years older.

He would rub that in every chance he got.

He was my brother and meant the world to me.

There will never be another one like James Lee.

I followed him like he was a pied piper.

Brother Gary and I always looked up to him.

What James did, we tried our best to match.

James was always right, even acting on a whim.

We were all in construction, that is what Dad did.

When James went to the oilfield, the piper called.

First Gary, them me, followed James to the rigs.

Which was my second best life choice overall.

James’ love’s passing was his life’s devastation.

He was never the same in body or mind after.

His way living life wide open was daring death.

Longing to see Barb again, her smile and laughter.

One Sunday morning getting ready for church,

He got the wish he had been wishing for years.

He was taken to heaven to be with his loved ones,

In this I know he ran to the gate with no fears.

I miss my big brother, he was one of my heroes.

But I know someday I will see him in heaven.

There with Barb, Mom, Dad, Grandpa and Uncles,

Aunts and cousins, of that I have no question.

He would give God all the praise,

Then go out and look for some hell to raise.

He would read the bible while toking a joint.

His topic would scatter but eventually get to the point.

He was my brother, my mentor, my hero.

Where he has went, someday I hope to go.

James Lee McKenzie, I miss you so.

James Lee, I miss you so.