It's hard to believe you (Jimmy) left us two years ago already.  I think of you so often and know how much you are missed by Sherry and your daughter and grandchildren, and family, friends and peers and me.  

Nancy Monroe

Jimmy  touched more lives than people can imagine.  His guidance and wisdom touched my family and future. We miss him dearly. 
GEORGE Watkins and family.

Where to begin...
First, I want to send my deepest condolences, and all my love to the Givens Family for such a enormous loss. 
I can without a shadow of a doubt say what a kind gentleman Jimmy was, I was never on the wrong side of The Godfather:)
I worked with Jimmy for many years, and they were days full of knowledge, and laughs.  I never knew of a person who had such immaculate stacks of paper clips, binder clips, or handwriting.  IF he ever made a writing mistake there were no cross outs, the paper was thrown away and he started over.  
The best memory I have is when Jimmy was going to have his kidney removed; of course, he was stressed and not sleeping at night.  There was a day he laid on the couch in the trade room, and David had me turn off all the lights, close the blinds, and noone was to be on thier phone, so that Jimmy could nap.  That he did, and we were all silent.  
When Kim was pregnant with Danika he told me that he hoped it was a girl, cause he loved his girls and wanted a Granddaughter.  
Love you Givens Fam~Laraine


I've known Sherry since elementary school and Jimmy since he and Sherry started dating.  We double dated at Church Social functions and our High School Prom.  To say that Jimmy loved to tease and pick on people, would be an understatement.  He could be so sneaky.  Back in the day, we didn't lock our car doors. Jimmy hid in the backseat while I was in the Drugstore.  I came out and started the car to leave, and he slowly raised up in the backseat and put his hand on my shoulder and said "booh"!  I almost had a heart attack.  Can't remember being so frightened.  I almost killed him.  Thank goodness I hadn't put the car in reverse.  We would have ended up in the middle of the street.
Thanks for the fond memories, Jimmy.  You are dearly loved and will be greatly missed. 
--Nancy Monroe

Such a great gathering of friends and family last night in Pasadena. Seeing everyone brought back so many memories of great times with Jimmy. Jimmy helped me get my job at Tauber Oil. He called me on a Friday morning and was setting up his lunch plans for the day. Jimmy's first priority every morning was getting his lunch dates set. Once that was done then he could begin his work day. I went to lunch with He and David where they asked me if I would like to join Tauber.  Immediately I said I'm in and when do you need me. He proceeded to have me follow him back to the office where I sat down with him to go over his duties. I thought that was strange seeing as how there seemed to be a sense of urgency. Well he informed me that he was going on vacation the following week and he needed me to cover while he was gone. Could I start Monday. We laughed (he had such a great laugh) and I did and so began my journey with Jimmy. What a great man. He will truly be loved and missed by so many. The turnout at this viewing proved that. Alison and I were so lucky to know you. Save some birds for us.....hunting joke. 
Rest in peace Jimmy.

Alan and I are so sorry to hear of Jimmy’s death.  I pray that all of the years of wonderful memories will sustain you and yours during this difficult time. 

(Part 2)
From that moment on, he was known as the Godfather.  At Jesper’s “Citizenship” party, I found him in the house and went up to him.  I didn’t know if he remembered “who” he was, but I told him, “Godfather, it is good to see you on the day of your son-n-law’s citizenship.”  He grinned ear to ear.  Later that day when I was leaving, I looked for him, but could not find him.  I told Jesper to tell him that I looked for him and that I said goodbye.  The next day, I was away from my phone for a couple of minutes.  When I got back to it, I saw that I had a voicemail and did not recognize the number.  I listened to it and panicked for a second.  It was him, it was the Godfather.  It started off, “T.J.!!!!!  This is Jimmy!!!  You didn’t tell me bye!!!”  I panicked; I had upset the Godfather.  Luckily, right after, he continued, “It was good seeing you.”  I was able to breathe again.

 When I heard the news of his passing, my heart stopped.  Very few people come along in life that make such an impact as he did on mine.  I will ALWAYS cherish the time that I got to spend with him, but more importantly, knowing that I am a better person for knowing him.

(Part 1)
I had the honor and pleasure of working with Mr. Givens from 1991 until his retirement.  One thing that always set him apart from everyone else was his handwriting.  It was like art.  I hated writing on any piece of paper that he wrote on for fear of disturbing a masterpiece.

The other thing that stood out about Mr. Givens is his ambiance.  He was a man that demanded respect and earned EVERY bit of it.  I can remember one time I started to bring an issue to his attention.  He looked up at me and stated, “I don’t have time for you right now.”  I did not take that in a derogatory manner in any way.  In fact, I felt bad for disturbing him.  None the less, he later came to me an apologized.  I remember being overwhelmed that a man of his stature took the time to come apologize to little old me.  That is the kind of respect that he demanded, earned and received.  The next time I had an issue that I needed to bring to his attention, I quietly walked up to him and waited.  He looked at me and said, “Yes sir, what can I do for you?”  Then it hit me.  I knew who he reminded me of.  So…I ran with it.  I responded, “Godfather, it is with a heavy heart that I come to you with a request.”  I sincerely thought he was going to fall out of his chair.  He got such a big kick out of it.  

Jimmy was much more than a friend and more like a brother for 56 years.  I will certainly miss our weekly telephone conversation’s. I think of Jimmy every time I see a  67 GTO. WE had some great times together. Jimmy and Sharon were always generous about sharing their home for another party. THE GOOD OLD DAYS!!   
    Jimmy was the real deal. A genuine gentle giant. He will be greatly missed. 
    Jimmy’s family definitely meant the world to him. He will be missed but the memories he left will not be forgotten.  
    May you Rest In Peace brother. 

My deepest condolences for the loss of a wonderful man.  I'm forever happy that I was considered part of his family if only for a short time.  I respected his humor and his love for his family when I first met him. He told me he told about his guns and hunting. Then showed me his boyfriend hunting license.  He will be greatly missed and always loved.

So much love for this family!!! Awesome memory time! -so much fun the day Jon and I visited and got the grand tour of the property , a stop off at the petting zoo with Momma prepared offerings of veggies delight, and the Jimmy “all it takes is a look” look to know you are staying for dinner and that’s that 🥰🥰🥰🥰.  May you rest easy in His peace. Much love, Jon and Nikki Hill. 

This was taken in 1988 at our old horse pasture off Spencer Hwy we had a few 
New Years Eve Party’s there

 Jimmy was a very kind, generous and caring man. He holds a special place in many hearts. He will truly be missed.

I worked with Jimmy for 10 years, and I am grateful to call him my friend. There was no facade with him: he either liked you or he didn’t. I am very fortunate that he liked me! 

As you all know, he was very meticulous. And I think he probably could teach calligraphy! We had a book that we called the Bible, with all our barge and vessel movements and check lists. It was his pride and joy. Well, when he would go on vacation I was the keeper of the book. And I am not neat- in fact my handwriting is awful.  So, when he returned, he would copy all my pages over in his neat writing! 

Jimmy was a genuine person- he loved hunting, drinking coffee early in the morning, and working on cars. But, the number one thing he loved was his family. We were all fortunate to have in our lives. You all hang tough and relish all the wonderful memories.
Love, Coleman 


Dear Sharon and Family - 

I am deeply sorry to hear of Jimmy's passing, and praying for God's peace and comfort to cover you completely during this sad time.  
Jimmy was one of the greats - no doubt - and there will never be another one like him! 

He was a wise man and had so much to offer, including good advice and perfectly timed wit - and, of course, perfectly coiffed hair!  I learned so much from Jimmy and truly enjoyed every minute that I was in his presence; in fact, it was an honor to be in his circle of friends.   Among so many memories, including breakfast with our group at the Houston Avenue Grill,  the one that stands out the most is that when I had to keep track of ANYTHING for him when he was away from the office, no matter how neat and tidy I tried to make my notes for him, he re-wrote every single word of it on a new sheet of paper.  He said that was his way of "remembering" what happened while he was gone.   Jimmy was a true gentleman, a mentor, and a cherished friend...and loved by many.

I will forever remember him, and think of you all with fond memories.  

My love and sincerest condolences to each of you, Connie



My deepest condolences to your family. Jimmy was a very kind and respectful man. He had a great smile.  Praying for comfort and peace for you all during this very difficult time.

I am deeply saddened by the news of your loss. I pray that God will grant you strength and comfort during this difficult time.  My most sincere condolences.

Tina Nagy


OBITUARY

Jimmy Givens

November 5, 1947 – September 22, 2022

Grand View Funeral Home & Memorial Park/Bethany Cemetery

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