I see that Jedi has already posted something in regards to Jim's passing. Not to be redundant or attempt to out do anyone's feelings as Jim had many, many good friends but he made me promise, many years ago during one of his several diagnosis's, to pen something on his behalf, on T-Man, when the time had come. And the last several conversations that we've had, he would ALWAYS remind me of my duty. I've thought about this honor for many years, not ever really wanting to believe that I'd have to make good on it or what I'd truly say, however; here we are.
My family and I met Jim and Charlotte over 20 years ago at Vic's Corner flea market, just west of Spirit Lake, Iowa. I was pretty young then. Early 20's, newly married and one young son. I had been trapping since I was about 10 with the exception of a few years when I was in the service. I was really trying to get back in the trapping groove when we stumbled upon their area. He had several milk crates of used traps, a few new ones, but lots of good old used traps. Selling mostly by the half dz lots, already dyed and waxed and ready to go! He also had a table FULL of what he deemed as "collector traps". At the time, I couldn't process why anyone would want to have an old worn out trap that cost as much (or more) than a dozen brand new shiny ones. I remember thinking, "this old guy's nuts", as I picked up a 11/4 Prott and Jim explained to me all about how the kick plate worked, the history of Prott, the three different cities of manufacture, etc. He wanted $25 for the thing! I was buying 1.5 B&L jumps back then for $25/dz, used. Yet, I was semi intrigued by the trap and what the old guy had to say. However, I didn't want to fork out $25 at the time for a single trap and told him so. He reached in his pocket, handed me a business card (that I still have to this day) and said "take it and pay me when you can. If you screw me, then you screw me". To know Jim, you'd know he didn't mince words.
He was a highly respected fisheries biologist for much of his career and received numerous accolades and awards for his work, research and studies. He was passionate about trapping and passing on his knowledge to all who asked. He was passionate about all aspects of outdoor pursuits, not just trapping, but he really, really loved traps and trapping. I know Jim wanted me to write about some of that, but right now, I guess I'm just not ready and there's so much to say.
What I'd like to leave in regards to Jim Selgeby is how he hardly ever sat still. He was always busy! And he was always busy with Char. Those two did almost everything together. Hunting, fishing, trapping, flea markets, gardening...some travel, and just being best friends. I've always admired and appreciated how he loved his family and how he always spoke so well of them. He loved his wife and daughter with every ounce of his being. He was selfless about it. The last few years of his life he was constantly busy improving, buying, selling and getting ready to make sure that they'd be taken care of when he inevitably passed. I don't ever recall him saying one selfish statement about his cancer or what it would mean for him.
I'm going to miss Jim and his loud booming voice and "constructive criticisms". He was a great mentor and friend to so many people. Love him or not, he was great people to be around if you were lucky enough to be in his circle. So...so long old man. You'll be deeply missed by so, so many.

Sounds like a great guy. Sorry for the loss

Never met him but with him being a member here and being spoken of so highly I feel a loss. I pray God grant peace to his family and friends.

May he rest in peace.

Keith

Rest in Peace Jim We will do more transaction up in Heaven. I was buying as much as I could from him trying to help. I will miss our messaging back and Forth. Prayers to all Involved as I never physically met him, but felt like as I had. RIP Cohunt! I personally will miss you. Dang it!

Very nice eulogy.

Sorry to hear. Prayers out

that's suck sure will miss Jim.

RIP

Nice job Trapper Chris...very well done!
RIP Jim.

Nice eulogy for Jim. He bought some collector traps from me years ago. Was a great fella to deal with. He will be missed! RIP

As stated over on Jedis post, Next Saturday, September 9@ the Millbank Cemetery there's a graveside service scheduled. Unless something happens to me, hope to see some of you there

What a great guy Jim was. We shared many a conversation of the subject of finance over the past few years. He was determined to leave his family in the best shape possible.

I also enjoyed reading his fisheries research from years past.
I was both appalled and amazed at all the different health issues he was trying to deal with. They seemed to be more than any one man should be burdened with.
I will miss him a lot.

R.I.P. cohunt, prayers to the family.

When Jim was a teenager, he planned to move to Homer, AK and become a commercial fisherman. His plans changed at age 16, after visiting the wildlife research department at SDSU where he ended up enrolling. He spent 9 years there and at another university to acquire his Masters, and the next 30 as a researcher for the US government. ...... Yet he always dreamed about what life might have been like, if he had chosen to become a commercial fisherman in Alaska, so I used to send him photos and correspondences from the fishing grounds. I always enjoyed our conversations and your good advice, not to mention deals on traps It seems fitting to post one more set of fishing photos from the salmon fishing grounds here, on this thread......... fair winds and calm seas to you my friend.....

Thanks for sharing that Trapped4ever. I did not know that about Jim.

Jediknight