Blog 3864 – 06.21.2026

Happy Father’s Day

Some of the fondest memories that I have of my dad who died almost twenty-nine years ago are of hunting and fishing with him alone in East Tennessee, both as a boy and as a young man. Being in the woods or on the water were two of dad’s favorite resting and recreational places. He told me once during a particularly stressful time in my life that I needed to find my “resting place.” I think I have and one of my favorites is right here sharing the things that are on my heart and mind with you, my friends.

I did not always agree with my dad’s opinions nor do I do not expect you will with mine, but I never doubted that my dad loved me and always had the best for me in mind. That more than any else, I think, makes a good dad, a good man, a good friend. 

My dad had a good sense of humor, and a short fuse. He could be at times incredibly understanding and at other times hard headed and intractable in his prejudices. He was as we all are, a wonderful, yet flawed individual. I loved my dad and I would miss him more if he were not so much a part of me – gladly his best attributes, but sadly many of his lesser qualities as well. Dad was a great storyteller, yet he could monopolize the conversation making it hard for anyone else, as the expression goes, “to get a word in edgewise.” I work hard at being a better listener and to play to my inherited strengths and minimize the weaknesses, as every good coach does with his players.

Another fond memory I have of my dad is that he taught us to work and to play, to win and to lose. He rough housed with us in the floor when my brother and I were little. He taught us to play card games, checkers and Monopoly. He bought some golf clubs once at a flea market and set-up a mini putting course in our back yard with nine holes. The four of us, dad, mom, my brother and I, spent many hours trying to win those backyard golf tournaments.

We took turns getting to be as dad would say “Champion of the World” if ever so briefly at whatever game we were playing at the time. I hope I have been able to pass a little of that along to my children as well. Not just desire to win, but the ability to lose graciously as well, These are important things that we need to leave to our children, far more important than property or a pile of money. Or at least, I think so, and my dad did too.

Happy Father’s Day, everyone!

Your friend, fellow traveler, and James White’s boy,

David James White