Family Tribute:The Halvorson family would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the friends and colleagues of Jim’s for the many comforting words and support from Marsh. Jim had just celebrated his 30th anniversary of his start at Marsh in June of 2001 and we would have been married 32 years that December. Our loss is great with every day filled with a void where Jim should be and the many others that were lost that day. This is a part of a poem by Wendell Berry which helps deal with such senselessness:

'....Radiances know him.Grown lighter than breath, he is set free in our remembering.Grown brighter than vision, he goes dark into the life of the hill that holds his peace.He’s hidden among all that is, and cannot be lost.'

-Jim’s wife, Maureen Halvorson-

Not a day goes by without my dad being in my thoughts. I miss him as a father, a mentor and a friend.

-Jim’s son, Douglas-

How do I write a memorial to my son who was a part of my life? His loss has left an empty void which will be with me always. I miss you Jim.

-Mother-

I am greatly saddened by the loss of my brother, Jim. I cherish the times we had together -- memories of time long ago and am gratelful for the last few years during which we saw each other more often. My daughters often say, 'We miss Uncle Jim'. They loved him very much. I am sorry he will not be able to watch them grow. He is in our hearts forever..

-Jim’s sister, Kate-

A most difficult and painful thing to do is say goodby to a loved one when you didn’t know it was time for goodbyes. When I look into the eyes of your wife and son, my heart breaks knowing the pain and loss they are feeling. You brought so much laughter and love into our lives. We all miss you and wish we could turn back the clocks. Farewell, brother-in-law, till we meet again.

-Jeanne McDermott-

James Douglas Halvorson: Meticulous in Work and Play

As a managing director at Marsh & McLennan, the insurance brokerage company where he worked for 30 years, James Douglas Halvorson was meticulous in structuring complex deals for construction projects in Pakistan, Indonesia and other third world countries. He was similarly methodical in his pleasures.

When he decided to run in the New York City Marathon about 10 years ago, for example, he cut back on the good meals and wines that he loved. 'He was very meticulous about keeping to his training schedule,' said his son, Douglas James Halvorson. 'He was totally focused on the job at hand. It was the only marathon he ever did, and he was very proud of doing it.'

Douglas James Halvorson said his father, an avid Giants fan, had season tickets near the 50-yard line, and had a system for attending games, sometimes with his wife, Maureen, and often with his son. He would arrive by 11:30 a.m., park right by the Stadium Club entrance and eat lunch there at a table just to the left of the bar -- usually a turkey sandwich, 'lite mayo on whole wheat toast,' his son said.

As for the game, much as he liked the action, Mr. Halvorson, 56, would usually leave at the end of the third quarter. 'He wanted to beat the rush,' his son said. 'He had it all rigged.'