Jimmy Storey
Jimmy N. Storey’s wife, Pam, does not believe the way her husband died makes him an automatic hero. But the flood of letters she received after Sept. 11 from people whose lives he had touched and careers he had mentored as far back as the 1970’s made her deeply proud of the heroic figure he had been during his life.
A senior vice president for Marsh & McLennan based in Houston, Mr. Storey was visiting the company’s offices in the World Trade Center on Sept. 11. After his death, Ms. Storey said, letters poured in from as far away as Spokane, Wash., where the couple lived 22 years ago when Mr. Storey worked for Aetna Insurance.
Mr. Storey, 58, was a voracious reader of mysteries, an avid history buff and a doting father and grandfather. His daughter Cynthia used to call him daily with problems and questions about personal and world events. Often, he picked up her children from the day care center near his Houston office when she needed help.
His other daughter, Tracey, recalls his lending her money to open her first bank account — and taking it away after she spent it, violating the terms of the loan. Ms. Storey took to heart the lesson about trust and its boundaries. 'It takes a certain love and respect for your children to be able to teach them things like that,' she said.
Copyright (c) 2001 by The New York Times Co. Reprinted by permission.
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Tributes
I had worked with Jim when I would travel to the Houston office from my base in Chicago. We would break for lunch and go running in the sweltering heat for about an hour. I thought he was nuts to do this, but I usually ran every day so figured it was a good thing. Very dedicated and hard working man and I admired him greatly! RIP Jim!
Thomas Mooney, Colleague
I can still remember Jim as he hurried through the Houston office every morning. He wa a bright and cheerful soul. His smile you could never forget. My peace is knowing you took the hand of GOD and is watching over us every day. We will never forget.
Lonita Weaver, Colleague
I worked with Jim on my frequent visits to the Houston office. I was a runner then and we would run during lunch time in the blistering heat and humidity with one of his running buddies. Hard-working, no nonsense guy who as luck would hv it was on a business trip to the NY office. He is missed. Thomas Mooney
Thomas Mooney, Colleague
I met Jimmy when I joined Marsh, he always had a smile on his face, and interesting facts about life. Jimmy was a very nice person full of a lot of information. I will remember him always.
Mimi, Colleague
I don’t know why, but I was thinking of Jim today. Once, years ago when my son and Jim’s daughter were still married, we all went to see our granddaughter in a Christmas play. I was a struggling single mom, and we all went out to dinner afterwards. Jim paid for my dinner, and I was so grateful, as I couldn’t afford it. All these years later and I still remember that act of kindness. RIP Jim
Diane Morrow, Friend
Only met Jimmy a couple of times. I remember his work ethic and his wicked sense of humor. Sending wishes of peace to his family.
Kay Prince , Colleague
The first time I met him, Mr. Storey looked up from his desk and saw my boss, Jane Wallin, and I in the hall and with a warm smile he invited us into his office. He was tough but he was fair. I was truly saddened to learn of his passing. He was a kind man. Peace and blessings to his family.
LV Mayfield aka LaVera H. Wilson, Colleague
Remembering Jimmy Storey today as one of my most beloved clients. I arranged his business travel frequently, and he was always a joy to speak to. I'll never forget staring at his reservation to NYC on my monitor wondering if he was going to call me any moment to ask me to fly him back to Houston. A call that never came.
Tommy Peek, Colleague
Remembering all my colleagues today, but particularly my coworker, Jimmy Storey. I worked with him in the Houston office for several years. What an incredible loss for this world, this company, and for his family. Rest in peace, Mr. Storey. You continue to be missed.
Mary Ellen Arbuckle, Colleague
My thoughts and prayers are with you and The Storey family. Mr. Storey was key to my success at Xerox in Houston. He gave me my first large deal. I would love to blow my horn as he would jog in downtown area. Rest in heaven Mr. Storey.........
Tonya Mayes-McKinzie , Colleague
My thoughts and prayers are with Jimmy Storey's family along with all of the Marsh family, as they are every year on this date. I worked with Jimmy in the Marsh & McLennan Houston office in the early 80s and always appreciated his wit and humor.
Sharon Tucker, Colleague
Back in the early 90's I was Insurance Brokerage Practice Leader in the Kansas City office. Jimmy visited us a few times, and a nicer more professional person I have never met. A first rate stand up guy who really knew his business. Everyone in our office was devastated when we lost Jimmy. Rest in Peace my friend.
Dan R. Hood, Colleague
I met Jim when I first came to work at Marsh back in 1987 as Administrative Manager for the Seattle Office. I was told he was someone who could teach me the ropes on how to run an office. To be honest, I don't remember exactly what I learned from him as it was a long time ago. I do remember him as a incredibly helpful man who helped me understand the organization and how to help others succeed.
I didn't realize that he had perished on 9/11 as I never would have thought him not to be in Houston. Now, many years later it saddens me to hear this. We only met once, for a few days, but when I saw his name his kindness and help came right back to me.
Harry Gatjens, Colleague
Jim, I miss you! We did have some fun like the 5 AM Los Angeles office video conference with New York. Then I had to insure that the Houston Office had a supply of spare phone sets because of your desire to vent your frustrations on the poor phone. You were great to work with and it is my honor to have known and worked with you.
Tom Hammetyt, Colleague
J7H/Marsh Colleagues will never forget you dear Jimmy Storey. You are thoujght of often.
Diana Hernandez, Colleague
Really admired you. I know your family and friends still miss you. I can't believe another year has gone by.
Ray Bridget Moore, Colleague
To this day,it is still hard to believe Jim is gone. He hired me at Marsh in 1993. I was a Texas A&M; Aggie grad and I think Jim knew we needed some balance in the office to give all the T-Sips something to talk about.. and he knew I would be a good addition. He always mentored me with mutal respect. Thanks to Jim I am still in the industry today with some much to be thankful for... Still go pay respects to Jim everytime I go to NY at the Marsh Memorial.....
Albert Martin, Colleague
You are missed and thought of often. God bless you.
Susanne Alexander, Colleague
I never knew him or heard of him before...but I had a weird visit in my room about a year ago, in which I heard a voice telling me that they died in WTC1. He wanted me to let his family know he was OK. When I looked into it the next morning, this was the only 'Jimmy' that was listed...and he was from Houston, where I'm from and where I live. I tried to contact the family, even though I worried I'd be cursed out or something. Sigh...I wish I could tell the family what happened.
David, Colleague
although i didnt know mr storey personally. my mom betty pantel worked with him in the houston office and when i was told of his passing i felt somewhat connected to this tragedy. my mom said he was a nice guy...and judging by everything on here it seems like he was. to the storey family to this day i tell this story about how i felt connected to this tragedy im sorry for your loss, but let it be known he is not forgotten. even by someone who never met him. god bless you. alan
alan garcia, Friend
Jim was always kidding and making work fun. I met him several time at BUG meetings and in New York. God bless.
Diane Lograsso Brown, Colleague
I had the pleasure of working with Jimmy in the early 90's when he would visit our Kansas City office to help with budgeting. Jimmy was simply one of the best. My heartfelt condolences to his family.
Dan R. Hood, Colleague
I had the pleasure of working with and knowing Jim. I will always remember him as a serious and meticulous man - but also a man with a ready smile and a sense of humor. I never think of 9/11 without thinking of Jim - he will forever be remembered well.
Paul Kaufman, Colleague
Ten years later I still miss Jimmy, good friend, friendly adversary at budget meetings, fellow book lover and quiet hero. A measure of justice has been achieved but it's a poor substitute for Jimmy's presence and companionship. God bless Pam and family.
Richard Lampton, Colleague
I worked in the insurance industry from the time I gradated from high school im 1963. That is how I worked with Marsh & Mc and spoke with Jim many times. Unbeknownst to me, he has married Pam Young, a classmate I had graduated with in Athens, TX. I did not get the connecting info until after 9-11. He was always extremely knowledgable and helpful and as such was so well respected. My continued condolences to Pam and the family. Linda Gee Meeks
Linda Gee Meeks, Colleague
A stong Husband, Father and Grandfather...your memory lives on and you are not forgotten.
Bryce Morrow, Family
I didn't know Jimmy but I have worked at Marsh for many years. I go on this site to read about our lost colleagues and to let their families and friends know that they are not forgotten. I hope his family has been able to find some peace after all these years.
Mary Ann Simpson, Colleague
Now that bin Laden is dead, may Jimmy rest in peace. Pam, I think of you and your family often and remember the good times at Bissonnet Plaza in Houston. My prayers are with you and your family. Peggy
Peggy McCullough Sloat, Friend
Dear Storey Family, I was thinking of you today as we near the Christmas holiday, and wanted to express my blessings to you all. It has been almost a decade, and yet it seems like yesterday. I hope that your hearts are healing a bit, and that the happy memories of Jimmy are filling your hearts with the rememberances of the good times you had as a family. One voice from Tulsa,(Jimmy was our region's finance king), just to say God Bless you all. I have not forgotten you, and I know that oh so many MMC colleagues have not forgotten you either. Peace be with you. Becky Reaves Clary, Tulsa
Becky Reaves Clary, Colleague
rest in please Jim.
Jeff Worth, Colleague
You were more than uncle. And your wisdom still influences me today.
Heath storey, Family
Further condolences to your family, Jim. I think of you every time 9/11 is mentioned. Tom Mooney
Thomas Mooney, Colleague
My thoughts are with the families of those who died on 9/11. As a former Marsh employee, I lost many friends that day - and still feel the horror of watching the unthinkable occur.
Mary Zenorini (Calhoun), Colleague
I still miss you Dad!!
Cynthia Morrow, Family
Jimmy was my third cousin. I grew up along side his younger brother Tim. Jim was a Texas Aggie and a true credit to what all Aggies the world over hold dear, love for God, this nation and our families. I pray for his wife and children and his brother on the 6th anniversary of his passing. Rest in Blessed Peace, Mark
Mark Storey, Family
I went to your memorial. I am so sorry that your family had to lose you on this day. Although, I didn't know you -- four years later I mourn your death and how it happened. Thinking of your family on this day four years later. ~Julie (Sheppard) Scrivner
The Scrivner Family (Julie Sheppard), Friend
Thank you all for the kind thoughts. His work life was such a big part of who he was and how he spent his time that it is nice to know he is remembered there as well. Thank you, Tracey
Tracey, Family
I worked with Jimmy in the Dallas office. I loved working for him and with him. He was very dedicated to his work, but also loved to have fun while working. I have happy memories of him. Getting budgets together was hard but fun memories. Thanks for the memories, Jimmy, see you in Heaven soon. CAT
Cathy Middleton, Colleague
Jim Storey was a very unique person. A comin-right-at-'ya kind of guy, Jim always said what he meant and meant what he said. During some frequent visits to the Houston office back in the early 90's, I enjoyed jogging with Jim during lunch hour (although I thought he was absolutely 'nuts' to do it during those hot, muggy, summer days which Houston is noted for). He seemed during that time to be very happy with his life. And I know he cared very much about his wife and family and always mentioned them during the course of a day. My deepest sympathies and condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. He was a force who will be missed. Thomas Mooney Marsh '86-'94
Thomas Mooney, Colleague
Jim was always a great individual to work with and provided the best advise. He will always be remembered by his colleague's accross the country
Brenda Koertge, Colleague
Before I retired I was the Office Head of the MMI office in Tulsa. Because of my position and Jimmy's in the Houston Office we had weekly contact for five years. As a financial officer he was tough and extremely capable. We stayed in touch following my retirement. Just three weeks prior to his death he sent me an e-mail picture of him holding a new grandbaby. One of my biggest regrets was not realizing the importance of this because I deleted it a few days after I received it. He was a great friend and I miss him.
Jerry Dollins, Colleague
Jimmy, you were one of a kind. You kept us all on the straight and narrow in Dallas. Our loss is God's gain.
David Peck, Colleague