Jim Caudill Departed Far Too Early

This past week the wine world lost one of the good guys — Jim Caudill has passed.

The wine community consists of much more than winemakers and winery owners. There are countless individuals who bring their unique contributions to the fold. Among these individuals Jim Caudill stood out while never trying to do so.

I’m certain that Jim would be a bit embarrassed by the volumes of praise that is flowing in the wake of his departure. He would also be simultaneously moved as he was an honest man.

Jim was a public relations and marketing pro of the highest degree and regard. He did his job with passion, intelligence, and generosity. He was a true lover of wine, the industry, and its people.  Jim has touched the lives of so many with his gregarious nature, infectious smile, and his authenticity.

Jim reached out to me in BevX’s early days. In 2006 when most in his field didn’t understand how a beverage magazine could be digital and available only online, Jim got it immediately. He encouraged me and supported our efforts at BevX whenever he could. For this we are eternally grateful.

Through the years I had the pleasure of judging with Jim at the San Francisco International Wine Competition. Jim was a regular at many of California’s wine comps. Wherever there was a celebration of wine and opportunity to connect with its people you would find Jim Caudill.

For the thousands of us who have had the opportunity to meet and work with Jim through the years our lives are richer for it and our hearts are broken in the realization that his stories and his life-affirming laugh will be heard only in our memories.

May I borrow a passage from a Justin Cronin novel, “As long as we remember a person, they’re not really gone. Their thoughts, their feelings, their memories, they become a part of us.”

Please allow me to share this poem by Mary Elizabeth Frye.

Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep
Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am in a thousand winds that blow,
I am the softly falling snow.
I am the gentle showers of rain,
I am the fields of ripening grain.
I am in the morning hush,
I am in the graceful rush
Of beautiful birds in circling flight,
I am the starshine of the night.
I am in the flowers that bloom,
I am in a quiet room.
I am in the birds that sing,
I am in each lovely thing.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there. I do not die.