HAPPY 40TH BIRTHDAY, JAMIE!

With Love, from Camille and Bob

Today we celebrate Jim's 40th birthday and take the opportunity to thank him for being a stabilizing force within our family -  bridging the gap between generations and states.

You know, it's funny - James, who of the 6 Illo kids spent the smallest portion of his childhood playing in the old Atlantic Highlands neighborhood has become the one reliable ambassador of goodwill from the Pennsylvania families, keeping family ties strong between brothers and cousins.  Over the years, he has taken many trips to visit family in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, South Carolina, Colorado  California and Hawaii.

This typifies Jamie, the behind-the-scenes guy who always seems to be there to set up his telescope, lend a hand with our computers, drive us somewhere, and provide support, companionship, comfort, and a listening ear.  For such an unassuming guy, he has had a major impact on all members of the family.

BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN THE FARM AND THE OLD NEIGHBORHOOD

THE FARM

In 1988, when Jim's career was up-in-the-air (isn't that why most people get their pilot's licenses?) he flew a small plane over his childhood home and the current residence of John and Janice, a.k.a., Dad and Mom.

AUNT KATHY'S HOUSE

This house on Mountainside Avenue in Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey is the home of Aunt Kathy who has lived their since marrying Dad's brother Frank, during the raising of their two sons, Frank and Mark and beyond the passing of Uncle Frank.

Bob, Darla, Uncle Frank, Camille, Jim and John posed for a picture outside Frank and Kathy's house in 1987.

NANA'S HOUSE

Nana's house is located next door to Aunt Kathy's and is now owned by cousin Mark.  Both Dad and Uncle Frank grew up in this house and for years the whole family would gather here for Sunday dinner.

AUNT JEANETTE AND UNCLE BOB'S HOUSE

Courtland, New York, 1991.  Joe, Mom, Uncle Bob Gifford (or Uncle Giff as he was affectionately known) and of course, Jamie.  This home was also the site of many family gatherings.

At the Whitakers in June 1991.  Joe, Mom, Marge, Melinda, Morris, Jim and Cristina.

At Bob and Camille's wedding July 31, 1994 in Colorado with Bob, Camille, Mom, Bob and Deb.

425 YEARS!

This is a good time to consider the bigger picture - the one that Jamie keeps oiled with his attentions.  We're talking about John and Janice and their six children.  At the end of 2005, their ages will add up to 425 years of Illo family history.  Now, that's a lot of birthdays!  We suspect that James had been around to help celebrate most of them.

HALL OF FAME

The 8 Illo portraits, clockwise from top right: John, Janice, Bob, Jim, Mike, Joe, Camille and John.  This photo was taken of the wall in the Farmhouse in 1987.

One of several Illo Family reunions.

Thanksgiving at the Farm in which James is cavalier with the uncooked bird.

Another Thanksgiving with Jim, Mike and Bob in 1986.

Joe, John and James at the Farm in 1987.

100 YEARS OF BIRTHDAYS

11 years ago, Jim drove Mom from Pennsylvania to Virginia to help Bob, Camille, Emily, Amy and Molly celebrate 100 years of collective birthdays.  That year marked the first annual celebration of all 5 of our birthdays on the same day.

THE MOLLY LOOK

Amy, Bob, Molly, Camille and Emily try on Molly's favorite facial expression on their 100th summer.

CUTTING TO THE CHASE

Bob and Mom share the infectious glee of unwrapping presents on the back deck at the house on Stonehouse Road.

HORSING AROUND

Jim takes Jesse for a gallop around the arena and models the bosal Camille gave Bob to use on Jesse.  Only the best Uncles will go this far to keep the kids entertained.

CROAKER LANDING

Hanging out by the water - Amy, Emily and Uncle James.

THANK YOU UNCLE JAMES!

THE NEXT CHAPTER

On December 30, 2005, James married Kathryn.  They are shown here with Christina, Kathryn's daughter shortly after tying the knot.  For more photos, go to James and Kathryn's Wedding December 30, 2005.