No one else knew the Delaware River like ‘River Jim’

GUEST COLUMN

By Janet Crum
   My first encounter with Jim Abbott was when I decided to buy a canoe to use on the Delaware River. Abbott’s Marine in Titusville was the local place to go. Not only did it sell canoes, but it was owned by "River Jim", the most knowledgeable person around regarding watercraft and the Delaware River.
   Jim would not just sell you something — he made sure you could handle the craft and understood the dangers of the Delaware by whipping out a map and reviewing good vs. treacherous stretches of the river. Buying anything from Jim required a thorough safety review before he would accept your money! I recall being glad he was diligent in the safety issues of watercraft ownership.
   As a young Marine just back from The War, Jim started this marine business from his parent’s basement while working full time at Eggomatic down in Washington Crossing. As it prospered, he built his own place – Abbott’s Marine, right alongside the canal.
   My next encounter with Jim was when I explored becoming a volunteer with Union Fire Company and Rescue Squad in Titusville. He was the captain of the Rescue Squad and a strong and steady force providing excellent leadership to all. Jim’s years as squad captain were followed by many years of service in other leadership positions. He welcomed anyone who was interested in serving his/her community – even women! I personally know of many emergency situations with positive outcomes due to the Jim’s leadership. Jim’s steady guidance and easy manner made many potentially serious and life-threatening situations go more smoothly. As a novice, I was glad to have his leadership.
   Service was a very integral part of Jim’s life and his commitment to the community encompassed his entire lifetime. This commitment I am sure took a toll on his family. His beloved wife, Ruth, and seven (yes, I said seven) daughters were understanding of his driven nature to help in emergency situations, especially if they involved a water rescue situation. Even their daughters were a part of some emergencies! Their oldest daughter, Lynn was born at the time of the Flood of 1955 and the last of the girls, Diane, was born during the infamous Hurricane Diane. (I’m glad that the other five — Judy, Janice, Virginia, Karen and Irene — did not spark national disasters.)
   During his later years in many conversations with him, I could see Jim’s eyes sparkle as he spoke with pride of the accomplishments of all of his girls and then gain a special twinkle with the talk of their grandchildren!
   Jim loved holidays — especially Christmas. Every year Titusvillians and people from near and far would drive by Abbott’s Marine to see the fine holiday display Jim had floating in the canal. Christmas also meant the annual re-enactment of Washington Crossing the Delaware. I cannot imagine "The Crossing" without River Jim there to ensure the safety of all. In the 1970s, I had the unique opportunity to be out on the river with Jim for a couple of these events. There are few words to properly convey that experience. Priceless — to be the first boat on the river, coming downstream just north of the island on Christmas morning. Usually there would be flocks of geese and we would be the one to make them rise up from the river, circle noisily at being interrupted and clear the way for the re-enactors.
   Christmas also meant his annual miniature train display, another passion of Jim’s. Living a lifetime near the railroad tracks in Titusville had made a strong impression on him. For many years, he would set up loops and tracks and switch crossings in a large portion of the fire house and then invite family and friends to come enjoy. During his later years, he "downsized" to just cover his entire basement, but still invited friends and family to come over.
   The Fourth of July was Jim’s other "main event." He founded the Titusville Torch Light Boat Parade on the Delaware at dusk. Jim would lead the parade with either his big rescue boat or pontoon boat decked out with a huge American flag and a generator, of course, so he could blast the shore with patriotic songs while keeping the flag in the spotlight. Many people would gather along the river’s bank to watch this procession, clapping and waiving to share the excitement.
   River Jim’s expertise in navigating the sometimes-shallow waters of the Delaware was legendary. In fact, during the drought of 1955 Jim drove his jeep across the riverbed and back – that image being captured and printed in the local papers to accent how severe a drought was occurring in the Delaware River area. This lifetime spent along the Delaware gave him an incredible river expertise that surfaced time and again when the Union Fire Company and Rescue Squad was called to the river for emergency operations. Jim would pull out his trusty maps and based on information shared, provide search and rescue guidelines. Often his guidance would bring a prompt conclusion to the situation. Occasionally when a rescue was not successful, Jim would spend his own time on his own boat continuing the search until someone’s loved one was eventually located.
   The last decade of his life, Jim’s health prevented him from the level of participation in emergency services that he previously had given to his community. Yet he would still stop by to see how he could help, or offer advice and suggestions to the next generation. It pleased me to see how much the younger members enjoyed talking with River Jim. You could see the respect and fondness they held for him.
   Jim, I will deeply miss our conversations, your guidance and your friendship. No one else knew The River like you. No one knows water rescue and recovery like you. No one can ever be another River Jim.
Janet Crum is past Rescue Squad captain and past EMS chief, Union Fire Company & Rescue Squad, Titusville.