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 ... that Others May Live |
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NOTICE!
Jim
Segerstrom suffered a massive CVA on the night of 1 February 2007. He passed
away on the morning of 5 February at 8:44 with his family around him.
Union Democrat article Published: February 19, 2007
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By CHRISTI WILHELM
The Union Democrat
Traffic all but halted Saturday afternoon in downtown Sonora as a funeral motorcade passed through the city in honor of Jim Segerstrom, a renowned search and rescue expert and respected community resident.
About 40 vehicles — including Sonora and Tuolumne County law enforcement patrol cars, fire engines and ambulances — took part in the procession that started at Sonora High School and continued several miles to Sierra Bible Church for a service honoring Segerstrom, who died Feb. 5 after suffering a stroke.
During the procession, many in the downtown area either held flags or had posted them in Segerstrom's honor. Other mourners paid their respects by standing silently until the procession passed. Some took pictures, some offered prayers, others saluted.
Segerstrom, 60 and a longtime Sonora resident, died at a San Francisco hospital with his wife and family at his side. His death shocked and saddened many who had worked with Segerstrom on search and rescue missions or attended the many swift water rescue training sessions he oversaw.
He was one of 13 volunteers who started the Tuolumne County Search and Rescue team in 1975. He went on to become a nationally and internationally recognized authority in swift-water, rope and helicopter rescue techniques.
More than 400 people, many of whom stood, attended the funeral, during which some memorable moments of Segerstrom's life were shared by his family members.
Segerstrom's brother, Steven, remembered a man walking up to his brother during 1985 rescue classes in Cody, Wyo., and hysterically proclaiming that a raft had flipped over in the flooding water and that three people were trapped in a tree. Those who knew Jim weren't surprised at his enthusiastic response: "Outstanding!"
That rescue, accomplished in 30 minutes, set a record. An hour later, rescuers were drinking beer with the victims.
Steven continued by saying that his brother was a legendary cook, was devoted to their mother, enjoyed writing and reading and loved a good bourbon, his dogs, John Wayne, his leaded toy soldier collection and — most of all — the county Search and Rescue team.
"I will miss his laughter, his wisdom, his chronic throat clearing, early morning cups of coffee," Steven told the crowd in a eulogy. "He was the best brother a man could ask for, and I don't know how I'll proceed in life without him."
Segerstrom was born in Reno, attended school in Sonora and graduated from a private school in Menlo Park. He then traveled to Europe. After returning to the United States, he worked as a river guide, then became a paramedic.
Segerstrom wrote several swift-water rescue articles, taught rescue techniques to volunteers, firefighters, mountain guides, military personnel and Secret Service agents.
Segerstrom is survived by his wife, Shiree, and son, Christian; his mother, Mary Etta; sister, Ann, and three brothers, Steven, Donald and David.
This article courtesy Sonora Union Democrat
Jim Segerstrom Memorial Fund
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