Back in the late 70s, one of Clement Stone's people contacted me about the possibility of buying one of my business operations. -- I told him I wasn't really interested in selling - but - what the hey, I'm always open to an offer.

After a few more telephone calls, it was arranged for me to meet with Stone in Nashville, where he was speaking.

When I arrived a guy by the name of Pat Boone took the message to Stone that I had arrived.

Over the next hour or so, Stone & I discussed his wanting to buy my company. -- I didn't want to sell. He didn't want to take NO for an answer.

We had concluded our discussion ... not to Stone's liking ... when a young reporter asked if she could take a picture of Stone & me together. -- We both consented, then, she made an almost fatal mistake.

First ... let me explain ... at that time, I too wore a pencil line black mustache.

After taking the picture she said, "Did you know you two look like father & son." -- It tickled me but Stone didn't think it was funny & told her so.

Over the years, we became fast friends & the picture of me & him still hangs on my office wall.

May he rest in eternal peace ... he was an inspiration to us all.

Jim