As a child, he was unusu-ally large for his age, creating the stage for tall tales in the Stockwell family. In sports, where size mattered, he excelled. He earned a full football scholarship to study Fine Arts at Syracuse University. Fooling around, he fell in love with his high school sweetheart, Shirlee Anne Freay. They married June 24, 1966, and a son, David Stockwell, was born six months later. Four 1/2 years later, a daughter, Kira Stockwell, gave him further responsibilities. His early oil pantings and two month old, made the front page main photograph of the Buffalo Evening News for that year’s Allentown Art Festival. He was fascinated with art shows.

The difficult economy of the 70s caused him to ad-just his focus to finish and frame carpentry. His family agrees that he really buckled down and provided for his family. Part of it was his art of cooking, making those close to him very happy and overweight .

Kira married well to Francis Navilio, giving Grandpa Jimi two wonderful grandchildren: Madeleine Marie Navilio and Grant Francis Navilio. He did his darnedest to stay alive for them.

Late in life, he returned to painting and made beautiful rustic furniture out of harvesting Maple saplings.

Pet therapy was also a big part of his life, caring for many dogs over the years. Mason gave him great comfort in his final days.

In death, it was his wish to donate his body to the University of Buffalo Science program. A memorial will be held at a later date.

Farewell Grandpa Jimi we will miss you.