Jim ’s Story

Site created on January 10, 2020

Welcome to our CaringBridge website. We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place. We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement. Thank you for visiting.


Some of you are aware that Jim has had congestive heart failure issues for many years. As the choices for any medical interventions have diminished, Jim feels blessed with a new opportunity. He will have a Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD ) implanted Monday in a 4-6 hour surgery. This device will function as Jim’s Left Ventricle. (If you are curious you might want to google the LVAD) Jim will have a tube coming out of his abdomen attached to a controller & 2 batteries for the remainder of his life. His quality of life should greatly improve to a near normal status for 4-7 years.
Jim remains at Bryan Health in the cardiac unit but will move to ICU Sunday getting prepped for Monday’s surgery. He will be in ICU 8-17 days & then move to Bryan West for rehab about 10 days.

I will post updates here.

Newest Update

February 29, 2020

Journal entry by Wanda Kjar-Hunt —

Jim has been home 3 weeks and He is making great progress. Home Health PT released Jim yesterday. I’m sure OT will also release Jim Monday. 

Jim returns to Lincoln Tuesday to see his surgeon. He will probably be released to start driving this next week. 

Jim will start cardiac rehab soon. . He really is doing so well. He needs to gain more weight but he has a very good appetite. 


Jim says he feels the best he’s felt in 30 years. 

If you get a chance he’s up to visitors & coffee! 

This has been an amazing journey so far. God has answered so many prayers. 

Read More of the journal titled "February 29, 2020"
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