James / HFT - comments, please

[UintaIce]

As most know by now, James Ferrin is going out of the tackle shop business this spring. For all who know him and frequent his business, this is a painful situation.
I'm writing an article for the XPLORE Outdoors Section about his contributions to our local fishermen & women, and to the sport in general. What I'd like to have to go along is a few comments from those who know him well, and can throw in a quality $.02 that I might include. You know, the "human interest" side of things.
Please keep it short and sweet, and I appreciate in advance any help you can offer.
Thanks!
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[plecopterahopper]

[blue]Well, I am not one of James closest friends, in fact I have never even fished with him but I have had to opportunity to meet with him a few times. All of which I was impressed with his willingness to help. The first time I met him I had interest in a style of fly that he pioneered. He took the time to tie a few flies for me to show me the technique for tying them. He also shared a very detailed description of their benefits and when they should be used. At the time I was a college student who didn't have much to spend so I bought what flies I could afford and he gave me several to try as well. Another time I ran into James is at a fly tying conclave in Idaho falls where he spent many hours teaching fly tying techniques. People who get invited to tie at these events are invited because they have a lot to offer and they have a willingness to share. James has both of these traits and is invited to many similar events. I have also sent and recieved many messages on this site back and forth with James and he has always been very willing to help. I was to hear that Hooked was going out of business because you don't get the same kind of service at the larger chain retailers as you do with a smaller tackle shop that is run on friendship and value.[/blue]
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[DKStroutfitter]

James is an anglers, angler. He will spend all the time with you that it takes to help you out. His store has become the information center for Norhhern Utah. James makes sure that his staff treats the public in the same manor that he does. The thing is that James will be leaving the store that he loves because it consumes too much of his time. If he didn't treat his customers with the respect and spend the time with them that he does, he would have more time for other interests, like fishing for himself. Now the problem with that is, his store would not be the same. James has contributed much of his time, energy, and passion to the betterment of fishing in Utah and for that, I am very grateful. Thanks James.
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[PREDATOR]

James Ferrin, "The last of the best." Put that in your paper.
Its pretty rare to have a guy open a tackle shop these days where he knows your name and remembers it for ten years. Even when you only visit once a year.
He always knew what I was looking for, and if he didnt have it made sure I knew he would get it if I wanted.
But the real appeal wasnt in the gear that was on the walls it was in the folks. Fishing folks who work with the idea that fishing was all that mattered.
Fly tieing classes, rod building classes, ice fishing seminars, and all the day to day bs is what made hooked is what made hooked a first class place. Without James Ferrin it would have been just another store with fishing stuff on the wall.
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[UintaIce]

I appreciate your time guys! Thanks for the input!
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