Robert Moody

I am saddened to hear of Jimmy's passing (and also belatedly of Mike's passing as well). We weren't close friends but spent some time together during our senior year going on Explorer outings with Bill Stringer and his dad. One of my fondest memories is of a camping trip we took to Catoctin Mountain State Park (at an elevation above Camp David). We, (me, Bill Stringer and his dad, Bill Hall, Jimmy and Mike, the latter having traveled there in Jimmy's woodie) camped at the summit of the mountain. While huddled in our tents that night, drinking contraband wine and reading playboy magazines, a car drove up to our campsite. Apparently we had camped in a local "lovers lane" where a young couple had come to "share their affection" with one another. After a short time, the couple left, presumedly to find another more secluded site for their romantic interlude. Always up for a prank, we four (Bill's dad probably wouldn't have authorized the mission) decided to conduct a clandestine reconnaissance back down the mountain road to see if we could find the displaced lovers. Armed with our flashlights, we crept down the road in total darkness until we came upon the unfortunate couple, now in the full throw of loves embrace. We creapt up to surround the car stealthily and in unison, turned our flashlights on and shown them on the couple "in flagrante", and probably scared them half to death. We scampered back to our campsite. laughing hysterically at our mischief. Apparently, the couple found it far less amusing. Later that night, as we were in our tents, A couple of vehicles returned to our campsite, this time with high beams on and reving their engines to make as much noise as possible. Now with a new concern for our safety, we remained in our tents rather than going out to confront our tormentors. We reasoned that as long as we stayed in the tents, the locals didn't know whether we were a team of Green Berets or a Cub Scout pack. After a bit they withdrew, leaving us with a great story  to remember. I'm sorry I never got the opportunity to see Jimmy or Mike after graduation to drink a beer and reminisce about that trip and a few others. Rest in peace Jimmy.

Posted on: Jul 30, 2018 at 4:33 AM

Posted on: Apr 09, 2018 at 5:48 PM

Bobby- Jerry Ricucci here. Please look me up at one of the reunion activities.