The first student I met when I started Freshman year at BCHS was Jim Dahlke. I think he was there at school early because he used crutches and was somewhat limited in getting around. Later I learned that Jim had had polio as a youth. But "disability" issues weren't things one talked about back then.
Well, he turned out to be a very good friend--my first friend in BCHS. My dad had just been transferred to the Brookfield area (he worked for GE.) We had come from New Jersey. So, I knew literally nobody the first day I attended HS. But I will forever remember how Jim was welcoming, friendly, and helpful in those early days.
I don't think I really understood what polio was at that time--tell you the truth, still don't But, as I understand it, it is an illness that basically doesn't exist in the U.S. today.
As H.S. progressed, Jim and I sort of drifted apart--not from any falling out, but just as people tend to do. After H.S. I never ran into him again. He's been gone now for some years, but I will never forget his early kindnesses.
Yes Dave, Jim was a good friend. He was always positive and like a beam of light. Always stood out from the crowd. I kept in touch with him after high school. We met at various dances, get togethers and went out to eat several times. He even began dating. He married and they lived in an apartment in old downtown Brookfield off Brookfield Rd. I was out of town on vacation when he passed away. He was wheelchair bound by then but still had the same smile and bright eyes that you would remember. A bright comet gone far too soon. Dennis Sperb
Yes, he was positive and friendly. I don't know if I knew Jim other than 'in the halls' but he was always nice. Then senior year I seriously blew out my knee (no sports then, it was falling--running late for the bus as usual) and he started to challenge me to races on the way to class; we were both a little slow though he was a master of those sticks. I clearly remember graduation and how we were lined up by height--one line of girls and one of boys. We were first and I hated the idea of all those eyes! And I kept thinking that without those crutches he would have been a much taller person but he was the one who encouraged me--and was probably more graceful!
David Peck
The first student I met when I started Freshman year at BCHS was Jim Dahlke. I think he was there at school early because he used crutches and was somewhat limited in getting around. Later I learned that Jim had had polio as a youth. But "disability" issues weren't things one talked about back then.
Well, he turned out to be a very good friend--my first friend in BCHS. My dad had just been transferred to the Brookfield area (he worked for GE.) We had come from New Jersey. So, I knew literally nobody the first day I attended HS. But I will forever remember how Jim was welcoming, friendly, and helpful in those early days.
I don't think I really understood what polio was at that time--tell you the truth, still don't But, as I understand it, it is an illness that basically doesn't exist in the U.S. today.
As H.S. progressed, Jim and I sort of drifted apart--not from any falling out, but just as people tend to do. After H.S. I never ran into him again. He's been gone now for some years, but I will never forget his early kindnesses.
Dave Peck
Dennis Sperb
Yes Dave, Jim was a good friend. He was always positive and like a beam of light. Always stood out from the crowd. I kept in touch with him after high school. We met at various dances, get togethers and went out to eat several times. He even began dating. He married and they lived in an apartment in old downtown Brookfield off Brookfield Rd. I was out of town on vacation when he passed away. He was wheelchair bound by then but still had the same smile and bright eyes that you would remember. A bright comet gone far too soon.Dennis Sperb
Liz Mueller (Klem)
Yes, he was positive and friendly. I don't know if I knew Jim other than 'in the halls' but he was always nice. Then senior year I seriously blew out my knee (no sports then, it was falling--running late for the bus as usual) and he started to challenge me to races on the way to class; we were both a little slow though he was a master of those sticks. I clearly remember graduation and how we were lined up by height--one line of girls and one of boys. We were first and I hated the idea of all those eyes! And I kept thinking that without those crutches he would have been a much taller person but he was the one who encouraged me--and was probably more graceful!
Sid Arthur
Sorry to hear of Jim's passing! I did know him as a kind, friendly guy. A good guy! RIP Jim.
Sid Arthur
Ellen Bogie (Harbridge)
I remember Jim. Nice guy, sorry to hear of his passing.