Wild West Tour - 1986 - Ancient Wildlands Should Be Protected Forever

I first met Jim on our 1986 Wild West Tour. A group of about ten Wilderness advocates provided music, stories and inspiration for wildlands protection to 10 towns Across Montana. Jim was the main attraction for the audiences and the main ballast for our motley crew. He was a consummate professional; When the rest of us grew exhausted, Jim stayed steady. He valued wildlands as habitat for wildlife and wild nature. 

Our conservative, status quo Message was: "Montana's few remaining wildlands should stay the way they are". How refreshing and hopeful that is compared to today's prevailing view of Wildlands as recreational gymnasiums and fodder for political deals. I miss Jim's simple and pure values and still get goosebumps listening to his music.

Forever Wild means what it says; no smoke, no mirrors. The remnants of our legacy of ancient wildlands should be protected forever. And it's still not too late to take Montana's few remaining wildlands off the bargain discount table. If you listen to the earth, Jim's spirit still blows through the land providing inspiration to stay strong.

- Larry Campbell, for the wild
Good friend and longtime wilderness activist in Montana

Tags: Memorial, Wild West Tour - 1986