His friends were his family

Many people have said things about Josh that I would have said.  He was my very dear friend, always welcoming, always interested in how things were, always encouraging when occasionally things were tough, and full of stimulating conversation and ideas. I was so fortunate to have him as a friend.

So here are a few affectionate memories. I got to know Josh well during the year Fred & I spent in NY (1987/8).  Fred & Josh worked together at City College, and we would spend most weekends together at Brewster.  I remember the enjoyment he got from helping us find an apartment – we ended up just round the corner from Carmine on Bleeker between 6^th & 7th – as well as the delight he took showing us round the Village and eventually the amusement he derived from sending his friends round for our escorted tour of The East Village. 

We went, together with other friends, for two weeks to the Galapagos Islands. Being captive on board ship he was clearly anxious about food and arrived with several jars of hot sauce to liven up what he expected to be a very dull menu with no choices.  He was correct, of course, and we were all grateful both for the hot sauce and his amusing comments on the food. With the same group we later went on safari to Tanzania where he took the most beautiful photos of animals, birds and people.

Josh gave me a surprise subscription to “Saveur” Magazine. I knew it was from him when I read the address label, which read “Jefferson Miles”. The name evolved slowly.  First J’fer, then when Fred & I were spending time in Japan, it became J’fersan and, on our return to the States, it became Jefferson. Whenever I receive mail for “Jefferson Miles” I know its origin.  He would send amusing cards from restaurants to Jefferson Miles, & I particularly remember the one from The Kitchen Club: three nude ladies riding a pig! 

  

Last December, Susan & Albert Fuchs and Fred & I took a house for a long weekend at Chincoteague in Virginia and Josh & Valerie joined us for a couple of days. It was probably the last time Josh went bird watching. There were flocks of snow geese and white ibis & the usual water birds, all seen against a perfect blue sky and golden reeds. He & Valerie cooked duck & sausage gumbo, and it was almost like old times.  It was a joy to see the love that he & Valerie shared. 

Josh said often that his friends were his family, and he leaves a large family to remember him. As if we could forget………….

Jefferson (Jennifer) Miles

Nachana Haveli

Jaisalmer

Rajasthan

India