The Grand Marshall, Liz Cochran, Miss Alabama 2009, was holding court inside when Leigh and I got there. Everyone wanted to meet her and get a picture and autograph, so she was there for a while, but she was very gracious about it. She had already been transformed into a “biker chick” courtesy of Rider’s, and with that, she was ready to ride.

The event was held on Sunday afternoon, December 13, at One-Eyed Jack’s in Kansas City. There was no charge for admission, and those who attended could buy three tickets for $5 with each ticket good for a scoop of chili. Nine pots of chili were entered in the contest with prizes awarded in four categories. The winning chefs were Heather Gist (red), Steve Miller (white), Joe Evans (spicy), and Allan Wrinkle (most bizarre recipe). I was informed that Joe’s recipe included deer meat, four different kinds of beans, and three varieties of vinegar. All of the chili was delicious and tasted especially good on a chilly December day

In April 2009, Jimbo was taking IV antibiotics at home for an infection that started in his foot that had already caused him to lose two toes due to severe diabetes. When the IV line in his chest was flushed, it sent infection throughout his blood stream and he became septic. The paramedics were called, and he was rushed to the hospital. At first it was thought that he had a reaction to the IV medication. He coded while in ICU and was placed on a ventilator.

Chris, Benny, Katherine, and Danny, from the racecourse, worked very hard on pulling the tournament together and gathering items from the different businesses to raffle off that weekend as part of the fundraiser efforts. Miller donated items and made several banners for the event. That just blew us away. I drove Leigh up there that night for him to see how everyone had turned out in support of him.