Author Topic: Jim Kraft is in the hospital. (Read 8185 times)

Andrew Hathaway · « **on:** March 31, 2012, 06:25:30 PM »

Today our local club hosted a day for the Boy Scouts to come out and try R/C and C/L. Directly after a hands on flight with one of the scouts, Jim Kraft collapsed. We were fortunate to have a doctor (one of the scout's father) on the premises, CPR was administered and 911 was called. Shortly after his collapse, he started breathing again and the word was that he was conscious and speaking in the ambulance on the way to the hospital. It's only been a few hours, and we haven't heard any further news. I just wanted to let Jim's friends here know what happened. Please keep Jim in your prayers.

Bill Little · « **Reply #1 on:** March 31, 2012, 06:35:36 PM »

Jim is in my prayers for a quick recovery. Please keep us updated.

Bill

De Hill · « **Reply #2 on:** March 31, 2012, 07:07:13 PM »

Jim is one of the true gentlemen in our controline hobby. I sincerely hope that he comes out of this ok.

Marvin Denny · « **Reply #3 on:** March 31, 2012, 07:25:07 PM »

Mine and Ree's prayers are with Jim and Lova.

Bigiron and Texas Red

Mike Keville · « **Reply #4 on:** March 31, 2012, 07:26:50 PM »

Jim is one of my favorite people - quiet, modest and unassuming.....unlike me. I wish him the very best. Hoping to see him out here in Tucson next year for VSC-25.

Lee Thiel · « **Reply #5 on:** March 31, 2012, 08:31:25 PM »

Pulling for Jim here at Tulsa Gluedobbers.
Lee

Elwyn Aud · « **Reply #6 on:** March 31, 2012, 08:54:56 PM »

Well dang. Here's hoping for a quick recovery.

Douglas Ames · « **Reply #7 on:** April 01, 2012, 12:23:06 AM »

Jim's a regular at our Tulsa Contests. We all look forward to having him again, get well soon.

Joe Bowman · « **Reply #8 on:** April 01, 2012, 09:54:58 AM »

Praying for a full and speedy recovery. I want to see you in Tulsa this year.

Joseph Patterson · « **Reply #9 on:** April 01, 2012, 11:16:34 AM »

I met Jim for the first time in Tulsa last year. He is a wealth of knowledge for Model aviation, but more than that he is a gentleman and an awfully nice guy. Kathleen and I will have you in our prayers Mr. Jim.
Doug

dankar · « **Reply #10 on:** April 01, 2012, 01:04:52 PM »

Hope for the best as a very nice person. Get well Jim, best prayers to you.
Dan

mike donovan · « **Reply #11 on:** April 01, 2012, 02:34:00 PM »

this was really unexpected but I am praying for Jim and Lova. Jim is a really good guy and one of my favorate people. I hope for a speedy and complete recovery.

mike donovan

builditright · « **Reply #12 on:** April 01, 2012, 04:40:03 PM »

Don't know Jim personally but sure do hope he gets better fast
Healing prayers abound

john e. holliday · « **Reply #13 on:** April 01, 2012, 08:23:32 PM »

Bad news about Jim collapsing, but great news that he was conscious in the ambulance. One of my local heroes I try to compete with. One great gentleman with a very charming wife. He better get well before I get to him.

Did I say get well Jim?

Norm Faith Jr. · « **Reply #14 on:** April 01, 2012, 09:46:02 PM »

I've competed with Jim several times..."We ain't done yet." See you in the circle soon Jim.
Norm

Andrew Hathaway · « **Reply #15 on:** April 01, 2012, 10:05:57 PM »

I apologize for not updating this sooner. We've heard back that Jim is doing well. He has a heart condition called aortic stenosis. It will most likely require a surgery in the very near future. But for now Jim is out of the ICU and feeling well aside from chest pain from the CPR compression, and bumps/bruises from the fall.

John Stiles · « **Reply #16 on:** April 02, 2012, 05:32:32 AM »

Prayer sent.

Larry Renger · « **Reply #17 on:** April 02, 2012, 09:52:23 AM »

Get well soon Jim.

Jim Kraft · « **Reply #18 on:** April 02, 2012, 03:08:50 PM »

Hey guys; Thanks for all the prayers and good wishes. I had a cardiac cath today, and they found two blockages, and my aortic valve is down way to small. So tomorrow I will be having open heart surgery to clear the problems. Hopefully I will be back out flying again in a couple of months if all goes well.

Thanks again for all the well wishes and prayers. I can sure use them tomorrow. Hopefully I will be able to get back on the computer when I get out of intensive care on thursday.

John Stiles · « **Reply #19 on:** April 02, 2012, 03:11:18 PM »

Quote from: Jim Kraft on April 02, 2012, 03:08:50 PM

Hey guys; Thanks for all the prayers and good wishes. I had a cardiac cath today, and they found two blockages, and my aortic valve is down way to small. So tomorrow I will be having open heart surgery to clear the problems. Hopefully I will be back out flying again in a couple of months if all goes well.

Thanks again for all the well wishes and prayers. I can sure use them tomorrow. Hopefully I will be able to get back on the computer when I get out of intensive care on thursday.

Be rememberin ya tomorrow at prayer time.

Robert Redmon · « **Reply #20 on:** April 02, 2012, 03:21:19 PM »

My goodness, Jim! Dina and I were both beside ourselves when we heard about your "moment" at the field. Here's hoping your surgery is unremarkable and your recovery is quick and with little pain. The way I figure, you should be recovered in time to practice up for Wichita. See you there!

Bob

Jim Kraft · « **Reply #21 on:** April 02, 2012, 03:31:19 PM »

Oh! Just one other thing. The surgeon says I should feel much better afterwords, so I figure flying without chest pain might improve my flying.

Joe Gilbert · « **Reply #22 on:** April 02, 2012, 04:51:43 PM »

Outstanding news: will keep praying. See you in the circles soon.

Joe Gilbert

Jerry Higgins · « **Reply #23 on:** April 02, 2012, 04:56:09 PM »

Jim, Get well soon. I hope to see you at the Top Class end of May!

Jerry Higgins

EddyR · « **Reply #24 on:** April 02, 2012, 05:27:29 PM »

Jim Sorry to hear what you went through. I know you will be glad when the surgery is all done and you are recuperating. You got a warning that many do not get.
All my best to you .
Ed Ruane

Terrence Durrill · « **Reply #25 on:** April 02, 2012, 07:02:44 PM »

Jim, just a note to say we are all pulling for you to make a fast recovery and return to the stunt circle soon.....TDurrill

Andrew Borgogna · « **Reply #26 on:** April 02, 2012, 07:06:50 PM »

My heart and prayers go out to Jim. He is without a doubt one of the nicest persons you will ever meet. He has been a big help to me in getting my sparky fit to fly at this years VSC and I will always be greatful for his help.

I wish you a speedy recovery my friend, I look forward to seeing you next year in Tucson.
Andy Borgogna

Crist Rigotti · « **Reply #27 on:** April 02, 2012, 08:32:13 PM »

Jim,
My prayers to you and your family. Get well soon.

Randy Ryan · « **Reply #28 on:** April 02, 2012, 09:03:33 PM »

Quote from: Jim Kraft on April 02, 2012, 03:31:19 PM

Oh! Just one other thing. The surgeon says I should feel much better afterwords, so I figure flying without chest pain might improve my flying.

Good news Jim, prayers keep going.

Shultzie · « **Reply #29 on:** April 03, 2012, 12:20:54 PM »

Let's stay in touch with news about Jim! I too lift up James in prayer that his operation was successful and for a speeding and healthy recovery!

I have always enjoyed his posts and contributions to Stunt Hanger.
I was attempting to find a photo of our James and his gang.
Here is one photo of a Jim Kraft project..

just noticed an amazingly beautiful framed old vintage photo hanging on that wall behind Jim in this photograph! WOW!

Joe Gilbert · « **Reply #30 on:** April 03, 2012, 03:59:13 PM »

Just talked to Lova. Jim is out of surgery and doing well. He had a double bypass and a valve replaced. He will remain in recovery for about another hour and should sleep all night. Lova said they appreciate all your prayers and concern.

Thanks!
Joe Gilbert

john e. holliday · « **Reply #31 on:** April 03, 2012, 06:19:09 PM »

That is super great news. I really like Jim and his wife. Hopefully he can make it to the Memorial Day contest in Topeka to cheer us on. So get well Jim, I need the competion.

Dennis Adamisin · « **Reply #32 on:** April 03, 2012, 06:27:02 PM »

That is very good news. I have not had the pleasure of meetin Jim in person, only here on the forum. he seems a knowledgable & likable sort, and I shall continue to pray for his full & speedy recovery.

Richard Fleming · « **Reply #33 on:** April 03, 2012, 06:38:54 PM »

Prayers and thoughts with you and a fast recovery Jim.

Richard

Joshua Harel · « **Reply #34 on:** April 03, 2012, 07:25:08 PM »

Jim is a great guy. My best wishes for a speedy recovery.
Joshua

Bill Little · « **Reply #35 on:** April 04, 2012, 03:58:19 AM »

It is great to hear that Jim got through surgery and is recuperating. My prayers for a complete rapid recovery.

Bill

Gary Mondry · « **Reply #36 on:** April 05, 2012, 04:12:15 PM »

I talked to Jim's wife, Lova, yesterday. She was with Jim, still in ICU. I didn't talk to Jim but he was talking in the background. She said the surgery went well and that he was awake and eating ice chips. He had pain from the surgery but that's no surprise. She thought he might be able to go home Monday or so.

Good news!

Gary

Howard Rush · « **Reply #37 on:** April 05, 2012, 05:47:22 PM »

Thanks, Gary. That's great news.

Andrew Hathaway · « **Reply #38 on:** April 06, 2012, 07:55:33 AM »

Lova sent me an email yesterday and asked that I post an update for her. Below is her email.

Andrew, this is Lova.

Jim was taken out of ICU tonight. He is now in room 357. He was in quite a lot of pain last night & this morning but this afternoon that pain lightened up an awful lot. His vitals are all good. He may even get to go home this weekend. He still has the drain to his heart in but they are thinking about taking it out tomorrow morning.

Jim wanted me to write something in Stunt Hanger/Stuka stunt but I am lost when I get to the forum.

Here is what the surgeon did.... He did two bypasses on the coronary artery and did an aortic valve replacement (with a donor instead of pig or bovine). It all went well.

Jim knows that a lot of fliers know he is in the hospital & would like to know how he is. Would you write a short note on the forum and also to the Salina club members. All have been so great to call or ask how he is doing.

Drop me a note if you have any questions.

thank you so much

Lova

Jim Kraft · « **Reply #39 on:** April 09, 2012, 12:43:07 PM »

Thank you to one and all for your prayers. I was released from the hospital yesterday Easter. The doctors and nurses say I am doing very well, and I am feeling a little stronger each day. As the Lord says, some of your prayers were answered before you prayed them, and I would not be here if things had not happened except in the way they did. Not sure I will ever be able to sing Amazing Grace without breaking into tears of joy ever again.
Thank you all again for all your kindness toward me. I am overwhelmed by the friends I have made by flying control line.

Bill Little · « **Reply #40 on:** April 09, 2012, 01:38:57 PM »

Hi Jim,

It is such a blessing to see you already back and posting! My prayers for a quick and complete recovery.

Bill

Joseph Patterson · « **Reply #41 on:** April 09, 2012, 02:22:35 PM »

We are very thankful to the Lord for the good news Mr.Jim! We will keep on praying for you as you heal and recover.
Doug and Kathleen

Joshua Harel · « **Reply #42 on:** April 09, 2012, 05:10:54 PM »

Here, wishing you quick, full recovery and many more years of joy building and flying control line:)
Joshua

john e. holliday · « **Reply #43 on:** April 10, 2012, 08:29:00 AM »

Great news Jim and look forward to seeing you and the wife.

Dennis Adamisin · « **Reply #44 on:** April 10, 2012, 08:37:48 AM »

Welcome Back Jim! More prayers for a speedy and complete recovery.

Allen Brickhaus · « **Reply #45 on:** April 10, 2012, 12:50:12 PM »

Continue to heal Jim.

Allen Brickhaus

ChrisSarnowski · « **Reply #46 on:** April 10, 2012, 01:40:31 PM »

Jim,

Just want to wish you a speedy recovery!

-Chris

DanielGelinas · « **Reply #47 on:** April 10, 2012, 05:28:28 PM »

Good to hear back from you Jim!!!
All the best for a speedy recovery.
-Daniel

Richard Fleming · « **Reply #48 on:** April 10, 2012, 08:50:38 PM »

Thank you for the great news! Prayers answered!

Richard

Howard Rush · « **Reply #49 on:** April 11, 2012, 12:51:46 AM »

Medical folks can do great things these days. My neighbor is doing eight hip replacements today. I already have some aftermarket parts, and I'll get some new knees one of these days.

Keep getting stronger, Jim and Coach. I hope to see both of you at contests this summer.

Author Topic: Jim Kraft is in the hospital. (Read 8185 times)

ChrisSarnowski