The Late Jim Geary

On Wednesday, December 7, 2005, the Dayton Bujinkan Dojo learned of the death of Shihan Jim Geary, Bujinkan Judan from Jackson Tennessee. Jim Geary was best known by the Dayton Bujinkan Dojo members as the owner and senior instructor of Ninjutsu Martial Arts in Jackson, Tennessee. He was an original student of Kurt Rittenhouse, as were most of the senior students of the Dayton Bujinkan. Many of the Dayton Bujinkan members used to train with Jim during regular classes at Kurt Rittenhouse Martial Arts in the mid-1990's.

Jim had been to Japan for training more than six times since 1995. He was awarded his Judan (10th Degree Blackbelt) from Hatsumi Soke during the summer of 2005. Jim was a Vietnam veteran, serving as an Army Ranger. He lived in Dayton, Ohio during the 1990's, and upon retiring as a senior business executive, moved back home to Jackson, Tennessee. He opened "Ninjutsu Martial Arts" as hobby to stay active in Budo Taijutsu. His facility grew to more than 75 students. Two of his senior students passed their Godan test in 2005.

Jim had some health issues due to injuries sustained from military service, but his health was good overall. His heart attack was a big shock to many of us. He was 55 years old when he died. Jim was given full military honors at his funeral. Hatsumi Soke placed his name on the Bujinkan Hombu peg board that represents 10th Dan students who have passed away.

Jim's senior students in Jackson will continue to train in Budo Taijutsu. That is the way Jim what have wanted it. Jim's strong spirit and dedication to Budo Taijutsu is an excellent example for all of us to aspire to. He will be missed very much.

From Jeff Ochester, one of the four co-owners of the Dayton Bujinkan Dojo:
"Many people will miss Jim Geary for many reasons. I will miss his conversations very much. But in the end, I think Jim would want us to be happy, train hard, make our goals a reality, and most of all, understand the importance of respect and hard work for personal growth. "

The picture below is of Jim Geary in his Jackson Tennessee Dojo in 2004 (with Jeff Ochester).