Widow of James Moniz - Surgery & Support
Goal:
USD $75,000
Raised:
USD $3,125
Campaign funds will be received by Melanie Hope
Widow of James Moniz - Surgery & Support
On December 27, Jim Moniz was suddenly called home to Christ. He returned from a regular day at work, gave me a quick peck on the lips hello, and then collapsed right outside our bedroom door. I lost my husband, best friend, cohost, and Sweet Babboo.
Jim and I co-hosted our podcast, CounterCultureWISE, for 8 seasons together. He wrote parodies, did all the voices for our animations, assisted in research, and brought in some of the most fascinating and fun interviews. The mics are silent now.
One year ago, we lost our home (the landlord had decided to tear it down and kicked us out mid-month). The unexpected move (and two months in a Motel 6 while we tried to find a new place in the volatile economy) left us up to our eyeballs in debt. The following two years offered many more challenges. Jim lost his job with a ministry, which meant no unemployment benefits or income for 6 months. Things were impossibly grim, but with our love for each other, shared warped sense of humor, a lot of creativity, and a heavy dose of Christ, we made it through and somehow kept the lights on.
Finally, in November 2024, Jim got hired with the State of Texas. Benefits for both of us would have kicked in January of 2025, but Jim didn't make it.
Due to the rough years behind us, Jim leaves behind no life insurance, no pension, no benefits, and no estate. He wasn't old enough for Social Security or military benefits. I am disabled, and struggling to get my application through (which takes years), while holding everything else together. It's now February 2025, and I still have not been able to bury my husband.
Your generosity will help me to properly honor my husband, pay medical bills, rent, and utilities, and hopefully keep our beloved furry family fed and together.
Thank you, and God bless.
Recent Donations
Jim was a kind soul with the heart of a warrior, Semper fi Marine!
VMFP-3 is as unique as the Corps itself. Let's get this done!
I feel your pain and send you love and prayers. I lost Art 12 years ago and still miss him.
I knew James in passing during my internship around 2022, wish I could’ve gotten to know him more. I will be praying for you and family during this time. My heart goes out to you all.
I'll do more as I can, Mel. God bless you, and God rest Jim's soul.
I hope this helps in some small way. I’m so sorry for your loss of your husband, best friend, partner, helper, love of your life, Jim. You two were a perfect match. You did an amazing job on his eulogy. Thanks for sharing yours and Jim’s amazing love story.
May you and your family find comfort in Jesus and know that Jim is in His hands and at peace.
I’m praying for you, uncle jim had such a huge personality and impact on my life he is truly missed I love you and him so much
Melanie. This is a drop in the bucket of what is needed, I'm sure, but we hope it will help.
Very sad for you
Sending you hugs and prayers sweetie! Please reach out if you need anything!
Jim was a close friend through Mensa and beyond. We miss his warm smiles and his wit and charm! Love always, ClayVal
He will always be my favorite actor to work with!
Cherishing all of our shenanigans together years ago as "Lunatics" - Super fun! Adoring you both now and forever. Sending love and prayers.
So saddened to hear this news. Jim was such a good, kind and thoughtful person. All my best to Melanie and their family and friends.
Melanie and Moniz family, Jim was such a kind soul, funny guy, wise man, and so much more than words could ever describe. I'm so saddened to hear. He accomplished a lot with his time here on earth. He lived fully with the love of his life and achieved some important goals he set despite hard times. He made the world a better place and will be missed. Sending love & condolences, Ashli and family.
Updates
I will go through the fire
March 22nd, 2025
God is good!
The surgery went smoothly. I have only positive things to say about my experience with BS&W Ortho. I felt cared for, fully informed, and heard. On the way out, I felt confident and optimistic. This was the easiest surgery I've ever gone through, even as it was complicated (plates and screws, etc) and the road to full recovery is long. Not to mention the < $35,000 bill I'm going to have to source somehow. I will not worry. God's got this.
Meanwhile, I have been blessed on all sides by Christ-serving friends, from sweet and humble acts like doing my dishes, giving me rides, and braiding my hair, to outright answers to prayer like a surprise gift that literally saved me from power disconnection within 24 hours.
My students give me someone to serve and celebrate with. Seeing them understand new concepts while their grades improve is such a joy. They've been incredibly patient with me and my left-handed endeavors. I just need 20 more of them.
Sadie ensures that I get exercise, even on my highest pain days. After all, she reminds me, I had mastered left-handed Chuckit pitching a long time ago. Chop chop! 🥎🥎🥎
Phrytzie, my sweet get-well kitty doesn't leave my side and is quite insistent with the cuddles as soon as I get settled in bed.
Frankie is my little clown, and with as smitten as Jim was with this kitten, he's a constant reminder of Jim's playful humor. Every now and then, he'll interrupt my work by gently putting his paws on my leg and looking at me with eyes so full of love that I see Jim in them.
The day before my surgery, I had to run several errands. The "check engine" light is back. They just installed a whole new engine in November, so I'm sure this is covered. I literally shouted, "You didn't get me when my husband died, you didn't get me by breaking my arm and destroying two thirds of my livelihood, and you're not getting me with yet another check engine light! Be gone, Satan, you have NO power over me!"
I probably looked like a kook driving one-armed and shouting at Beelzebub, and I don't care. I'm done with his shenanigans. A dear friend called me a warrior today. Well, I'll never fit in the outfit, but I am feeling rather Xena-like.
I'm still not sure what my purpose is supposed to be. I pray every day that God will use my time, talent, and (meager) treasure to edify Him - and be VERY obvious what he wants me to do. I have no idea what's in store. This old song by Ginny Owens has been running through my head quite a lot:
________
'Cause I'm not who I was
When I took my first step
And I'm clinging to the promise
You're not through with me yet
So if all of these trials bring me closer to you
Then I will go through the fire
If you want me to
Too much
March 15th, 2025
I finally got the county judge to release Jim's body. What a nightmare! Thanks to your kind help, I am able to get him cremated. I just couldn't get enough together for anything else. He will still be honored with internment in the military cemetery and a formal ceremony.
Friends, so much has happened. Jack, Jim's father (a total sweetheart) passed suddenly. I have no further details. Geri, Jim's mom, was struck by a drunk driver and was injured so badly that she was put on hospice.
---
Meanwhile, dumb ol' me - while just trying to do the normal things my Jimmy would do for me (bring in the groceries) - took a fall and snapped both bones in my arm - clean off - at the wrist.
I have no insurance. I applied for everything I could, and was denied.
I am facing surgery and a long recovery, all by myself. Simple, normal things like taking out the trash, washing dishes, or even showering are darned near impossible. My livelihood, which depended on writing, transcribing, and crochet, is gone.
Please.
No VA Benefits
February 13th, 2025
Thank you all so much for your generosity. I am so blessed! So far the funds have allowed me to pay rent, keep the critters fed, sadly pay for Max's gentle goodbye, and catch up on the utility bills.
I was hoping that Jim's service in the Marines would allow him a military burial, but after getting the runaround these last two months, I just learned that Jim does not qualify for VA benefits for burial. All costs land on me, and that means I have a long way to go. Please share!
My eulogy & burial update
February 7th, 2025
I'm still working on getting Jim a proper burial. Working with the VA, but hitting many brick walls. There is so much paperwork, and so many expenses! Please continue to share this around, I need all the help I can get just to keep the lights on.
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