This was a great post. I am very sorry to hear of your buddy Jim's diagnosis and battle with "the big C," but it warms my heart to know there are still people in this world who value friendship and are willing to go the extra distance for a pal.
That's also a very impressive deer. Personally, I find the "European" skull mounts to be much more appealing than standard taxidermy. The photos show a very nice mount, that does honor to the buck.
I did read the story in Muzzleloader a while back, and I'm glad they continue to print a few hunting stories now and then.
Good on you, Bub.
Notchy Bob