Jimi B. Long

Jimi B. Long, 1964-2022

“The river flows from dark to light. Now, I must bid adieu, kind friends.  If my ship should sail from sight, it doesn’t mean my journey ends. It only means the river bends.” – Much love, Jimi x

Obituary for Jimi B. Long, a warrior for captive dolphins, especially Lolita (Tokitae) at Miami Seaquarium.

James (Jimi) B. Long was born December 29, 1964 and passed away October 14, 2022. He was predeceased by his maternal grandparents Silvio Morandi and Mary Naughton Morandi and paternal grandparents Barbara Long Miller and Walter Long, his father John W. Long and his oldest brother Michael R. Long. He is survived by his mother Maria Morandi Long Zwicker and step-father Lee Zwicker, his older brother Alan W. Long and wife Terri Long, and his younger brother Jason E. Long and devoted friend Melissa Jones.

Jimi was a kind and gentle giant. At 6’6″ tall he used his size and strength to protect others from bullying in school. When any friend came to him and told him of problems with a bully, Jimi was always there to help protect him and was there for those needing a listening ear. He attended Palm Springs Elementary, Conniston Middle and John I. Leonard High School. As a young boy, he got a job on a fishing boat earning money to buy his first mask, fins and snorkel. At 12 he taught himself to play the guitar and went on to become an accomplished guitarist. At 18 Jimi suffered a traumatic spinal cord injury while climbing trees at the local park with his brother which left him in a wheelchair for the rest of his life. In spite of this, he went on to study psychology, art and sociology at Palm Beach Community College.

Jimi was a talented musician, playing guitar and harmonica and with his deep, gravelly voice he sang and played in local bands. He was also a gifted artist, painting many beautiful works of art which he mostly gave away to his family and friends. He won a Best of Show award in Lake Worth for his artwork. He designed posters and other artwork to advocate for the liberation of whales and dolphins from captivity and advocating for their freedom from captivity later became the focus of his life’s work.

Jimi was certified as a Junior YMCA Diver at the age of 12 and after his injury, was certified as an Open Water Diver through the Handicapped Scuba Association.

Later in life, Jimi became an environmental and animal activist, focusing primarily on ocean, whale and wildlife issues. He was actively involved in the fight to free Lolita/ Tokitae the orca from the Miami Seaquarium and participated in many actions to bring about awareness of the cruelty of captivity. He also administered a Facebook page devoted to this cause. He is known and revered and has made friends far and wide with activists around the world for his dedication to these critical issues. While living on a limited income, he supported other human social issues and contributed to the welfare and support of a child living in sub-Saharan Africa. He also advocated for veterans’ rights, especially those suffering from the wounds of war and homelessness.

Jimi was a very special and unique person who is known for his kindness, dedication and caring. The world would be a far better place if there were more in the world like Jimi. He is already sadly missed and will forever be missed by his family, friends and activists around the world.