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Lessons From My Father
The rules behind good investing are similar to the rules behind good living.
 
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Posted 9:47 PM EST March 05, 2007
Posted by: bkleong
This is one of my favorite articles. There are similar parallels between what you wrote about and the relationship I had with my dad. I also lost my father last year. His knowledge about investing helped him put 4 kids through school and college. He taught me about investing. His passion, research, and intuition for stock picking inspired me to become a financial planner. Thank you. A common sense approach to life bodes well for a common sense approach to investing.
Posted 9:29 PM EST December 11, 2006
Posted by: jerryharding
Sorry for your loss. Be thankful for all the memories and the good times you had with him. I see some of his optimism in you. Take care and I enjoy your articles. Jerryh
Posted 10:44 PM EST December 10, 2006
Posted by: sfaxien
Hi,
I am very sorry about your loss.
Keep writing your father spirit may read your column.
Take care
Posted 2:55 PM EST December 09, 2006
Posted by: Mano1
Very inspiring. Even though you and I are different from cultural perspective, your dad's story rings so true to me.
I recall my own father instilling the same virtues in India. I recall him making me read Napolean Hill's Law of Success and teaching me the great values of America. Those words helped me a great deal and do well in North America. Great generation. Great people.
I am so sorry that you lost your father. But your columns are a great testimonial to him.
Mano
Posted 11:25 AM EST December 09, 2006
Posted by: svw3302
Thank you for sharing these beautiful reflections on your father's life. This exercise must have been very theraputic while likewise serving as a wonderful oportunity to honor your dad. I regret that my own father never nutured my early interest in the world of equities; perhaps it was a 'gender thing' in the 50's. But for the past ten years you and the Motley Fools have become vital teachers/mentors for my full-time career as an investor. Susan
Posted 9:16 AM EST December 09, 2006
Posted by: tesney
Great article James, and great lessons for us who are investors and fathers. Isn't it amazing how well we perform when we are passionate?
Posted 10:28 PM EST December 07, 2006
Posted by: bigdaddygrant
I know why you wrote this column. It's easy to see your father in it. It reminds me when my mother died and I realized how much she had influenced me. I always check smartmoney.com to see when your new column is out and look in SmartMoney Magazine to see what you have to say. Now I realize I've been reading your fathers wisdom dispensed through you.

Posted 1:50 PM EST December 07, 2006
Posted by: Big Lar
Sorry about your dad, but I feel encouraged from your writing about him. My dad passed away three years ago at 67 from cancer. He was alot like your dad: he loved his work, his bowling, and his golf. He lived with enthusiasm. I want to encourage all you sons to go pursue your dads. I always knew my dad loved me, but I only really got to know him better the last 6 years of his life when I asked him tough questions. I'm so glad I did. He had a lot of wisdom. Pursue your dad before he's gone!
Posted 12:28 PM EST December 07, 2006
Posted by: ddutile
Great Column. While I have learned a lot from my Dad (mostly in hindsight) it has energized me as my son reaches young adulthood to share and teach all the things I wish I had known about in life at a young age vs. trial and error. Share the mistakes, grow from their lesson, and let him do better as a result. That is my goal.
Posted 7:51 AM EST December 07, 2006
Posted by: maherk13
I am sorry for your loss. The pain will diminish but you will cherish the memories of a life well lived and a family loved. I lost my father last November (2005) at a young 78. He died from an accident and was still a very active vital man. Family is more important than just about anything. Tell your own family that and you will be a success.
Posted 6:32 AM EST December 07, 2006
Posted by: mancich
I am very sorry about your loss. It sounds like your father was a very good man and taught you many great life lessons. Keep up the good work with your excellent column.
Posted 5:27 PM EST December 06, 2006
Posted by: twruprec
I am saddened to hear of your family's loss. I have long appreciated your financial wisdom and no-nonsense style. Now I appreciate even more the wisdom that values your formative years and the priceless guidance you received from your dad. May all of us be equally reflective to recognize and cherish the intellectual 'inheritance' we gain from our parents.
Posted 5:08 PM EST December 06, 2006
Posted by: twruprec
Posted 4:43 PM EST December 06, 2006
Posted by: widesmile
Dear James, It is quite obvious your dad loved you very much and shared many things with you. I'm sure he is still very proud. Thanks for loving what you do. -Paul
Posted 1:05 PM EST December 06, 2006
Posted by: pgthomas
James,
Very sorry to hear of the loss of your dad. Mine passed away earlier this year just one month after my own son (named James) was born. Being a dad made me appreciate my own father in much different way. Someone told my mom 'it was a shame to loose so much knowledge'. She said it wasn't because he had passed it on. I will try to do the same. Thank you as always for your words of wisdom and for making us all wealthier and wiser.
Posted 10:58 AM EST December 06, 2006
Posted by: bgith
Sorry for your loss. Over the past thirteen years I have picked up golf and gotten closer to my father via playing with him. My father has had prostate cancer for 19 years which is finally catching up to him. I read your column every week and found this very moving.
Posted 9:50 AM EST December 06, 2006
Posted by: lougee
Thank you for your column. I have been an avid reader since first subscribing to Smart Money. As for this column relative to your father, I thank you. It is a tribute from a loving son, and reminds me of my father who passed away some 4 years ago. Again, Thank You.
Posted 9:17 AM EST December 06, 2006
Posted by: hsamzhou
Hi, do you know that your comments have been translated into Chinese. Many people read them. I admire your father and your philosophical underpinnings.
Posted 8:41 AM EST December 06, 2006
Posted by: raud47
I'm sorry you have lost this wonderful man. He was a fine man and you clearly recognize how fortunate you were to have had such a Dad. In turn, I indirectly benefit from his wise counsel. I have followed your rational investment advice from the beginning of my attempts to be an investor -one of my watchlists is called 'jamesstewart'. And I was pleased to learn that J. Cramer, another of my favorites, counts you among one of his most respected friends. I know how to pick 'em.
Best wishes.
Posted 8:32 AM EST December 06, 2006
Posted by: hullpk
Your father saw the best in everyone around him and everything he put his hand to. My father is still alive and I am so grateful and blessed to have him. Your article makes me all the more glad as his values are so similar. My brother, a Methodist minister, delivered a sermon with the catching line, what would you do if you knew you were going to live forever? Keep up your good work - your father will know all about it.
Posted 7:42 AM EST December 06, 2006
Posted by: danielsalzman
Sorry to hear of your loss but benefitted from reading your article. I haven't read your column before now. I particularly liked his question to you , ' Are you man or sheep'. I will use that with my own kids and think of both you and your Dad.
Posted 6:32 AM EST December 06, 2006
Posted by: jcf725
jcfariss

Sorry for your loss. Good article. Brought back memories of my Dad who died in 1965 (I am 81) and a faithful reader of Smart Money Magazine. My first stock was Com ED, 5 shares, given me by my Grandmother. I continue to buy and sell my own stock with some advice from my broker and it keeps my brain active.
Posted 3:32 AM EST December 06, 2006
Posted by: oortiz
James, I am sorry to hear about your loss and thank you for sharing these thoughts. By doing so, you and your father have made us all wiser.
Posted 12:52 AM EST December 06, 2006
Posted by: penultimateonee
What a poignant, touching and also useful column, your father would be very pleased.
Posted 11:51 PM EST December 05, 2006
Posted by: Jeff12
What a great article! Been reading your column for years, this is one of the best. Sorry about your dad, I know it's tough. Thanks for sharing, you have touched many more people than you know. My son will read this next, what better way to carry on your dad's memory.
Posted 11:23 PM EST December 05, 2006
Posted by: Feader
I've never read your column before tonight. My sister forwarded it to me. It brought tears to my eyes. Not only for your loss but for my own. My father passed away this year. It's comforting to read a story of someone whom you've never met and feel as though you've always known. You were describing my father to a 'tee'....he would have loved that pun. You seem to have had a wonderful father...he was lucky to have you.
Posted 10:43 PM EST December 05, 2006
Posted by: jefferysemel
SORRY ABOUT YOUR LOSS. COULD HAVE BEEN MY OWN FATHER, A LUGGAGE AND LEATHER GOODS SALESMAN WHO WORKED WELL INTO HIS 80S. LONG AFTER THERE WAS MUCH OF A PROFIT TO BE MADE, HE STILL VALUED THE RELATIONSHIPS HE HAD WITH HIS CLIENTS.
SUBSTITUTE COM ED FOR LAWTER: SAME STORY. THAT EXPERIENCE MUST HAVE MOTIVATED ME TO STUDY INVESTMENSTS AND BECOME FAIRLY GOOD AT IT (WITH YOUR HELP). I AM FULL TIME PHYSICIAN. THIS IS MY HOBBY.
THANKS AND GOOD LUCK.
Posted 10:12 PM EST December 05, 2006
Posted by: zookini
Well done. As your father's legacy is now passed to you, it encourages us all to leave one of our own to our loved ones. Cheers and happy holidays.
Posted 9:26 PM EST December 05, 2006
Posted by: artcin
I'm so sorry for your loss. What a great column and a beautiful way to honor your father.

Posted 7:08 PM EST December 05, 2006
Posted by: georgekol
Your father must have been a terrific salesman to sell mice for pets during the depression. He should have been a preacher; he would have made billions.
Posted 4:48 PM EST December 05, 2006
Posted by: ronjr
This has been one of my favorite columns for years now. I too lost my Dad in November, 2 years ago. It's really a lousy experience to go through. He always lived well below his means and invested wisely. My brother and I received a very large inheritance when he passed away and I feel like it's my duty to invest it well and keep it growing. I still miss him.

Sorry for your loss, I'm sure he was a great guy, and as others have said he lives on through you and through this column. Peace.
Posted 3:59 PM EST December 05, 2006
Posted by: Marty Singer
I'm really sorry to read of your loss. My Dad died a couple of years ago and I still find myself occasionally reaching for the phone to ask his opinion or tell him some family news.

Many of the men of 'the greatest generation' really had it right. We are fortunate to carry with us the lessons they imparted by word and deed. Surely your Dad will remain with you always and you are undoubtedly the better for it.

Thanks for all the wisdom you and he have shared with me over the years.
Posted 2:47 PM EST December 05, 2006
Posted by: Michaelgcc
Your father lives on within you..........keep writing and remembering
Posted 2:20 PM EST December 05, 2006
Posted by: jwickesberg
So sorry to read about the loss of your father. Clearly his influence is present in everything you do. Your commentary is consistently smart, sensible, witty, well-written and sensitive. I thought the choice to honor your father in today's piece was beautiful and brilliant. It captured the essence of your love for a remarkable man and poignantly channeled the legacy he left you to your readers. Thank you.
Posted 2:03 PM EST December 05, 2006
Posted by: DKP50
Been there with my Dad ( died at age 87) a few yrs ago... had same aproach to golfing
And he was from Atkinson , Illinois- not far from your Dad's area..
Seems like Most of the ' Good Guys' came out of this and other Rural Illinois areas...

My Dad said the reason for leaving the area as a Teen?
> To get off the Farm and have a Better Life...
Being a City Boy > He'd still be Proud of you..
Posted 1:26 PM EST December 05, 2006
Posted by: farazy
very sorry about the loss, your father sounds like a man everyone could learn something from.
Posted 1:09 PM EST December 05, 2006
Posted by: dfrasier
Hi, I'm very sorry to hear about your loss. It sounds like you and your father had a very good relationship.
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