Joel M. Kaplan

March 18th, 2018

Joel and I were both Sammy’s at IU. We roomed together my junior year, and his senior year. Our other roomate was Brian Katz, also a good friend of mine from Memphis. I was preparing for a career in medicine and Brian, law. Joel agreed and was excited about rooming with two serious students. It was a great match for all. What a great year it was. He was always there to add levity to some stressful academic times. We had a lot of laughs. He was there to pick me up after my MCAT, preadmission test to Medical School. He had an entire evening planned, and I still remember it, well mostly. We ended it with an air guitar show to Bon Jovi. We continued our relationship after this. He was in my wedding and I was in his. I lived in Chicago one summer during medical school, and we continued to spend time together. My wife Laura is an IU grad, and Joel was friendly with her as well.

Well I am tearing up while writing this. We reconnected a couple years ago on social media. He always loved his music and guitar. He was always sharing new videos about Kaptown, Pearl Jam concerts, and stories about his kids. We shared messages on FB last week regarding my recent trip to see my son at KU. I was planning on seeing Joel the next time I was in Chicago. I was looking forward to hearing more about his kids and what he is up to. He will be missed. He will always have a place in my heart. I have shared stories with my kids about Joel. My condolences to the family.

~Jim Linder
~friend from college, Memphis, TN