Some of us read magazines front to back. While others prefer back to front. In any case, I hope you aren't missing the last page in every issue. It's called "60 seconds with…" And each month it features one of your peers.

The premise is very simple. One question. One answer. Read it in 60 seconds. Surely we all have time enough for that. And maybe you know who should be on this page in future months. If so, contact me at gforger@reedbusiness.com.

So far, we've had quite a range of people, companies and topics. First there was Mike Martinez of ConAgra Foods on making a DC a revenue generator. There's been Bob Meigs of QSC Audio on the importance of lean manufacturing. Lloyd Wallsten of Converse covered how to avoid ending your career with the start up of a new DC.

This month we feature Jim Hawkins, director of distribution at Guitar Center. Jim and I met at a users conference in May. We talked for a bit, and agreed to talk again for "60 seconds…" After that discussion, I wrote the piece and sent it off to him.

Later that day, Jim's boss, Randy Jaunzemis, called with some very tragic news. Jim had died of a heart attack the day before at age 50.

It was the most stunning call I have ever received as an editor. I had talked to Jim for only a short time but wanted to know more about him as a person. So I asked Randy to send off some thoughts on Jim for this page. Here is some of what he wrote.

First and foremost, Jim was a husband and father – his wife of 18 years, Germaine, and their two sons, Derek (14), and Zachary (11). Without a doubt they are what Jim was most proud of, and he loved to share a story about any one of them.

Jim was one of the most dedicated individuals I worked with. It did not matter what time, or day, if I needed Jim for something he was there to take care of it. That is what I am going to miss the most, that is having someone who I had such great trust and faith in.

Germaine also let me know how much Jim loved his job, the Guitar Center, and the folks he worked with. It eased my pain to hear her say that. It helped me to hear that Jim was happy in his job, and considered us all family.

In Modern, we have only 60 seconds with Jim Hawkins. But it's the rest of his 50 years that had a real impact on others. May he rest in peace.

Click here to read 60 Seconds with... Jim Hawkins