Inland Empire Couple Weds After Man Diagnosed With Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer

CHINO HILLS (CBSLA.com) — When Jim and Kim Barnes said their wedding vows at the Riverside County Courthouse on Monday, their words reminded them of their reality.

"In sickness and in health….that was tough," Jim, a dispatcher with the Pomona Police Department, said.

"I just broke down and hugged him and cried and had to gain my composure to finish," Kim said.

After 10 years of dating and talks of marriage, Jim decided to propose to Kim in February when doctors told him he had stage 4 pancreatic cancer.

Doctors said he had about 13 months to live.

"It kind of brought it to a head. There's no sense in waiting anymore," Jim said.

"It's been really hard. I'm not very emotional. I rarely cry. Now I can hardly stop," Kim said.

Jim and Kim will be hosting a wedding celebration with family and friends on Saturday. Local churches and businesses are donating their services and supplies for the party.

"I'm looking forward to seeing everybody," Jim said.

"We're gonna have to do everything we can do with the time we have left," Kim said.

Jim is scheduled to see an oncologist on Thursday. He'll find out what course of action he should take.

For now, Jim said he's getting the love, support and strength he needs from his new wife.

"Thirteen months doesn't mean anything to me. It's the day to day that matters," Kim said.

"I'd rather it be me than my wife or one of my children," Jim said.