SALT LAKE CITY -- His grandfather was with him, every inch of the way.

Jim Shea Jr. (pictured, right) of the United States had his grandfather's funeral card tucked inside his helmet for inspiration today, and it inspired him enough to win the men's skeleton at the Winter Olympics.

Grandfather Jack Shea, a two-time speed skating gold medalist at the 1932 Olympics, died just last month in a car accident. His son, Jim Shea Sr., competed in cross country in the 1964 Games.

"I definitely felt him here today," Jim Shea Jr. said of his grandfather. "I definitely felt him at the opening ceremony. He has a lot of friends here. I think he had some unfinished business before he went up to heaven, and I think now he can go."

The third-generation Olympian edged defending world champion Martin Rettl of Austria by .05 of a second to win the gold medal.

World Cup champion Gregor Staehli of Switzerland finished third.

A group of around 15 friends and family members gathered at the Adirondack Steak and Seafood restaurant to watch the run live on television, but they resorted to the Internet updates when the on-air coverage failed.

"Jimmy winning the gold means everything to his friends, his family, all his supporters," friend Kristen Moore said. "Because everyone's been with him for many years."

The win was inspiration for Shea's 8-year-old nephew, Willie Kane, who wants to be an Olympic speed skater.

"He won it," Kane said. "I'm so proud of him."

Before Shea Sr. left for Salt Lake, he put a picture of his son in the window of his town store. Wednesday, someone put the word "gold" next to it.