From Ali (2004-5)

I am very grieved at the sad demise of Jim. When I heard the horrifying news of his death I was stunned. I couldn’t sleep that night. His thoughts keep on coming in my mind again and again. My mind was not able to accept that Jim had passed away. Jim was a very nice, caring, loving and a humble person. He was of very friendly nature. I remember that when I came to Montreal I was very confused and concerned about my stay at Montreal. Jim came to receive me at the airport. When I saw him for the first time I got relieved from all my worries, confusion and tiredness. He was standing there with a smile on his face. He was a tall man with always a smile on his face. He was a man with fatherly nature. At that time, I never had the feeling that I had met this man for the first time. He seemed acquainted to me. My experience of staying at his country house was a wonderful one. I enjoyed every moment of my stay there. The country house had the home like atmosphere because of the matchless care, affection and hospitality of Jim and Nancy. I enjoyed memorable moments with Jim and Nancy. I remember that I woke up early in the morning on our first day. At that time all the scholars were sleeping. When I came out of my room Jim and Nancy greeted me and invited me for tea. I enjoyed drinking tea with them and we had a long discussion. Mimi joined us and made a wonderful breakfast for us. I really enjoyed eating the delicious breakfast with them that morning. Mimi was a very kind-hearted and a caring person. After the breakfast, Jim took me for shopping, as he had to buy Bar-b-q kit from the market to cook Bar-b-q for scholars. I enjoyed shopping with Jim. Upon return Jim and Nancy cooked Bar-b-q for us by using the new Bar-b-q kit. This shows that Jim had tremendous love with the scholars. He always loved to entertain us. He enjoyed making food especially burgers for the scholars with his own hands. I remember that when it was my last day at Sauve House, he called me in his office and thanked me for actively participating in the program. He gave me a wonderful recommendation letter. He told me that Saman played a key role in my selection for the Sauve Program as she insisted that I am the right person for this program. He said that he is so happy that I was chosen for the program. Then he said that he had a very important assignment for me when I go back to Pakistan. I had started thinking that what would be the task Jim was going to assign to me. He said; “Ali! You have to find another Ali for me for the next year program.” I started laughing. He said, “Ali! I am not joking. I am serious.” My last moments in Montreal were very memorable. Jim told me that he wouldn’t be able to leave me at the airport as he had some important meeting, but he would try his best to reach there for seeing me off. He arranged transport for me to reach the airport. When I was waiting at the airport I thought Jim might not be able to come here. While boarding in, I had feeling that Jim might be waiting for me outside. As I came out, I saw Jim was standing there for me with a huge smile on his face. We both hugged each other. I had never thought that it would be my last meeting with Jim. I cannot forget that memorable moment. Jim was such a great human being with a very kind and caring heart. It is very difficult to find such a great person on earth. I am sure that God will give him an honorable place in Heaven. Jim! we miss you very much. We will never ever forget you. You will always remain in our hearts.