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Student Administrator

January 5, 2013

Jim was a high school student.  His bearing, wisdom, caring and intuition combined to make him a professional educator, at the age of 17.  He loved our school and the people in it.  When he came to visit, most of the teachers treated him as an equal....it was just his natural polish that created this wonderful teddy bear friend and humor-filled cohort.  He could easily have managed the entire school district all before the age of twenty. 

As in Karen's story above, he would fling this old chemistry teacher over his hips and between his legs in a jitter-bug.  He'd play kazoos with me and entertained my classes with his "Dueling Banjos" rendition with a kazoo in each nostril.  In the brief seconds in which he was a guest in the room, somehow he made contact with every person in that room and communicated that he was aware of each and sensed their inner thoughts.  I have never known anyone with this penetrating love.

When John told me on Facebook about Jim's passing, I just melted (and still do) into a puddle of tears.  There is not a snippet written about him that is not true in every nuance and detail.  I can't imagine the pain of Sue, Jim's parents, Uncle Charlie, John and other members of the family.

How thankful I am that he worked with foreign students and imparted an impression so far from "The Ugly American" perception that much of the world sees.  I loved the 'Ice Ice Baby' video and wish I had been there to share in his continuing antics.  All men are NOT created equal....can you imagine if ALL men were Jim Lecks?  That is the kind of world for which we should strive.  The whole staff taking maternity leave?....that is typical of the kind of contagion Jim's humor spurred.  Long live that kind of contagion.

Thank God he walked among us.

Enveloped by his hugs!

September 27, 2011

I liked reading the story by Tracy Reza (Master Hugger) about my nephew, Jimmy Leck. Oh, my! How he could put his arms around you and how loved you felt when he did it! It is a few months now since he moved on and out among the stars, but I miss him so incredibly much and find it difficult to believe he is no longer among us. I think of what Milton wrote…

“When once our heavn’ly-guided soul shall climb
Then all this earthy grossness quit
Attir’d with stars, we shall forever sit
Triumphing over Death, and Chance
                                           and thee, O Time

Jimbo was my man! I stubbornly refuse to let memories of him slip away. And, I cling savagely to the memories of his hugs! 

Jim Leck

July 20, 2011

            A long, long time ago in a place far, far away, when Jim first sashayed into Sue’s southern sphere, he was known by her extensive family simply as ‘The American’.  Any mention of ‘The American’ triggered loaded looks, with concern apparent, as it was wordlessly debated whether ‘he’ was good enough for our precious little gem, Sue.  There was some to-ing and fro-ing, some hithering and dithering but Jim and Sue hung in there and the day came when that ring of commitment was pushed over the knuckle of obstacles and Jim and Sue where triumphantly wed.

            As the years passed and the family became more and more familiar with Jim and his peculiarly wicked humour and unfailing kindness, as they recognized his devotion to Sue and his commitment to their union, they finally granted him that unmistakable mark of membership into the family fold – relentless and merciless teasing, as well as a nickname which invariably, for some peculiar reason, often ends up with your given name being ‘longened’ rather than shortened. And so, Jim became Jimbo.  Of course, there was no teasing that Jimbo did not give back in spades, no affection that he left untended, nor was a smile ever left furled when he was near which only served to make him even more adored by all, with the older generation referring to him, with visible softening, as Darling Jimbo; the younger ones, smile broad, as Uncle Jim. 

            There are those who fill their space in life inch by gingerly little inch.  Not Jim - he filled his in sweeping miles!  He committed unstintingly to his work, his colleagues and his students; he embraced his family and friends with generous affection; he entertained the room, any room, anywhere, with incisive intelligence, razor wit and startling mimicry, spreading contagious laughter like butter on warm toast, lifting loneliness, easing anxiety, welcoming all.

            But mostly, he loved Sue.  And for that he will always be remembered by the family with a full sun of love, a cloud of regret at a life cut far too short, and a rainbow of vivid memories that will hold Darling Jimbo right here forever, just where and when we need him most.

 

Cousin Adele Yin for Victor, Adele, Bili and Zoe Yin

Austin, Texas

 

10 July 2011

Eulogy from Memorial Service: Reza Amir

July 18, 2011

 

I’m honored to stand before you and be one of those whose kind thoughts about James Leck can be heard aloud. Because we knew James, our lives were richer, fuller, smarter; as we come together today, our lives—and the world at large—is darker for the loss of one of its shining lights. There are thousands of us, people who have in our hearts many stories about the humorous, genuine, and lively man whose life we’ve gathered here to celebrate. I have spent the past week reflecting on what James meant to me, as a friend, a mentor, a guiding light, and the most positive force in my career and field of work. The question that comes to mind over and over is, how can I encapsulate the life of someone who truly was, as they say, larger-than-life? I thought I would share with you a glimpse of how I came to know James and the many ways in which he has enriched my life and that of thousands of others.
There are so many adjectives to describe James. He was helpful & generous, extremely wise, inspirational & revolutionary. His immense knowledge-base combined with his keen emotional intelligence made him the ever-popular James Leck. He had so many fans, and not only because he was a Rock Star in the field of international education, but because when you engaged in conversation with James, he was all there – made you feel that he was your number 1 fan. His passion for intercultural interaction made him that superb connector of people. For me, James was an expert in human interaction!
The intersection of my life with that of James began at the University of Maine – I was a graduate international student, new to the international education field. James had just arrived as our international student & scholar Advisor. I recall that we had a visiting scholar whose name had a similar spelling to James’s last name, but was pronounced LeKH. I told James that from then on I was going to call him Mr. LeKH. He understood that I was using humor in trying to connect to him, knowing immediately and intuitively that I was seeking a connection to him as a mentor and a friend, he simply laughed. That began a beautiful friendship. In the years to come, whenever we would speak we would pride ourselves in who could get more KH into LeKH.
James had a keen sense that international students, like me, were so far away from their own families, and served in that role for me and my peers. He touched the lives of thousands of UMaine international students and scholars. Along with hundreds of other UMaine alumni, I am extremely saddened and shocked by the loss of this kind soul.
While at UMaine, I recall that I prank called James on his cell phone once letting him know that I was stuck at the Canadian border. I recall his compassionate voice over the phone line offering up suggestions: did I have my documents? When was the last time my I-20 had been signed? – having his cell phone number was like a treasure to my wife, Tracey and I. It was like having access to a comedian, a legend, a musician, a singer, a guru, a big brother, and a most respected colleague, all at the push of a speed dial.
James and I had an ongoing joke that he fibbed so that I could get my Green Card, but the truth is that this man had too much integrity to lie for anything or anyone. He reviewed my permanent residency application line by line, giving me suggestions and correcting my careless mistakes. Later on he wrote a letter of support for my permanent residency – I treasure that letter to this day and have used his words to write letters of support for other immigrants to this country. If you consider the magnitude of the impact that James had by teaching us to help others, while helping us, the scope is unimaginable. I envision a sea of human beings that have directly benefited from James’s generosity.
That he was a generous colleague is no secret – a BU colleague of mine recently shared a touching story that exemplifies his giving spirit. A colleague from another institution had reached out to BU asking if PDF files of a few of their forms could be shared so that they can be adapted to their institutional needs. When the BU colleague had approached James, asking if she could/should share this? He said NO, instead, give them the word document so that they can more easily adapt it to their needs! It is through this style of sharing and caring that he came to be widely known as the generous James Leck. Generous with his time, generous with his wisdom and compassion. 
James taught us not to take ourselves too seriously – even in the face of the most frustrating government regulations and dry subjects – he might say, “why cry when you can laugh your way through this” – and laugh we did – When James had the microphone or the stage (he really didn’t need a mic with that booming voice) – we were delightfully entertained - the list of his accomplishments in this area is long. We have all watched in amazement as James entertained hundreds of our colleagues as he delivered important information and got us engaged in the field – he is the only one I know that could get hundreds of people to take off one shoe and throw it in a ring without question or hesitation – This was his signature and humorous way of pairing up large groups of people for an activity.
One of my favorite James moments was the SEVIS Song & Dance. It was 2004, at the Annual NAFSA Conference. Along with a small group of creative colleagues, James performed a song & dance that encapsulated what we had experienced in our line of work for the past year, which brought tears and smiles to the faces of the audience at a time when we were all at the end of our ropes with incomprehensible government regulations. The unforgettable performance at the 2009 Spring Immigration Workshop of ICE ICE Baby; a spoof of the 90’s song with modified lyrics to mock Immigration & Customs Enforcement, solidified his legendary performance record.
He worked ever so hard, but always seemed to enjoy his work and engaged in fun with the people around him. Hanging out with James was never dull.
To say that James was an inspiration to me and thousands of others would be an understatement. Diogenes, the Greek Philosopher, is credited for coining the term Cosmopolitan – a world citizen – for me, James will always be that model citizen of the world. His allegiance to humanity was beyond any polity. Here, I borrow words from Janet Bennett, a scholar that James was fond of, who used these words to describe our current President, back in 1993. James had this unusual ability to combine insight and diplomacy, self-confidence and modesty. He was a man in the middle of many cultures. He appeared to claim for himself an identity that was beyond any single cultural perspective.
To inspire us, James often quoted Milton Bennett, noting that “International Education professionals are quiet revolutionaries in the history of human interaction.” Although James can hardly be described as quiet; for me, he was the epitome of that quiet revolutionary.
I wish to express my most sincere and deepest condolences to James’s family, especially his loving partner for life, Sue. We have lost an amazing light in this world. You, more than anyone, know how very true that is. Please know that thousands of colleagues and former students of James, like me, are thinking of you at this very difficult time. Thinking of James, always puts a smile on our faces and in our hearts. And we stand with you in these moments of grief.
 
 
To my colleagues, though my heart aches like yours, I think we can make James proud by following in his footsteps as quiet revolutionaries continuing the important work that he was engaged in; cultivating global citizens and tomorrow’s peace makers. In that work, as in the love of all those whose life intersected with his, he will live on.
James, though your time with us passed too quickly and was much too short, know that you left in us the pursuit of excellence, the wealth of friendship, and the wisdom to have values to live by, as well as skills to live on. I love you and I miss you. May your memory be forever a blessing and an inspiration to us all.
 
Amir Reza
July 12, 2011

Eulogy From Memorial Service: Deidre Colby Sato

July 15, 2011

From the James E. Leck Memorial Service, Tuesday July 12th at Boston University Marsh Chapel.

My name is Deirdre Colby Sato and I’m Director of International Programs and Services at Purchase College, State University of New York. It is my great honor to remember our James with you today.

 
Teddy bear
Gentle giant
Superman
Compassionate
Kind
Caring
Warm
Energetic
Sweet
Funny
Wise
Humble
Big-hearted
Full of life
Guide
Mentor
Consummate professional
Beautiful person
 
There are words that many of you used to describe James Leck in articles, emails and social media.  All so very true.

 
 The world has lost a great man who will be sorely missed.  James Leck had many, many talents. Jim could walk into any room and defuse a tense situation, give a fresh, insightful perspective on a problem or add levity to lighten a heavy load. I've seen him work a large crowd or a small meeting of colleagues with enviable aplomb and his infectious gift for humor. It’s that sense of humor that I want to focus on. It could sometimes be wicked.
 
Jim and I met when we were brand new professionals in international education. We had each been asked to serve on the NAFSA Region 10 Team and at our first team training in 1991 or 1992 we were paired for a teambuilding exercise. I quickly realized that this guy was terrific and full of great ideas, but more importantly, he could make me laugh like no other. We became fast friends. A couple of years later we were still on the Region 10 Team at a NAFSA national conference. The Chair of the regional team was complaining that no one was leaving him messages. This is back in the day before text messages and electronic message boards. We were coming back from some event about midnight and passed the message bulletin boards. Jim said, “Dee, let’s leave the Chair a bunch of messages.” I said what do you mean? Well, you know Jim. We proceeded to leave the Region 10 Chair about 10 messages - from the president of NAFSA, from the Executive Director, from our colleagues…well, you get the picture. 
 
It was all I could do to keep a straight face in a meeting the next day when the Chair said, “You know, it’s the funniest thing. I got a message from the president of NAFSA last night and the Executive Director and……” There was Jim’s wicked sense of humor!
 
Jim had a calming effect on people, but also the unique ability to pull the best out of anyone. I ask friends and colleagues for remembrances of James. One said, “He could make me feel like I was the only person in the universe and he didn’t trivialize my questions when he helped me.” What a prince our James was! As I was writing my dissertation I would get calls from Jim saying, “Where are you with it? What are you working on? Come on Dee, you can do it.” It meant so much to have his support.

 I will never forget his beautiful, textured voice singing, speaking and reading.  I can hear him in my head right now.  I know you can, too. With its wonderful resonance and soothing tone, Jim’s voice is one we will always remember.

James was a very special person who the field of international education will never be able to replace.  We were bless to have him in our midst these twenty years and I am thankful that I had the privilege of calling him my friend and being there with him from the beginning.  As a colleague reminded me, “He had a passion and dedication for international education, never leaving doubt that it was a calling he believed in and wanted to share with others.” This morning, as I wrestled with juggling a summer orientation session for parents on my campus and getting to Boston for this memorial service, I though of the adage a colleague just coined, “WWJD?” – What Would James Do? – and I knew I could manage it.
 
Jim was my favorite person to train with, and I know the same is true for many of you - what will we do without him?   Who else will cover for me when I make a mistake? Once I tried to emulate a James move by throwing candy to a NAFSA crowd of 200. I hit one of the attendees right in the middle of forehead! Not missing a beat, James said, “Deirdre needs to work a little on her southpaw pitch!” What a champ!
 
James was our friend, our mentor, our brother, our son, our neighbor, our colleague, our cousin, our uncle, our confidante, our advisor, our teacher, our partner in crime. He was Sue’s soul mate. As a childhood friend noted on his Facebook page, it was a gift to have known Jim.
 
Farewell, dear one. You will linger in our hearts forever.

Jimmy - The Early Years

July 14, 2011

Remembrances shared at Jim's Memorial Service, July 12, 2011

Are there times in your life that if you could, you would love to return to?  I think about that as I grieve the death of one of my closest childhood friends. I’d like to share some my remembrances of James Leck, in the days when he was simply “Jimmy”. Times with Jimmy I wish I could return to, just to tell him again how very special he was; what he meant to me and how much I loved him.
 
Jimmy and I were raised in similar households and had that connection as New Jersey State Policemen kids. Our fathers were friends and seemed to be made from the same mold. They were strict and caring, and with our mothers, instilled in us a desire to be our best and to help others. Strange how as adults we followed somewhat similar career paths on college campuses. Growing up we spent a lot of time together. To this day, my sisters and I view the Lecks as family – Mr. Leck our surrogate Dad since losing our own. 
 
Some of my earliest childhood memories include Jimmy. He was the extrovert to my introvert. As a kid, I was shy, awkward and withdrawn, nothing like I am today.   He always made me laugh and made me feel good about myself. He would play dueling kazoos with his nostrils and was always cracking jokes. Everyone loved him! With Jimmy around, you couldn’t help but to be part of life – he was infectious that way.
 
Boy did we have fun in High School!  At school dances, for instance, he would flip me around his back, down through his legs, and back up again – I smile just thinking about it.  We were both involved in Student Council and we worked hard, but it never felt like work.  With help we created an anti-smoking program for our local middle school; it was a huge success. Jim not only looked for ways to have fun, but also for ways to help youth. From spirit week, to handing out green carnations on St. Patties Day, Great Adventure trips, and Leadership Training Camps singing ‘Rise and Shine’ as loud as possible to start our days and ‘KumBaYa’ before saying goodnight; they were truly the best of times. My fondest memories though were when we attended the National Student Council Conventions in Colorado and Arizona.  I don’t know if my parents would have allowed me to go were it not for Jimmy going also. 
 
Those trips were such a life changer for me! We were part of something big; surrounded by people who were just as outgoing, caring, and thoughtful as Jim was and what I strived to become. After that first trip, friends were asking me what happened; they saw a noticeable difference. I stopped seeing myself as the picked on, insecure little kid. Finally I believed what Jimmy saw in me and encouraged me to be all those years.  Those experiences shaped me– and Jimmy was there for them, cheering me on.  He did that for people -- ALL people. In my HS yearbook he wrote:
 
“From diapers to Mortar Board, we’ve had such special, good times… The joy and laughter we’ve shared is so special – I’ll never forget it!  You’ve worked so hard and showed so much dedication and have put up with a lot of my BS – Thank You”. 
 
No Jimmy, Thank You. Thank You for always being there for me and for helping me to become the person I am today.
 
The words of Ralph Waldo Enerson capture all that was James Leck.
 
"To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded." 
 
I lost direct contact with Jimmy over the years. I regret that. I kept up with his life through our parents.  This past week as I read all the wonderful things people said about him, I realized how he stayed true to himself. He remained the caring, thoughtful, loving person I grew up with. I thank God for sending him to us and sharing with us one of His very special angels. Whether you knew him as Jim, Jimmy or James, he is a part of us and will be sorely missed. With my Dad, he is smiling down from heaven and wiping my tears, knowing how much I loved him and sending me his hugs, as he is doing for all of us. Until we meet again on the other side…KumBaYa Jimmy.

 

~ Karen Aldrich DeMonte, VTHS '82


 

Chicago

July 13, 2011

I had the pleasure of working with James at University of Illinois at Chicago about 15 years ago. I had come to UIC from the private sector; I was idealistic and excited about my new foray into higher ed and I believe our paths intersected for a reason. We worked in separate offices (Int'l Admission and ISS), and given the organizational climate, were encouraged NOT to collaborate. It was confusing and challenging and I quickly became disenchanted and frustrated. James, who would soon leave for Boston, was a supportive, friendly and positive colleague during a time when I was ready to abandon my higher ed plans... James took down the boundaries that were isolating my experience, and opened my eyes to the opportunities in our field around the city of Chicago and the country (and the world). He gave me his trusty copy of the Int'l Exchange Locator (1994 Edition, bearing his name - photo posted!) and told me to start researching and exploring my options. This was in the days before the internet - there are scant email addresses - mainly phone, fax and addresses. Seventeen years, an MA, two institutions and thousands of students later, I still have his book on my shelf. I kept it because; 1) perhaps he forgot I had it - or meant for me to keep it, I can't recall; 2) it always served as a reminder of his kindness and professional support; 3) this gesture represented who James was as a person - his smile, his positive energy and his mentoring. I've discarded or archived all my other old reference materials; it's funny how this one stayed on the shelf, through all the moves and office cleanings (and the move to online resources).

I looked back at James' words in response to the passing of a colleague a few years ago, "In our work, especially in the current political and social climate, it is very easy to become cynical and to doubt the meaningfulness of what we do. Ron took away those doubts and calmed the cynicism; he re-infused our daily struggle with enduring purpose, consequential goals and a hint of idealism. Even in his passing he continues to inspire, because to remember Ron is to be reminded that we continue to pursue a good and noble endeavor. We will persist, traveling the path that Ron and other great leaders of our field have paved for us. Yet that small, angry part of me wonders why….why are the good souls of this earth taken so early. I hope it comforts Ron’s family and those closest to him to know that his legacy will endure." Replace Ron's name with that of James; the words represent so clearly how so many of us are feeling right now. May the countless students and colleagues around the world whose lives he touched and forever changed remember the amazing spirit he embodied. That spirit endures, and will never leave us. I am so sorry for everyone's terrible loss and the pain that will persist in missing James. May sweet memories bring some semblance of peace to all. James' gift to me (and his book) will be one I will forever cherish and for which I am thankful beyond measure. Blessed be, Saskia

July 12, 2011

I met James sometime during his region X years. I just remembered seeing this guy at conferences that always had a twinkle in his eyes, a kind word, a gentle manner and a bear hug when needed. Over the years we had the chance to connect at conferences and through our dear friend Deirdre.  And when we did, we laughed. Belly ache laughed.  I couldn't even tell you what over; James had this way about him that he could poke fun or lighten a mood and have you in stiches!  When I worked at WCSU and became a Region XI person I had the chance to see James at his best  - I will never ever forget his ICE ICE BABY routine.  It didn't surprise me a bit, bc that is who he was - a guy who would slap a pie on his own face it if meant that it would put a smile on yours.  He was wise, humble, gracious, kind, witty, silly, serious and patient all wrapped in one package. I am so grateful that I was dumb as a stump returning to the regs when I joined WCSU (it had been years since I had been a DSO)...why....because James was the GRAC rep and I talked to him regularly this past year especially.  We'd joke about my daily "dumb question du jour" and he'd always make me feel like the smartest person in the world. No matter how busy he was, he took the time to explain, in detail, the answer and the WHY behind it. He had the patience of a saint. And ONCE, James called me to ask ME a question about something that he was a bit uncertain of (clearly not related to the regs - he was the guru!)  I answered him and felt like the SMARTEST person in the world bc I could offer advice to him! I've often thought "when I grow up, I want to be James Leck." He was an inspiration and I will never forget his energy - he lit up a room like a 10,000 watt bulb, without trying.  Energy shifted to a more positive place, always, simply because of his presence. He was such a gift to us all. When I want to cry thinking of all that are mourning him, especially his wife Sue (who he spoke of often) and my own sadness about why a life so beautiful could be gone so soon, I think of his gentle voice telling all of us it is ok. He was always so soothing. James, please rest now our dear friend. Your work is done and we promise to take the lessons you have taught each of us and carry them forward and to mention you often. Thank you for being our friend, our colleague, our mentor and for showing us how bright a light can shine.  

Tears

July 12, 2011

When I posted on my face book wall the memorial article about Jim, my daughter, now 23 years old and working at California Pizza Kitchen in Nashville, saw the post via her iPhone.  In the middle of her shift, she began to tear up.

She was 5 years old the last time she saw Jim.  That is impact.  That is Jim. 

~You funny Guy~

July 12, 2011

Jim embedded his soul into our hearts while in South Africa.  We crossed paths at the American International School of Johannesburg, where I received my daily bear hug, we shared ice coffees, and Jim and my husband ventured the African desert together.  We were all orphans in a land far away from everything we had known. As we each found our way back home, our deep friendship remained.  The first few years, before life got complicated with career and family, Jim and Sue would make their way to visit our newly forming family.  Jim was always the laugh creator, the performer, the warm fuzzy in the room.  He was busy making funny faces and sounds to get my son, Alex (then about 1 1/2 years old) to laugh.  All at once, Alex said, "stop" Jim immediately stopped and looked at Alex.   ~ Alex, with an intense look at Jim, pointed his finger at him and said, "You funny guy ~ GO".  Within a split second, Jim was back in character.  Amazing at how quickly he responded to the gentle request of a young child.  

I Still Can't Believe That.....

July 12, 2011

He got shy little me to put on a big blood wig and red feather boa in front of a group of respected colleagues and act out a scene with Effy Won and Dr. DSO.  I will never forget that first NAFSA Workshop that I did with James and Amir!

I marveled at how James could make even the very dry immigration regulations fun and entertaining. Now, when I am training or presenting I always think, “How would James have done it?” He was a warm and gifted man who nurtured and mentored newcomers as he contributed his unique talents to all involved in the field of international education. We will miss him, remember him, and treasure the memories of the special moments that we shared with him. 

the "Unseen"

July 11, 2011

We were Jim's college roomates:

Coming home late from a rehearsal, Jim would hide in the dark hallway at the top of the stairs dressed like the "Unseen" and when we would get to the door he would run down the hall and scare the crap out us. Wish I had a picture, trust me it would be priceless. Alex and Darryl

Entertainer

July 11, 2011

We could never go to a movie without Jim going down front and getting the whole audience to join in the shark song. Jim could always get a crowd involved in whatever he was doing. 

Master Hugger

July 11, 2011

I was so fortunate to have met James at the University of Maine. It didn't take long to feel like I had known him forever. But most importantly for me, he was a Master Hugger. With James it didn't take long for new friends to graduate to hugs upon greeting, and James' were the best. Given my height I was not used to my feet leaving the ground--ever, but with James I found myself one foot to two feet off the ground more often than not. I know I am not the only one who looked forward to the bear hug I'd receive at workshops or conferences, and yet James had a special way of making all of us feel special. He was such an amazing person and I can't believe he is no longer with us. I will miss his Master Hugs, as I know so many will.

A Cat Named Michifufu

July 11, 2011

A Friend and colleague, entertainer, mentor and so much more - 

The ache is indescribable when I permit myself to think that James is not with us.
 
The rush of memories, of feelings, so intense!  What a human being that can invoke such an outpouring of emotion and affection from those who knew him well and from those who just made his acquaintance ever so briefly. He was a dear friend and co-worker for many years.
We were all so fortunate to have him in our lives and distraught that we will not grow old with him. I will cherish every shared experience.  When I find myself in a difficult predicament, be it in an advising, administrative or personal situation, since I can’t pick up the phone as I used to, I will ask myself “How would Jaime have handled this?” When I think I should have a stiff drink at the end of a grueling week, I will do what we always did – order a Coca Cola and laugh – we just did not like the taste of the hard stuff.
 
James named my cat – Michifufu – and yes, the vets call her that.
Then there was the year (2005) when he accepted a NAFSA Region XI  award for me. What an honor he did me that he dressed up as me to accept an award because I could not be there.  The “stories” go on and on and we all have so many. How I respected his way of challenging while remaining respectful and friendly. I was in awe at his ability, through humor, to make jetlagged students pay attention to immigration regulations.
 
We will honor his legacy!
 
-Jane Rosenberg, July 2011

Thespians

July 10, 2011

James, you have broken our hearts. You have left us with more than pain, more than a memory, more than tears of laughter and love – you have left us with inspiration. I find myself wanting to call you or e-mail you. How can it possibly be that you aren't there? We knew each other through our profession, yet for almost 20 years it was that twinkle in the eyes, that belly-to-belly bear-hug, and the calm soul connection that defined us. Words cannot express what you have meant to so many people; family, friends, colleagues and international visitors from around the world.

We used to joke that we were both closet thespians. Your roles as "Stamp Man", as a living I-765 Form, the blingeout PDSO in ICE, the SEVIS Song and Dance show - and many more entertaining lessons are forever in our memories. Your ‘hour’ upon Shakespeare’s stage was not at all what Macbeth claimed.  You gave meaning, passion and love to your audience. We will remember you forever.

-Parker

James was my mentor

July 9, 2011

For years I wanted be a NAFSA trainer.  When the opportunity finally arose, I was paired with James and was extremely nervous and insecure.  James was incredibly supportive and unrelenting in his positive feedback, and he was the sole reason I had the courage to train again.  I feel grateful to now be in a position to honor James by encouraging and mentoring others who are new to the training experience.  

James was one of a few colleagues I could trust with my silliest questions, who never judged me or made me feel stupid for asking.  He taught me the importance of being there for colleagues, especially those new to the field.

Thank you James for the countless contributions you have made to the field of international education.  It's difficult to imagine moving forward without you but we will do so in your memory and because you have inspired us. 

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