FROM ERLINDA
HIS SISTER IN TORONTO
My beloved brother gave me a beautiful life and I am forever grateful to him. We lost touch for 40 years, and one day, he found me and brought me to Canada. Until our LORD calls me to be with HIM, my brother will always have a special place in my heart.
It was you James who was used by our GOD to show His abundant blessings to me. l am happy that you are at rest from all the pain and suffering from your sickness. I am very sad for I will hear your soft voice calling me “Inday”, no more. I will never see your smile again, whenever we got together. I will never hear you humming a song when you see me stepping a spontaneous waltz with my husband. Gone are those happy memories, yet with great and comforting assurance from our LORD, we will someday reunite again, in the heavenly place where you are now. I LOVE YOU Dear James, my brother.
FROM AKIKO
A FAMILY FRIEND
I’ve known James for 9 years and when I think back over those years, my mind always goes back to how he made me feel when I would see him. He was consistently kind, caring and sincerely interested in how I as getting along in life. Of the time that we spent together, he spoke lovingly about his friends and family and told many tales of his younger days in the Philippines. What I remember most about him was his constant big smile, and his heartfelt interest to share his thoughts and feelings.
In life, people remember dates and circumstances, but what we treasure most, is how they made us feel…. This little man with a BIG SMILE and HUGE HEART will be greatly missed by all.
FROM SHALANE
HIS NIECE IN TORONTO
Uncle Jimmy, as a child growing up, I always saw you as someone who was VERY WISE and had all the answers. When we talked, you were full of great stories from your past, and you were always very patient and relaxed as you told your stories.
I remember all the songs you used to sing, and all the tunes you used to whistle. I also remember that you loved looking at maps which you studied with a magnifying glass. You even gave me my first book of maps which i studied diligently through your guidance.
My best friend Andre who used to live with you, always used to say: “Uncle Jimmy is a cool guy. You should talk to him because he knows a lot of stuff.
Also, my dad would always say: “Ask uncle James what he thinks” whenever I was curious about something.
Whenever I was hungry, you would be concerned and one time, you went out of your way to make me chicken breast in the oven.
Another time, when my dad was in the hospital, I didn’t have a ride and you drove me to see him. Thank you so much for driving me because that was the night that he died, and I got to see him before that happened.
I love that you always saw me as “Jolly”. Your exact words to the family was: “Shalane is always jolly.”
I am also so happy that you named your first and second dogs after me, Shay. Your dogs have been so loyal and protective of you. That’s because you loved them so much.
I’m really happy that I am left with great memories of you. I can hear your voice in my head clearly, and still remember your smile.
I also remember your delighted and sweet reaction when you first met my daughter Mia who was 1 year old at the time.
I remember the way you walk gracefully with your hands in your pocket, whistling, singing a melody and humming. I miss seeing you through my window, walking the Humber trail with Shay. I would usually see Shay first, off leash as she knew were to go…. And whenever I saw her, I knew you were not far behind, following her. I would always rush to the door to yell “Hiiiiii Uncle Jimmy!” and you would smile and give me a big wave.
Thank you for being my Uncle Jimmy.
FROM EVA
His Caregiver
I will always remember how caring you were as a person and as a dog owner. You were a loving and honest person. I remember how much you loved to take walks, 4 blocks 5 days a week with your dog Shay. You treated me light a daughter and always called me “In-Dye”. The same term of endearment that you would call your own daughter. You never failed to pray before every meal. You were very principaled with strong morals. You will be missed and forever remembered.
.
FROM GILBERT
His son-in-law
Dad, you are one of my greatest gifts, simply because without you, I wouldn’t have MY greatest gift, my wife. I always think back to our wedding day when you literally gave your daughter away to me in holy matrimony. I will forever honor your sacred trust in me.
We didn’t always get along, however I am forever inspired by you. You are quiet, yet strong willed, and you have a strong faith that perseveres and overcomes adversities. You were never handed a silver spoon yet you found a way to put yourself through school and you made sure you created the life that you wanted by moving to Canada and creating your own family.
I also remember how kind and generous you were, like the time that you you took me shopping in Toronto and told me to buy something I liked. I still have that cigar jacket in my closet.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to get to know you, and thank you for challenging me to a point where I had to face my own demons to find inner peace.
.
FROM MICHELLE
HIS DAUGHTER
Dad, you have taught me the most essential lessons in life. I didn’t always love the lessons, yet every single thing you did came from your deeper commitment to my greatness.
Your faith is strong, your heart is powerful and you’ve overcome so many adversities in life, such as your parents and brothers passing away when you were so young, your many heart attacks and your journeys to heal, your wife dying suddenly, to name a few. Yet you always picked yourself back up, seeked guidance from your faith, and continued to live your life with passion.
You taught me how to love others, how to be vulnerable, how to be loyal, how to persevere, how to speak my mind and how to tap into my own true power.
Dad, because of who YOU were in this lifetime, I am now living the life of my dreams. I am eternally grateful for who you are and who are not, and everything you have done, and everything that you have not done. Your parenting is divine perfection, and my life is thriving because of your commitment to me.
Thank you for choosing me as your daughter. I love you dad and I look forward to our continued relationship through spirit.