All,
 I saw Jim for the last time several says ago. He was very, very sick but he still had his incredible, irrepressible spirit.
   His death truly IS a loss to all who knew him.
 I agree with all that Katie said and will add just a few other parts of Jim's significant legacy.
  Jim was always pushing himself -- and all around him -- to do more, especially for those with "less."
 Jim was a founder and driving force behind "We Can Say No!" And the "Abington Community Taskforce" and, as Katie so articulately described, served as a real advocate for youth.
     To me, Jim was a real "hero" for our community and our youth ... And, like many others, I will miss him very much....

           Bill

   William Kelly
  Chief of Police
Abington Township

The Last Request

here is a poem my dad sent to a friend when her father died:

 

The Last Request

Please don’t say that I gave up, just say I gave in,

Don’t say I lost the battle,

For it was God’s war to lose or win.

Please don’t say how good I was, but that I did my best.

Just say I tried what’s right,

To give the most I could, not to do less.

Please don’t give me wings or halos,

that’s for God to do.

I want no more than I deserve, no extras, just my due.

Please don’t give me flowers or talk in hushed tones.

Don’t be concerned about me now,

I’m well with God, I’ve made it home.

Don’t talk about what could have been,

it’s over and it’s done.

Just see to all my family’s needs,

Especially the little ones.

When you draw a picture of me,

Don’t draw me as a saint.  I’ve done some good,

I’ve done some wrong, so use all your paint.

Not just the bright and light tones.

Use some gray and dark, in fact

Don’t put me down on canvas,

Paint me in your heart.

Don’t just remember good times,

but remember all the bad.

For life is full of many things, some happy and

some sad, but if you must do something

then I have one last request.

Forgive me the wrong I’ve done

and with the love that’s left,

Thank God for my soul’s resting,

Thank God for I’ve been blessed.

Thank God for all who loved me.

Praise God who loved me best.

               …Author Unknown

Jim Sheldon 1945 - 2011

It is with great sadness I share the death of my father. 

His memorial service will be on Thursday, June 9th at 2 pm.

St. Thomas' Church, Whitemarsh
Bethlehem Pike and Camp Hill Road
Fort Washington, PA 19034

www.stthomaswhitemarsh.org
215-233-3970

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Abington YMCA
1073 Old York Road
Abington, PA 19001

Tara,

We carry around  images and feelings of important people in our lives (it’s like comfortable baggage):  their power and influence comes to us at different times, for very different reasons, and mostly in very private ways. I want you to know that your dad is and will always be part of my life. He was important to me as a real friend and buddy, and a guy who knew how to treat people right.  His passing is a loss to humanity.    

Love,

Steve Goggin

I am so sad to hear about Jim's passing.  He was an incredible man that made a huge difference in the lives of so many.  I am sorry to say that I will be leaving town for a month- long work assignment starting on Wednesday and will have to miss the memorial service.  I would love to honor Jim and the legacy he has left in Abington, and I, of course, support anything ACT wants to do to honor Jim or care for his family.

The Teen Council and Teen Forum exist in large part to Jim's vision.  Just this week several kids said that Teen Council was their favorite high school activity because it gave them a sense of value and community.  Jim was one of the first people to fully invest in the Teen Council.  The community and sense of value the kids experienced were part of Jim's original vision for this group.  The structure that currently exists and which allows kids to have such great ownership of the group was Jim's original dream and creation.  Without him, these kids may not have had the opportunity to have the experiences that meant so much to them.  I know that I personally would not be involved today had it not been for Jim.  I consider it an honor to have known him.  My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this time.  If it is appropriate, please pass along my admiration for Jim and my sincere sadness over his passing to his family. 
--
Katie Gorbey
Area Director
Young Life Montgomery County

flipping pencils into the ceiling

I worked for your Dad from 1974-79. My partner Kate and I spent lots of time with you, Kelley, and Dale. I was the Director of the Sunshine Outreach Center at the Silver Spring Y and Kate was the Education Director for Metro Planned Parenthood in DC.  We were introduced (as a couple) by Gary and Bonnie Graham (Gary was at the Bethesda Y also as an Outreach Director at the time.) I thought your mother, Dale was beautiful and amazing. We had some great times together as couples.

So, my understanding is that Jim has hospice care and is close to saying goodbye, I hope that’s not accurate, but am assuming you are in the process of losing your father.

He was an interesting and genuine/authentic man to me Tara. What that means to me is that I could count on him to be real and tell the truth.  I didn’t always agree with his views or approach to things..but I loved that he would sit back and listen..and consider..and be a real.  First image that comes to mind: me sitting in his office, debating different things..like what’s the best way of involving the Y with juvenile justice diversion strategies, and what to do about the county government funding, and why does the Physical Ed department need to subsidize the outreach department?  He’d lay back in his chair, look up, and toss sharpened pencils, end over end, sticking them perfectly in the ceiling. I thought that was cool even though sometimes he’d say no way to my proposal.  But I’m serious, he would flip those pencils into the ceiling tile all the time..after awhile, his ceiling looked like the target of a 12-gauge rifle range. 

Kate and I remember watching the French Open or some tennis match on your patio, Jim had (of course) brought out the TV, and in addition, was building something..he always seemed to be building something which was amazing to me given how busy he was.

He’s too young to go through this Tara, but as unfair as it is, you have my word that your Dad has done amazing things; support for people who are hurting, belief in the underdogs of the world; principles that value and underscore that everyone is equal; and a genuineness that was admired by a great many people.

Love to you Kelley and Dale,

Steve Goggin
Kate Potteiger

Jim,

As I shared when visiting you a short time ago, I have so many more memories when we worked together than all my years since. I want to share with you many of them.

What I learned as an impressionable 24 year old…. That I use today.

Interviews don’t have to be sterile. My interview for the Abington Y Physical Director position was at an airport hotel bar. You had a Southern Comfort on the rocks, Sandy had a Lite beer and I said to myself, “This is the place for me!” As you sat there sipping your drink listen to me talk, I thought you were trying to look through me.

Staff meetings can be a 3 hour stream of consciousness with agendas that go on and on… Oh boy, and in the early years spending all that time in a smoky room on Friday afternoons. I think we all had nicotine high. No wonder we all headed off to the bar after the meeting broke.

Puppy eyed stare of the supervisor. (This is my favorite one to use) Oh when we brought problems to you. We would sing our blues and you would just give us that look. When Kay Wingerd complained that the membership phones weren’t working over and over, you just listened. Once your phone was switched with one of the troubles ones, we got a new phone system in two weeks!

Budget meetings- Jim taught me the Tom Hopkins sales approach. In any negotiation, the first one who speaks loses. Jim. “So your Youth Swimming revenues are only $28K, up only 3.5%? Is it rate increase or increased enrollment? Pause. Greg, “OK make it $30k.” Jim “So your Youth Swimming wages are up almost 5% to 18K? Pause. Greg, OK, make it $16K. I use this technique all the time.

Drastic measures. When you didn’t respond to Jim’s suggestions or memos (no email thankfully in those days), he would resort to drastic measures. In 1986, Ed Mullis, was our Aquatic Director, and his office was on the pool balcony visible to all in the pool. Jim had asked time and again for Ed to clean up his office to no avail. Then one day, while Ed was teaching a swimming class, Jim carried a 55 gallon trash can into the pool area, climbed up into Ed’s office and started throwing stuff into the trash can sitting on the pool deck. You should have seen Ed’s face!

Quotes. Jim would help people feel the YMCA through use of quotes on memos and meeting agendas. He gave me a quote book that I use regularly still today. My favorite quote he used was something like, “Renke IV  If you don’t have it, you can’t spend it.”

Financial analysis. Jim introduced me to the Salary/Revenue ratios. Different program areas have different S/R norms. A quick calculation of the ratio can let you know you have a problem to resolve. Its always the first thing I check.

Budgeting. Oh those were the days when Jim made us use a calculator with a tape to check our work Oh the hours we spent adding numbers and letting the tape pile up on the floor. Jim used to make us round to the nearest $100. It was neat and clean- it was a guide. We found out he liked to use 100s because it was easier for him to push the 00 key on the calculator then two more key strokes. I still like to round to the nearest 100. There’s something comforting about it.

Jim’s budget forms. They made you list your enrollment and revenue history for two years and then based upon that data make a decision for the next year. Boy how I loved those forms. So much so, that when I moved on I recreated them into excel and added all sorts of formulas. We still use them and I have those same conversations you had with me 25+ years ago.

Love and Compassions during a Crisis. You really see who a person is when things go wrong. Jim, we went through so much together, but nothing was as intense as the 1985 summer camp drowning of Marty Green. You were an inspiration in how much love and compassion you showed the three lifeguards who were on duty, fellow campers, me and certainly the family. It wasn’t until 1997 until we really talked about how the event had affected each of us.

My dad’s quote- 1985, my dad after meeting you said to me, “That’s how I picture you in 20 years.” Oh, not the headband, missing hair and knee brace. But I was always proud of the statement.

You can have a wonderful friendship with those who you work with and for: Working lunches, Volleyball leagues, Dewey Beach house, Skiing, parties at your house, sharing time with our families. I learned that as I became your friend, I never wanted to disappoint you and as a result, never worked harder.

One final memory… in order to get you to come to the surprise baby shower, I convinced you that a pipe burst in the filter room and the water was pouring into the childcare center. I met you halfway down the hall and shook my head stating how bad it was…. Only to see you be totally surprised by the large group gathered there. It was hard to pull something over on you, so this was one to remember.

Thank you, Jim. For being my friend throughout the years. For all the hundreds of valuable lessons. For the many long conversations. You have been the most influential person in my life. As I told you when we were together, I see your influence nearly every day in the many things I do and conversations with staff. I owe most of what I know and my success to you.

Your influence lives on in the lives, that those of us who worked with you, touch. In the end we want to believe we made a difference. YOU DID! Thank you for this gift. God bless you.

Greg

I cherish the Y-related memories of our "good ol' days" in the YMCA...Our times with our former colleague, Ray Brown were always full of wisdom, wit and fun!

Jim set a wonderful example for young staff and willingly shared his expertise.....and could he dance!! He is loved by his many Y friends, both locally and Internationally. I wish for him, peace.

Wendy M. Fox

cool dude

My memory of Jim Sheldon was his first day on the job at the Abington YMCA.

It just happened to be a Wednesday and we had a meeting scheduled for the Branch Executives at the Holiday Inn on Market St. in Philadelphia. We other Executives had heard that the new Exec. from Abington was starting that day, so during the coffee and donut time prior to the meeting, I was sort of looking to the door for the new guy. At once this cool dude in a blue leisure suit, blonde hair and a sun tan from playing Volleyball on Dewey Beach appeared. That day I met Jim Sheldon, the coolest of them all. A good friend for over 25 years who taught me that "Caring for People" was the basis of our work in the YMCA.

 

Hank Van Zanten

All of us associated with the YMCA of Philadelphia and Vicinity are saddened with the declining health of our friend and colleague Jim Sheldon. We were all so fortunate to have him as an integral part of this organization for so long we just assumed that he would be there as friend and counselor always. His legacy will live forever through the Abington YMCA and all of the people he touched by his service as a Y professional.

We all enjoyed seeing Jim at our Strong Kids Annual Support Campaign Kick Off and Victory Celebrations as he continued to be a strong advocate for kids and a generous donor for all the things he believed in. Twenty years ago Jim and a few colleagues and volunteers established an International Partnership with the Yaroslavl YMCA that continues today and his touch of Y staff and volunteers is not restricted to this area as his friends in Russia have a special affection for him too.

We are all praying for our friend and colleague to do well and be peaceful. Thanks Jim for everything.
John F. Flynn
President/CEO
YMCA of Philadelphia and Vicinity

My dear friend Jim -

Thank you for giving me the friendship and opportunity for life.  Little did I know when Rich and Tony recruited me for a Dewey Beach House, that you would enter my life and have such influence on its course.

You invited me to join the Abington Y team where I worked with and learned from some of the finest volunteers I have ever known and where I saw the respectful, fun and effective partnership you shared with them.  You held onto your passion for youth development as you encouraged the growth of programs for kids and teens throughout the community.  I have met friends of yours from Ys in Russia and around the world who smile then give a great, warm laugh when we figure out we both know Jim Sheldon.  I even met a guy here in Cincinnati who, with his siblings, grew up on your Silver Spring Swim Team.  He too shared that same smile and joy to discover we both knew Jim Sheldon.

I saw the joy and love in your eyes when you tickled your kids, and watched them run and grow into the adults you would love even more.  Whether digging a new garden or fixing a new space, you were always engineering and designing with deep love and fine aesthetics.  Your heart belongs to Kay but I have always been grateful you shared some fast jitterbugs with me - even if our enthusiasm sometimes landed us on our tails.

Jim - You gave caring advice and counsel to nourish so many of our leadership journeys and when we were ready, you let so many of us fly yet never said good-bye.  You cherish and keep friendships.  It always feels like we sat just yesterday when we reconnect after months.

Jim - I'm sitting with you this morning.  Though far away, you are in my heart and always will be because, you see, you are a friend for a lifetime.  I love ya man - all sweaty bandanna, knee brace wearing, volleyball teaching, mellon ball making, mechanical pencil using, always making it work better, welcoming to all - parts of you.

God's Peace, dear friend.  You will be with me always.

Love,Sandy 

go to the "camp" - THE best family vacations EVER!

If we could have, no doubt my father would have spent his vacations at our amazing "Camp" in the Gulf of Mexico:

Slept 17

Fish by day / fish by night

Watch the shrimp boats at sunset

Showers via milk jugs warmed in the sun

"To meet, to know, to love and then to part is the sad tale of many a human heart."

Jim, I just reconnected with Bobbi Stettner-Eaton at a dinner. She told me about you and this blog and I just had to write to you. You were my first legit swim coach and I hope you know how much respect, love and admiration I had for you. I still remember the day you walked onto the pool deck to tell us you would no longer be our coach. We were all devastated by your announcement because we knew we would never find another Jim Sheldon, a coach who understood each of us as individuals, who motivated and encouraged us to be our best, to set goals and then to go for them, a coach who taught us as much about life as he did about swimming, a coach who we adored! As you walked away, you recited a poem that I have remembered ever since, "To meet, to know, to love and then to part is the sad tale of many a human heart." You have touched my heart and my life. I hope and pray you are on the journey back to health.

Thank you for being you,

Stacy Pazornik Gorin

ACT 2006 Recognition Reception Honoree

2006 Recognition Reception Honoree:  Jim Sheldon Jim Sheldon, came to the Abington area as Executive Director of the Abington Branch of the YMCA Philadelphia and Vicinity. Prior to that he spent 14 years in the Silver Spring Branch of the Washington, D.C. YMCA. His professional career has been marked by many accomplishments, including recognition as one of the "Outstanding Young Men in America," serving as a delegate to a Soviet/American Youth Forum in Russia, and receiving several Liberty Trail Chapter APD (the YMCA’s Association of Professional Directors) Awards: 1985, Leadership; 1988, Project Award; 1994, Award of Excellence; 1998, Budget Management. Jim's early life was one of character development led by his mother and father. As the oldest of nine children he learned compassion and family responsibilities from his mother. His military father instilled qualities of leadership and teamwork. He served as an altar boy in his Roman Catholic church, was active in the CYO, and is a member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Whitemarsh. Jim’s involvement in the community began with membership in the Jenkintown Rotary Club, where he has served on the Board of Directors on three separate occasions, spanning many years. That organization spawned the consortium known as "We Can Say No," where he was a founding member as well as its President for two years. Notably over its 15 years of existence, “We Can Say No" sponsored 15 leadership weekend camps for more than 1,500 Abington, Jenkintown, and Upper Dublin junior high/middle school students. Over 3,000 young people attended their Spring Leadership Days. When crisis enveloped the Abington community in 1994, Jim was one of the founding members of the Abington Community Taskforce and remains a pillar of strength here today. As a member of ACT he has chaired the Religious/Agency Services Committee for the past several years. Under Jim’s leadership, this committee has organized and run ACT’s Youth Forum in 2003, 2004, and early 2006 to bring youth into the Taskforce and promote civic engagement in their community. As a result, one of Jim's dreams has been realized in the formation of the ACT Teen Council comprising student members from tenth through twelfth grade. Jim’s dreams were further realized when this Council developed much of the format for the 2006 Youth Forum. Jim’s ultimate goal is to have the Youth Forum completely youth planned and driven and adult supported. Jim has been devoted to the community. His belief in the Abington-Rockledge community is best served by its commitment and investment of key community leaders, the Abington School District, Abington Police Department, social agencies, and numerous community organizations. Jim notes, “These leaders have longevity, and their continuity is important. Abington is a community that is proactive and on the cutting edge of the national projects.” With respect to goals for our community, Jim states that, “A leader never stops dreaming. Leaders reflect the continuing need to help teens grow in their involvement in the Teen Council and the Youth Forum.” He desires to see ACT become more viable in this area and active in the community in a number of other areas. Jim emphasizes, “Our work is never done; ACT must continue to lead the way in a wonderful community. We must grow our culture expectations of a caring, responsive, and proactive community so that future leaders will become assimilated into the established culture of the community.” Jim retired from the Abington YMCA in June 2005 after 25 years as its Executive Director. One of his most significant accomplishments was traveling to Russia 12 times to help establish YMCAs there. Since 1991, more than 30 YMCAs have been started in that country. Jim is married to Kay.  He has four children: Kelley, Tara, Ryan, and Andy. Their family life, featuring annual ski trips and summer beach trips, are part of Jim’s devotion to home and family. Jim also enjoys fishing, gardening, and carpentry.

http://www.abingtonact.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=110%3Ajim-sheldon&catid=10&Itemid=90

be a YMCA hero

Jimbo,
Everyone at some point in their live identifies a hero, or someone they want to be like. We often will mimick their idiosyncracies and even take on their disposition. Our working time together was too brief, but I nonetheless carry on many of your "idiosyncracies" today which have paid me good dividends in my "Y" career.
You may remember asking me if you thought we were too much alike as a management team, meaning did we really compliment each other as boss and subordinate. You see, Jim we were alike. You were/are my YMCA hero and I did emulate much of your leadership. (Better you than Curl)! Thank you for that. I also emulate your hairline, but that is a story for another day and one I had no control over. Thinking of you daily.


Anyway, God bless you James and all you stand for that is good in this world.


Jim Fell

I remember Jim teaching me to fish streams and actually catch fish.
We usually fished the Monocacy and had some great times catching fighting smallmouth bass and crappie pretty regularly.
But, one time we took Jim's bass boat to another stream, a river I believe and one I had not fished before. I'm not sure he had done it before either. In any case, our journey down the stream where we had left a pickup vehicle took a lot longer than we anticipated. We were on the water well after dark, very dark, in uncharted territory. We came close to falling over a dam, a drop of about 10 feet. Only our panic from the sound of the cascading water, just before we went over, saved us.
But, most remarkable were the amazing jumping (but they seemed like flying!) fish all around us in the dark going down one stretch of otherwise calm water. True story--fish of eating size were jumping all around us, over our heads from one side of the boat to the other, and several actually jumped and landed IN the little bass boat. We caught more fish that way than we did with lines actually in the water.
I don't remember what kind of fish the flying dudes were, but I bet Jim does.

What a tall tale we had to tell our wives when we got back home. We may have had a few beers along the way, and I don't think the women ever believed our story .
But, I sweat it is a true Jim Sheldon story.
Thanks for this adventure and many other times of fine friendship.

John Lovaas
Reston, VA
703-318-9628

Jimbo, it's Keneechee here. Don't really know how to spell Kenneechee, but that was you always call me - all the way back to the Washington, DC days.

Remember how you always loved my opening of the women's bathroom that we decorated in the lobby of the Alexandria Y? We had such a party!!! Members, staff, family, friends all gathered for the ribbon ceremony. In order to get into the party one had to write their favorite bathroom graffiti on a large white board in the lobby. Some very funny comments. It was fun, it was nuts!

-Ken White

work hard, make people proud

Jim Sheldon’s retirement – June 3, 2005

Lord of kids, Lord of families, Lord of the human community…

Through our work in the YMCA, you have set before huge tasks, immense challenges.

We pray for what we need to be faithful to that mission.

We need, Lord, people of vision and determination and tenacity and faith.

People like Jim.

We need leaders who can stride with one foot in the needs of the present and the other in the possibilities of the future.

People like Jim.

We need lots of folks who are driven by their concern that children get what they need to become fulfilled and productive adults.

People like Jim.

We need YMCA men and women who will tirelessly work to transcend the barriers between well-to-do and poor, between black and white, between city and suburb.

People like Jim.

We need leaders whose style is teamwork and cooperation, the building of alliances and the tearing down of fences.

People like Jim.

We need to be guided by those who always take this vocation seriously and purposefully, but who nonetheless manage to celebrate the joy and the fun in what we do.

People like Jim.

O Lord, you have challenged your YMCA with big visions, audacious goals, awesome responsibilities of the stewardship of this amazing movement.

Give us, we pray, what we never seem to have enough of.

People like Jim.

AMEN

-Bill Cameron

celebrate your victories

When you hired me in my first Executive position, you did it as only YOU would do.  I was serving as Interim Exec at Columbia North YMCA when I applied for the permanent position.  I made the first cut, had my second interview with the CEO and returned to the branch to finish the work planned for the day.  Staff rushed to my office door to inquire about the status of my meeting and I could only reply that "I wasn't sure".  "I gave it my best shot". 

No more than 15 minutes later, in the office comes you and management staff from the Y with balloons, congratulating me as the new Exec.  From that day forward, I experienced several occasions just like that with you.  You are tough, but fair, a teacher, an advocate and love to celebrate (our) victories.  

You are one of my 2 favorite bosses ever.  You have always been my friend.

Best,

Fran Bell

smile

They might not need me; but they might.

I’ll let my head be just in sight;

A smile as small as mine might be

precisely their necessity.

Emily Dickinson

find a way to make it happen

I've been involved with the Ab. Y for about 30 years - just after Jim became Director.  Both as a volunteer and a board member.  I first came on-board when my daughter and I joined Indian Princesses and then with my son for Indian Guides.  When my son was out of the program, I was asked to help run the program since nobody stepped forward ( I'm sorry, I don't remember name the Child Care Director- Princess Little Moccasins). I reluctantly said yes and stayed for the next 25 years.  

Jim dubed me "Big Chief" right away and would greet me that way ever since. It caught on to the extent that many employees at the Y also called me Big Chief. In fact, some of the Board members still do. Jim is a VERY big proponent of the Guides programs and helped me as much as possible.  When I was told, by who ever was child care director, that the Y did not have funds for something we needed, Jim found a way to make it happen.

Because of Jim and his energy for the Guides Programs, I have read many books about the American Indians. This gave me the impetuous to go into every elementary school in Abington and several in Philla. to teach about our Native Americans, on a voluntary basis.  I can't thank Jim enough for the many hours I've spent with young kids teaching them this part of our history.

    Jim, get well soon.  The world needs you.

                                      With great respect and admiration

                                                     Mike Wiener   aka:  Great Bear Claw

My Dad Taught Me That

Before students participating in one of our Intergenerational Programs begin interacting with our frail seniors we have an introductory discussion. There are several goals for the introductory talk. We want the students to know what to expect when interacting with very frail elderly people, we want to talk about differences and likenesses between young and old, we want to give them a chance to ask questions and we want to talk about what community service means to them. When we come to the part about community service my Dad always comes to my mind. That is the part of the conversation when I ask the students what community service means to them and I tell them what it means to me. I tell the students that I was taught that it is the duty of anyone who has more to help anyone who has less. Having more could mean strength, it could mean wealth, it could mean health, it could mean anything. If someone has no voice and you do, you speak for them. If someone has no strength and you do, you lift them. If someone like the frail seniors the students are going to visit are sick and lonely, have no strength, or family to care for them then we will visit with them, talk with them, listen to them, hold their hands and make them laugh because we can. My Dad taught me that. He never really said it but that is what he taught us.

Random Acts of Kindness

One time Jim and I were traveling to a meeting from Abington to Center City and while driving through North Philadelphia- out of the blue (at least to me) he pulls in a 7-11 and up to a homeless person. He then gets out of his car and goes in and buys the guy some food. I was dumbfounded. Afterwards, I don't even remember us talking about it- we just went off to our meeting. Pay it forward- this is just who Jim was.

So, it was fitting when I pulled into my neighborhood in Connecticut at 12:30 am after visiting Jim in the hospital on Thursday that I came upon a pickup truck on the side of the dark road. Without street lights it was hard to see, but there was a young man standing by his truck. As it turns out, he was looking for an open gas station in rural CT and finding none had run out of gas. At this late hour he could not reach any of his family or friends by phone. Of course, I agreed to help him. I drove home, grabbed by gas can, gave the young guy some gas and sent him off in the right direction. Jim, you're with me everyday. Thanks for the gift!

be super cool

Jim, I have such a vivid memory of when we met. One night,  I was working in the Abington Y Membership Office, and I was walking out of the office to the parking lot, when you and I went through the door at the same time.  I introduced myself to you (I knew exactly who you were - because you were the INCREDIBLY COOL guy who ran the Y by day, and played volleyball there by night). You said "Hey, are you coming on the bus to the Philadelphia Distance Run with all of us?"  I said "sure" (having never heard of it, of course, but if the cool kids were going, so would I!).  So, because of you, Jim, and ONLY because of you, I showed up at 5 AM (5 AM!) that Sunday to go to the PDR.   Where I was assigned to stand at the Finish Line to help the runners who were vomiting from exhaustion.  Thanks. And 30 years of work and volunteering with the Y later, you have been a constant presence through it all.  I thank you for bringing me back to the Y, and for being my coach and friend.  You're still the coolest guy I know. Love, Debby

Jim, I have such a vivid memory of when we met. One night,  I was working in the Abington Y Membership Office, and I was walking out of the office to the parking lot, when you and I went through the door at the same time.  I introduced myself to you (I knew exactly who you were - because you were the INCREDIBLY COOL guy who ran the Y by day, and played volleyball there by night). You said "Hey, are you coming on the bus to the Philadelphia Distance Run with all of us?"  I said "sure" (having never heard of it, of course, but if the cool kids were going, so would I!).  So, because of you, Jim, and ONLY because of you, I showed up at 5 AM (5 AM!) that Sunday to go to the PDR.   Where I was assigned to stand at the Finish Line to help the runners who were vomiting from exhaustion.  Thanks. And 30 years of work and volunteering with the Y later, you have been a constant presence through it all.  I thank you for bringing me back to the Y, and for being my coach and friend.  You're still the coolest guy I know. Love, Debby

Jim, I have such a vivid memory of when we met. One night,  I was working in the Abington Y Membership Office, and I was walking out of the office to the parking lot, when you and I went through the door at the same time.  I introduced myself to you (I knew exactly who you were - because you were the INCREDIBLY COOL guy who ran the Y by day, and played volleyball there by night). You said "Hey, are you coming on the bus to the Philadelphia Distance Run with all of us?"  I said "sure" (having never heard of it, of course, but if the cool kids were going, so would I!).  So, because of you, Jim, and ONLY because of you, I showed up at 5 AM (5 AM!) that Sunday to go to the PDR.   Where I was assigned to stand at the Finish Line to help the runners who were vomiting from exhaustion.  Thanks. And 30 years of work and volunteering with the Y later, you have been a constant presence through it all.  I thank you for bringing me back to the Y, and for being my coach and friend.  You're still the coolest guy I know. Love, Debby

Jim,

I have such a vivid memory of when we met. One night,  I was working in the Abington Y Membership Office, and I was walking out of the office to the parking lot, when you and I went through the door at the same time.  I introduced myself to you (I knew exactly who you were - because you were the INCREDIBLY COOL guy who ran the Y by day, and played volleyball there by night).

You said "Hey, are you coming on the bus to the Philadelphia Distance Run with all of us?"  I said "sure" (having never heard of it, of course, but if the cool kids were going, so would I!).  So, because of you, Jim, and ONLY because of you, I showed up at 5 AM (5 AM!) that Sunday to go to the PDR.   Where I was assigned to stand at the Finish Line to help the runners who were vomiting from exhaustion.  Thanks.

And 30 years of work and volunteering with the Y later, you have been a constant presence through it all.  I thank you for bringing me back to the Y, and for being my coach and friend.  You're still the coolest guy I know.

Love,

Debby

A Toast!

Here is to Jim, one of the finest and most effective Branch Directors and District VPs the YMCA of Philadelphia & Vicinity has ever employed. Jim’s dedication to and advocacy for families and youth is second to none. Jim, thank you for all you did during your tenure with the YMCA!!

Al

Gotcha!

Hey Big Guy: Thinking about those early days at Abington - they were the days!  Long hours but good times - and don't forget "World Service."

Remember the pic of a certain someone that occasionally appeared on the back of a door or in another crazy place? "Would you buy a car from this guy?"

Well .... here it is again! Gotcha!

be the King of World Service

Hard to believe that it was 31 years ago when I met you!  You were the Aquatic Guru and the King of World Service. I have some very fond memories of our times together. :) I loved working with you at Abington where you saved my career and then you became a reference for me to become a colleague of yours as an exec.  You taught me how important it was to be become a child advocate and to get involved with others to better our community. You also taught me what inclusion was all about.  Thank you so much!!!

Karen and I will are keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.

Love you Man!

Bobby McD

create a monster

My son, Scott Koerwer, who you hired back in the 80's to help out one summer at the Abington Y is now the President of Newberry College in Newberry, South Carolina.   He was just installed this past November and we were there for the ceremony. You were so helpful to Scott and myself getting us back on the right track to life.   I will never forget when you asked me to join the Y Board years ago (of which I am still a member).   I always said you "created a monster" and for that I am eternally grateful.

 

You are in our thoughts and prayers and we wish you the very best.

 

Our Love,

Barb Jacobs

Scott Koerwer

Here's another question...

The question is, "what wouldn't Jim do?" For a friend, for a laugh, for a Southern Comfort? Jim's the guy who never completely grew up so, while he may be 66, in my mind he's more like 16. The only thing that would give his years away would be those "Lee Majors Bionic Man" knee braces that were always in his gym bag.

************

Tony Fragale

Devilish Fun

I remember attending a fancy YMCA meeting at the Union League in Philadelphia in the early 1980s and at the conclusion of the evening, in our best suits, Jim asks me if I wanted to race him down the marble steps on our butts. I at first said, "What?" I can't believe my Exec Director has asked me this. As, I'm this impressionable young 20-something, I say, "Sure." Well I could tell it was a set up and he'd done it before as I more or less watched him fly down why I went down one or two steps.

I've always admired Jim's playfulness and willingness to include others in his (sometimes devilish) fun.

drool at the site of this striped bass

Jim, attached is a photo of a striped bass we caught last week on the Chesapeake on a charter boat out of Rock Hall.  I did not catch it and am behind the camera so I am not in the picture.  At 48" and 40 lbs it was the charter boat's all time record.  I forgot that you liked to fish, hopefully you will be able to join me on the next trip this summer.  I have fond memories of all the great things you did for the Abington YMCA and your famous slide across the dance floor at staff retreats.  I am sorry to learn you are ill and pray for your recovery.

Allan Shaffer

patience

What Jim does have...patience with the people he cares about. When he was coaching me (still does) he was not allowed to tell me what to do, but rather keep asking me questions until I figured it out. Well, he would ask questions a dozen different times until I finally got the point he was trying to get across or I begged him to take off his coaching hat. His characteristics of honesty and respect (no matter how thickheaded) are so much appreciated. He is always there when needed and can always sense, just through an e-mail, when you need someone to lean-on. He truly empowered and encouraged me to the career of my dreams. Thank you coach!

And the jokes...keep them coming...even the G-rated ones :)

What would Jim do? Take action!

Jim doesn't have much patience for injustice, unfairness or picking on poor folks. He'd organize a protest, energize a write-your-congressperson campaign, get all his friends to sign a petition and come to a meeting. He was electrified by the Obama presidential campaign and took a super-active role. For whatever reason, when he met Michelle, he apparently didn't notice who was smiling, off to the side.

Hey Jim Happy Birthday

Jim !

DIVE INTO THE POOL OR DIVE INTO THE DANCE FLOOR!

We had great fun at staff retreats and in New Orleans! Your commitment to kids is inspirational and you taught me so much about living your values!

Love to you.

Linda

Jim and his coffee mug

Jim:

I always got kick out of you remembering to bring your own coffee mug to Adult Forum after church. I can't even remember to bring my bags into the grocery store.

This is my first blog, not even sure how this works. Knowing my companies security policy, I'll be lucky if it gets to you.

Talk to you soon.
Rmac

OK, I'm going to hit the publish post button and hope for the best...

Happy Birthday Jim!

Happy Birthday Jim! Saw a picture the other day of you on the volleyball court at Reed Street in Dewey. You had that big black knee brace on with your signature red bandana and aviator Ray Ban sun glasses. There appeared to be a pause in the action as you were holding on the bottom of the net. Looked like jungle volleyball was the game of the day. Our version on full contact volleyball brings back some great memories. Loved your full layout digs and backhand spikes. Not so when I was on the other side of the net.
Take care.
- Rich

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!!!!!!!!!

we are so grateful we were able to see you today.  :)
xoxo,
tara and emerson

fish some more

A woman who has never seen her husband fishing,
doesn’t know what a patient man she married !

Read more: http://www.quotesquotations.com/funny/fishing-quotes.htm#ixzz1LFRd4R6R

jump in and get wet

one of emerson's favorite days with pap so far! 

swimming with pap at the new Y pool in ambler.

one of emeron's recent random comments about pap:

"mama, pap doesn't have a lot of hair"

go fishing, probably

I LEARNED FROM FISHING:
1. There is no such thing as too much equipment.
2. When in doubt, exaggerate.
3. Even the best lines get weak after they have been used a few times.
4. Sometimes you really have to squirm to get off the hook.
5. The fishing is always better on the other side of the lake.
6. Good things come to those who wade.

Read more: http://www.quotesquotations.com/funny/fishing-quotes.htm#ixzz1L4SNXjEb

what would jim do? find a way to make it happen

only a few weeks ago, a dear friend of mine was in a head-on collision.  her injuries so severe, she was medevaced up to philadelphia from delaware.  her partner had to drive alone, arriving hours later, with only the clothes on her back.  knowing my father and kay are very involved in their church and the "barn" filled with clothes and other household goods, i asked if there was any way they could get some clothes to her.  after many phone calls and enlisting the help of not one, but two other church members, he made it happen.  one searched for the clothes that would fit.  then my dad took them to another friend who agreed to take them into the city and deliver them.  what i thought was a long shot, but worth asking for, became a reality, and someone was able to focus all her love and attention on her loved one.  thank you dad!

welcome to my dad's new blog!

....a place to remind him we love him, we are thinking all good thoughts, and we are looking forward to hearing about his next fishing trip on his beloved boat (yes, even his vegetarian daughter who is secretly hoping the fish get away!)

please, jump in.  let's do all we can to make him laugh and smile!