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!