The Grafton Community has lost a great soul. We are diminished by our loss. Deepest sympathies to Deb, his wife and the love of his life and faithful companion, to his children Erin and Kevin and to all the extended family and friends.
The fire of Love, hope and vibrant faith was not extinguished in the heart of Jim. I believe when he was called by the Lord, February 27th, the fire was burning brightly in his heart. He had ardently prayed and eagerly anticipated this encounter with the Lord. I suspect when his name was called, Jim, as usual responded with a loud, joyful and wholehearted: "Here I am, Lord. I come to do your will." Also, only as Jim could pull this off and get away with it, he probably turned to the angels and saints saying: "Well, do I hear an Amen?" To which the whole heavenly chorus sang a joyful Amen that vied with George Handel's "Amen" from his masterpiece, THE MESSIAH. Our loss is heaven's gain. Thank you Jim for the beautiful gift of yourself that you have generously given to us over the years, the great courage and determination you had making your way to the pulpit to proclaim loudly: THE WORD OF THE LORD! to which we still respond: THANKS BE TO GOD! (I still have in my email something he wrote in the summer of 2021: "Father, I just want you to know that I am a notary Public in Massachusetts. If you need anything notarized, my fee is that you be my friend forever." That was Jim. Thank you Jim, you are the best. And so I ask him again: "Jim, How are you doing?" To which he replies: Living the dream, Father, living the dream.")
Father Leo LeBlanc
Father Leo LeBlanc
-
Saturday March 4, 2023
via Condolence Message