Good Stuff Happens in 1:1 Meetings: Why you need them and how to do them well
Editor's Notes
Thank you Jackie for that wonderful introduction. That brief musical tribute by the way is one of Jim’s favourite songs. Good evening ladies and gentlemen. My name is Brian Kressler and as I look around the audience this evening I know what you’re thinking …you’ve just sat through a number of testimonials from family and friends, you’ve heard Steve Hinder speak about Jim’s volunteer involvement and Mayor van Bynen talk about Jim’s business contributions to the community and, so you’re thinking, really, what’s left for this guy to talk about. Well after all that’s been seen and heard this evening do we truly know the real James William Alexander? Well I did some digging into Jim’s past and if you would turn your attention to the projection screen I would like to share with you some photos I found of his personal life.
Now as you may know, Jim was born in Chatham Ontario the middle child of three and the only boy.
And as you’ll notice in the photo he had a fondness for donuts from a very young age.
Jim had an early interest in German engineering and built his first Audi as a grade 5 science project.
Like many Canadian boys Jim started playing hockey when he was young, but soon found that skating was not his strength, especially while wearing skate guards on asphalt.
So he switched from powerless forward to goaltender and earned the nickname “Redneck” and no it’s not because he drove a pickup truck and married his first cousin. But rather from the burn on the back of his neck from the goal light continually going on after each embarrassing defeat.
Despite this he was drafted by the Leafs and as a rookie played on some pretty good teams. You’ll notice that one of his more famous teammates at the time was Tim Horton
and their shared passion for hockey and coffee led to a legacy unrivalled in Canada and the United States!
Now Jim is a huge country music fan and as you can see from this photo he likes to dress the part around the house on Saturday nights.
His favourite artist is Tim McGraw and Jim has had the opportunity to tour with Tim and his band
and even shared a magazine cover with his country idol.
Another of Jim’s passions is golf and he has organized and played in many local charity tournaments like the Mayor’s, Southlake, Community Living and Belinda’s Place.
And on a recent trip to Florida he even found time to play a couple of rounds with his buddies
Not too difficult to tell who’s winning this match!!
Jim is also an avid boater; here he is in his first boat. Over the years he worked hard and saved his money
and was able to move up to something a little larger,however
after the regrettable incident near Honey Harbour he unfortunately had to sell it!! So what are some of Jim’s attributes?? Well someone asked me this evening if Jim was the type of guy who blows his own horn……
ordinarily I would have said no but depending on the circumstances apparently he is!!
A very community focused individual, here’s a shot of Jim decorating the Tim Hortons tree at Upper Canada Mall, that was donated for auction with the proceeds going to the Southlake Foundation.
Here’s Jim the night before stealing that same tree from a neighbor’s home!
Again, always thinking of the community, Jim opened one of the first smoke-free Tim Hortons in Ontario.
Not an easy thing for a three pack a day smoker!!Is Jim a hard worker??.....
well here’s a typical business day ……you be the judge!!
Now all joking aside, family is very important to Jim and he is joined here this evening by his mother and father, Lorna and Bill, his sisters Janet and Karen,
his mother and father-in-law Julie and Irv, his brother-in-law Tom and Tom’s wife Sharon.
And of course his lovely wife Yvonne and their children Chris and Danielle. Now I was very honoured when I was asked to be part of the organizing committee for this dinner. Having worked with Jim on a number of volunteer initiatives I find him to be a very compassionate and caring person who never seeks the spotlight. He is someone who willingly gives back to the community and genuinely wants to get things done. Whether Jim is preparing and serving a meal for less fortunate people with Community Bread or buying gifts for needy families at Christmas through St Vincent de Paul, he is the type who does things quietly and without looking for recognition. Well Jim somebody noticed!! It is a real credit to you and your family to see everyone who came here tonight to honour you and it is a reflection of all your hard work in the community over the past number of years. Your success is mirrored by the love and support of your family. So Jim my congratulations on this well deserved honour !!
