James G, yes a capital G
in a flash, age 60 is he!

A silly poem would be inappropriate to celebrate such an admirable life.  As an infant, Jim was immediately dealt the challenge of losing sight in one eye, something that few people would have the courage and will to overcome.  Fortunately for Jim, he was born with Cormier and Pineau blood, providing him with the inner strength necessary to live a normal life, opening doors on his own, instead of sitting around waiting for the world to cater to his needs.  Only Jim could truly know what life was really like over the past 60 years, but let's try to put things into perspective on our own.

Imagine learning to do all those little things that we all took for granted as an infant, toddler, and young child.  The simplest things came naturally to all of us, like rolling over, crawling, standing, walking, and even playing peek-a-boo.  Now think of what it was like to do all those things with only one eye.  Unaware of the positive impact this disability was having on his self-confidence, Jim continued on like every other kid, never letting his blindness hold him back.  He knew early on that he would need be self-sufficient, so he learned to take care of himself and made quite a man of himself.

As Jim grew older, he jumped right into all sports and excelled at every one of them, another trait found in the Cormier/Pineau blood.  He was a natural and it showed.  Jim was so good, that unless people were made aware of the blindness, they would never have known it.  From baseball to hockey to football to basketball he could do it all and very well.  He was an insperation to all who knew him, even if they didn't come right out and say so. 

Jim soon found out that he had other talents, such as singing and then self-taught on guitar.  A professional singer for nearly 4 decades, he still brings the house down at various events throughout the year, such as performing the National Anthem at sporting events and other special guest appearances.  Jim has received only high marks and praise for his singing performances throughout his life, which is quite commendable. 

Another hidden talent Jim discovered was in martial arts.  What an incredible discovery it was, to first be what is considered an honor student of the martial arts and then to become one of the world's most elite instructors.  One such achievement that earned him a place in the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame.  How can one not be totally inspired by such a man, born with one of the most tramatic of health problems, that has achieved so much in life, so far. These achievements go hand-in-hand with Jim's greatest achievement, his family.  Married to the same woman for almost 25 years, which may not be a trait that exists in the family blood, he and Claire raised two fine young women, Aimee and Kelly.  Aimee, a wonderful school teacher and Kelly, surely on her way to great things after college.  Jim, you may not be aware of this, but you are indeed an insperation to those who know you, and we commend you for all you've done in life, so far.

Happy 60th, from all of us Cormiers.