James D. Strong

I worked in the office next to Jim for a few years.  He was a good man….I know that because of him there are children alive today.  He was a leader….I know that I am a better social worker and person because of the many times that was shared in his office.  He was more then a supervisor…..he was a true leader, teacher and mentor.   I can only guess that he will be training angles in heaven once he is settled.   He will be missed…however he does live on with all of those individuals that have ever worked with him.   He will continue to touch the lives of children in the years to come. 

 

My prayers are with his family….thank you for sharing him with the world

FARE THEE WELL JIM STRONG

May 27, 2009.

My Supervisor and Friend, JIM STRONG;

This is, Jonah Anguka.

Your friend and worker from a Village in Kenya.

 

JIM, I want to talk to you. I know you cannot answer me, even if I screamed at the top of my lungs.

But I know you are listening and seeing me.

 

I do so because I believe in a risen God. The God that created you and I. Because He is risen, death is no longer the end but the gateway to God's presence. Accordingly, you and I are assured of life after death.

 

JIM, a week before you retired, I stopped by your office, and as usual, we charted heartily about taking a train to my village upon our retirement.

Two months later, without a whisper, you journeyed to a world where you cannot return to mine, rather I to join you when my time comes.

 

JIM, the news of your death hit me like an earthquake,

It pierced and lodged in my heart like an enemy’s sword, causing it to bleed plentifully,

Rendering my eyes red-hot, with tears rolling down my cheeks.

 

JIM, I mourn, but my tears cannot reach you or bring you back.

I look around, but I cannot see you,

I cannot feel you, I cannot hear you,

As I ask, “WHERE IS JIM?

 

JIM, beyond the loss of this life,

That causes us to despair,

New hope is borne within our hearts.

Because our God lives.

And although He has not shielded me from your death,

He has calmed me in your death.

 

What can I say, MY FRIEND? What can I say?

What can I do, JIM? What can I do?

 

I am happy because I know where you are.

Safe in the everlasting arms of our father in heaven.

May He uphold and protect you, until we meet again.

 

JIM, you were intelligent, knowledgeable, caring, honest, committed, hardworking and dependable supervisor.

I am who I am in Child Protective Services because of the way you brought me up in the Department. You were my teacher and my all.Thank you Sir!

 

Go well and sleep in peace, JIM.

Adios AMIGO, Adios MY FRIEND.

Fare Thee Well the STRONG ONE.

AMEN.

 

 

To MRS. STRONG AND FAMILY;

 

My heart goes out to you,

May God give you strength and peace to bear the pain and loss.

The Lord gave you JIM.

The Lord has taken JIM away from us.

May His name be praised.

May God bless each and all of you.

 

JONAH ANGUKA

Over the more than two decades that I have known Jim, his Golden Heart is what stands out most about him. We had offices next to each other for many years and helped and mentored each others' workers to enable them to reach their full potential; some went on to become supervisors like us, others became Assisstant Regional Managers, others became Regional Managers and still others became Deputy Directors. Not bad for a couple of "Dinosaurs." It is good to know that: "absent from the body is present with the Lord." My family's thoughts and prayers are with each of you in this moment of need.