I first met James...

 

It was the middle of August 2001 when I first encountered the man James Reynolds. About 250 entry level auditors were in training at Ernst & Young in New York. At a break in session, I noticed what seemed to be a corn-fed, all-American, debonair chap on his cell phone sounding as if he was wheeling and dealing in the big city. Although I later learnt that he was actually only arguing with Sprint over a cell phone charge, the first thought that had entered into my mind and then proceeded to make its way out of my mouth was “there sits a Hollywood agent in training.”  Little did I know that James was from California and even more that he was blessed with such favor in dealing with and speaking to people.  Our initial interaction had branded the name “Hollywood” which stuck with many over the years. But even more than a nickname, our initial meeting developed into a real friendship that out lasted the roller coaster of events that we label life. 

 

Memorable moments...

 

When it comes to the relationship that had developed between me and James, I wouldn’t know where to begin defining our memorable moments. There were good times and bad times, exciting moments and depressing moments, difficult circumstances and trouble-free situations. In everything that transpired, we were able to remain transparent with each other and never judge one another’s mistakes. If I were to select the moments in our relationship which I think about now and will dearly miss, it would be those long nights talking about where we have been in life and where we wanted to go. Though the decisions we made daily did not often exemplify what we knew deep down in our hearts, the places we wanted to go and the things we wanted to do were always stemming from our faith in God.  

 

I will never forget the “it’s all good” and “it’ll be all right” attitude James was able to share with me at some of the lowest points of my life. He took me as I was, with all my flaws and failures, and never looked back. For that I will eternally be grateful. Those who truly knew James can without hesitation say that his heart was always in the right place and that his desire to help others was all the more genuine. Those who only knew him for what they saw in his humanness have missed out on something so vast and great that the simple words on this page will not do it justice. 

 

I will sorely miss those moments of deep thought and reflection, that when experienced with James was always more than just memorable. 

 

Forever in our hearts...

 

James, Now as it comes time to say goodbye and bid adieu to this chapter of your life, I am at a loss for words. I have stared and contemplated for sometime but cannot come up with the right words to say to you my friend and brother. Our friendship has brought with it many challenges along the way-some good and some bad. We’ve done things we should not have and others that will always make me proud. Along the journey people have come and people have gone, some have loved and some have hated, but those that have touched a part of my heart will remain there forever. James, you probably see now and realize that there were so many that loved you more than you could ever know. 

 

I earnestly thank God for you and for our friendship for you have played a part in creating the person that I am today. And though my heart is heavy and aches knowing that you will not be around when the new chapters of my life unfold, “at the end of the day” know that you have already made your mark on my life and that mark can never be erased. I look forward to seeing you again my brother, rejoicing in all the glory set before us “for I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” So while I remain behind a bit longer, often thinking of you, know that the legend of “Hollywood” will live on through my memories and our friendship will never be forgotten. You will be in my heart always.

 

Love Shibu. 

 

 

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I think of James when I listen to:

(click to listen)

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Coldplay - Clocks

Frank Sinatra - My Way

Dj Tiesto

 

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Three things you gotta know about James

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1. James had a way of saying good bye: "Laaaaaaaaaattter"

2. His first reaction to everything-good or bad-was a smile

3. He'd always say...."it really doesn't matter because "AT THE END OF THE DAY".......