James BETTE BENNETT

Never had I thought of visiting France nor speak French until I met Jim. You turned the impossible to possible, a challenge into an opportunity, and never were you frightened by a storm.
You were indeed gifted with compassion, humour, creativity and above all, a big heart. You built confidence and enabled many Africans to recognise their potential. Your work of supporting the development of palliative care in Francophone Africa in partnership with Hospice Africa Uganda (HAU) is remarkable and will outlive many generations. Through your initiative Hospice Africa France (HAF) was born and has since touched and transformed lives.
You will dearly be missed. Nevertheless, we are encouraged that the systems you built will carryon your legacy.
Until we meet again.... Rest in Peace Jim
Dianah Basirika (Hospice Africa Uganda)

Lis ceci pour Jim stp
J comme la joie de donner
I comme inconditionnel
M comme Maladie incurable
C’est ainsi que je définirai JIM car effectivement tu as inspiré en nous les Alumni de Hospice Africa, la joie de se donner de façon inconditionnelle pour soulager la souffrance des personnes atteintes de maladies incurables. Aussi JIM nous sommes certes loin de toi et de ton épouse en ce moment. Mais nous sommes si près de vous avec nos prières et nos pensées.
come few hours before you left us

Esther

You haven’t left us
But you’ve gone to the land of life.
Where the flowers
Never wither again
Where time
No longer cares about us
Ignoring wrinkles and worries, where it’s always morning
Where it’s always serene.

You’ve left our shadows
Our sufferings and sorrows
You left early
For the land of life
Today the rain floods Jane's face, your sisters, your children, grandchildren, friends whom you loved so much
Tell them that the sun will dry the tears.
Today, training in palliative care has taken place in 20 Francophone countries because of your initiative, which probably would not have happened if you had not start charity shop in Jugon-les-Lacs, as you wiped several tears in the Francophone world.
You have been a joker, friend, boss, singer, you always brought energy to every thought,
Jim, you held on to the end. I did not want to see you suffering; indeed, you went peacefully, quietly.
You are strong. In a few weeks, Jim would have turned 80. We were eager, but you will celebrate with angels, Jim.
A thought full of gratitude inspiration
Sylvie DIVE

Jane,
I send you and the family this message from the team of the rescue of Erquy.
Bonsoir Louisa,
Vous voudrez bien transmettre les condoléances les plus sincères de tous les bénévoles de la station SNSM d'Erquy,à la famille de Jim.
Bon courage à tous.
Jean

Je suis simplement passé dans la pièce à côté. Ce qous étions les uns pour les autres, nous le sommes toujours!
( D' après Charles Péguy )
" Continuons à lui parler comme nous l' avons toujours fait... il est juste passé de l' autre côté du chemin "...

The firsth time I met Jim was when he asked me for help in "midsummers nightdream". Some more plays followed. In 2014 I went with him to Uganda for visiting HAU. This was the beginning of more than 10 years Hospice Africa France. Firsth as a volunteer later as vice-président. I think about the picknicconcerts in our garden, the theaterplays in Pluduno, my days in Montricoux, but also the work in Bretagne for the administration. Most of the time we shared the same thoughts, but Jim was more diplomate as me. In Uganda, we worked, laught, cried and shared a lot together. We became real friends. He was there for me when I had my cancer, also when Yannick, my husband, died. I feel very lucky that I could realise, with my association "l'Émerveilleuse", one of his last wishes, swimming in the sea. I am proud to say: Jim was my friend and he allways will have a big place in my heart. I send a lot of positif energy to Jane and family for this lost. With love, Louisa