The Bahamas Olympic Committee mourns the
sudden passing of Mr. James "Jim" Wood, President of the Bahamas
Baseball Association an Associate Member of the Committee.
Jim
as he was affectionately called in the sporting fraternity was a mild
mannered giant who was passionate about sports and the sport of
baseball.
Secretary General, Romell
Knowles who worked closely with Jim over the pass months said, " Jim and
I had many meeting in the last few months , discussing the future of
baseball in the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. Admittedly the meetings
were at times contentious and lively but always respectful, It was at
these meetings I got to know President Wood in a very personal way.
I
learnt that Jim had an incredible passion for his God, so much so he
realized that his journey as the Chief Executive Officer of the Bahamas
Baseball Association was fast approaching an end.
On
numerous occasions he was adamant about spending his remaining time on
earth getting closer to God and spending uninterrupted time with his
wife Eva of sixty years.
During our
meetings, it became clear to me that I was in unique company; President
Wood was at peace with God and celebrated his wife and family, it was
apparent to me his wife and children were his prized possessions and he
was determined to be the best husband and father a man could be, no man
or woman including baseball was going to separate him from the bond and
love of his family.
On
one meeting in particular with tears running down his eyes he said,
"If I should die today I'm ready to take my place in heaven — my
family, have endured undeservedly much criticisms on my behalf and its
time I pass my presidency on but on my terms and my terms are,-we do it
right to protect the legacy of the Bahamas Baseball Association.
For
those who would take the time to speak with Jim Wood the man, you would
have known he was passionate about the Bahamas, our young men and women
whom he would have mentored or coach in one sport or another.He was
humble but a fearless leader,-be it on the cricket pit or baseball and
softball diamond he was never too busy to share his knowledge with the
many young men and women he came in contact with. However, on game night
when he had his game face on, he was about execution and playing the
game at a high level, he had mo patience for mediocracy— which most
times led to his teams winning as underdogs.Jim Wood was a gifted
athlete, a knowledgeable coach, a passionate administrator but more
importantly he was a christian, a loving husband and father a good human
being.
We in the sporting world have lost a determined leader and friend.
On
behalf of Wellington Miller President, my colleagues and members of the
Bahamas Olympic Committee and the sporting community at large – I offer
our condolences to Eva, the kids , grand children and others in the
extended family.
May his soul Rest In Peace.
