Dear Editor:
Over the past few weeks I have read letters in a local newspaper criticizing the administrator of the Jersey City Park Authority, in particular its Executive Director James King. The letter writers called Mr. King “mean spirited” and “Ebenezer Scrooge” because the JCPA did not allow two hours of free parking along the Central Avenue SID. I cannot comment on the policies of the JCPA but I can definitely comment on, and happily do so, on its Executive Director James King.
I became acquainted with Mr. King just before the Christmas holidays when a member of his Jimmy King Civic Association contacted me to ascertain if the Eastern Christian Church, which I serve as Pastor and is located at Kennedy Boulevard and Tonnelle Avenue in the Journal Square section of Jersey City, would consider receiving toys and other items from the Civic Association of which Mr. King is the Standard Bearer. With such a gracious offer, how could I not accept.
On Sunday evening, December 20, 2003, Jimmy King, as he asked me to call him, and a few other members of his Association came to my church and distributed the toys and other goodies to the children of our parish. What a wonderful sight it was to see the eyes of the youngsters of the Eastern Christian Church light up with enthusiasm and excitement as the toys were distributed. What a truly Christian gesture it was from Jimmy King, my new found friend.
If anything, Jimmy King is a man among men. Tall, handsome and physically imposing, his presence is immediately noted. His heart is as big as his physical frame. He is a warm, caring, concerned and considerate human being who is akin to a Shepherd tending to his flock as I, as a priest of God, attend to my flock – the men, women and children who are the congregation of the Easter Christian Church. Far from being “mean spirited” and an “Ebenezer Scrooge” Jimmy King and his associates are friendly, kind hearted, giving and most loving. All the virtues of a good Christian!
Maybe those who leveled accusations at Jimmy King should take a page out of his book on life and show more virtuous Christian traits. I am proud of becoming friendly with Jimmy King. I am very appreciative of what he did for our children and look forward with eagerness to his Civic Association sharing their good fortune with our church members in the future. My blessing on Jimmy King and all the fine members of his Civic Association for their outstanding generosity.
In deep appreciation and admiration.
Reverend Dr. Raif Azab
Pastor