HUMILITY WITH GREATNESS

The 56th Death Anniversary of Jim Reeves, which fall on July 31st, was commemorated worldwide by their respective Fan Clubs. Though Gentleman Jim is gone for so many years, he is still the most requested artiste over our airwaves having a large legion of fans in Sri Lanka than any other singer. This is mainly due to his rendering of hearty searching, easy- to- listen, meaningful music that captures the hearts of many Sri Lankan listeners. A commemoration ceremony was organised by the ‘ Official Jim Reeves fan Club of Sri Lanka, under the guidance of its President Jayaratne Perera.

The attached poem that hangs on the wall of Jim’s office reveals the colourful career of Gentleman Jim guided by his principles.

Jim Reeves showed and lived humility in his music, in his acceptance of honours, in his genuine interest in his multitude of friends. But the essence of his humility can be best summed up in the framed plaque which hangs on the wall at his office - a place where by merely lifting his eyes he could be reminded that however loud the paeans of praise, however strong the crush of admirers, he was, like millions of his fellow men, just one small unit among God’s billions of creatures. The plaque which Reeves chose for his wall carries the following poem: Sometimes when you’re feeling important, Sometime when your ego’s in bloom, Sometime when you take it for granted

You’re the best qualified in the room,

Sometime when you feel that your going Would leave an unfillable hole,

Just follow these simple instructions And see how they humble your soul.

Take a bucket and fill it with water, Put your hand in it up to your wrist, Pull it out and the hole that’s remaining Is a measure of how you’ll be missed.

You can splash all you wish when you enter,

You may stir up the water galore, But stop, and you’ll find that in no time It looks quiet the same as before.

The moral in this quaint example Is do just the best you can.

Be proud of yourself, but remember, There’s no indispensable man.

Graduated at the University of Texas, Jim Reeves always lived by his principles as seen above. To get to know more interesting facts about Gentleman Jim, do get in touch with the President of the local Jim Reeves Fan Club, Jayaratne Perera on 2795997.

SW