DR. JAMES NGANDA MWANZIA

1957 - 2021

CelebrationOF LIFE

ORDER OF SERVICE

TIME

Montezuma Funeral Home

EVENT

6:45 am Arrival at Montezuma Funeral Home

Opening Prayer

Worship

Sermonette

Viewing & Greeting of Family

Cortege departs for Kalandini

Arrival at the family Home Kalandini

Curtain Raiser - AIC Sengani

Light Lunch

7:15 am

7:45 am

10:30 am

11:00 am

TIME

Memorial Service

EVENT

12:00 pm Opening Welcome

Opening Prayer

Praise and Worship

Hymn - Kaa Nami

Scripture Reading

Eulogy

Tributes

Hymn - What a friend we have in Jesus

Announcements/Vote of thanks

Procession to the Burial Ground

Committal Prayers

Interment

Laying of Wreaths/Flowers

Vote of thanks

Benediction

Prayer for Family

Recessional Song (Hymn – Look and Live)

Sermon

1. Immediate Family

2. Extended Family

3. Colleagues

4. Friends

5. Neighbors

6. Church

5. Government

12:10 pm

12:15 pm

HYMNS

TIME EVENT

Kaa Nami MmhhOoohHallelujahKaa nami YesuBila wewe sita shinda dunia hiiMaadui zangu ni wengiWanatamani kunimalizaKaa nami bwanaOooh hallelujahYahweh

Kaa namiNi usiku sanaUsiniache gizani bwanaMsaaada wako haukomiGili pekee yangu kaa namiOooooo ooooh

Siku zetuHazikawii kwishaSioni laku nifurahishaHakuna ambacho hakikomiUsiye na mwisho kaa namiOoooo oohHallelujah

Kaa nami YesuNakuhitaji usiku na mchanaAja ya moyo wangu ni kwambaNikae na wewe mileleNitembee na weweNikule na wewe kila wakati bwanaTakasa maisha yanguOoh hallelujah

Asante bwanaOoohMi nahaja na wewe YesuHallelujah oooh JesusHallelujah

Mi nahaja na wewe kila saaSina mwingine wa kunifaaMimi nitaongozwa na naniIla wewe bwanaKaa namiOoh hallelujahNakuhitaji bwanaSichi nenoUwapo karibuNipatalolote…

What a Friend we have in Jesus,All our sins and griefs to bear!What a privilege to carryEverything to God in prayer!O what peace we often forfeit,O what needless pain we bear,All because we do not carryEverything to God in prayer!

Have we trials and temptations?Is there trouble anywhere?We should never be discouraged,Take it to the Lord in prayer.Can we find a friend so faithful

Who will all our sorrows share?Jesus knows our every weakness,Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy-laden,Cumbered with a load of care?Precious Savior, still our refuge—Take it to the Lord in prayer;Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?Take it to the Lord in prayer;In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,Thou wilt find a solace there.

What a Friend we have in Jesus

Early life ames Nganda Mwanzia was born in pre-independence

James Farm, Nanyuki on 25th March 1957 to the Late Captain Dishon Mwanzia Nganda and the late Idah Mbete Mwanzia. He was the third born child in a family of nine, that includes Major General (Rtd) Charles Mwanzia and Lily Nduku Mwanzia, the Late Rose Mwanzia, the Late Juliana Nzomo and Professor David Nzomo, Naumi Mwan-zia, Major (Rtd) John Mwanzia and Rehema Bibii Mwanzia, Jerome Mwanzia and Carol Ndinda Mwanzia, Elizabeth Katuu Alleyne and Greg Alleyne and Col. Richard Mwanzia. He was also the uncle to many nieces and nephews and cousin to many.

Education James started his education in Nanyuki where his father worked with the Kings African Rifles. He later moved to his Sengani village where he continued his primary education at Sengani Primary School. James went to Aquinas High School for his Ordinary (O) Levels, and then proceeded to Strathmore College for his Advanced (A) levels. He passed with high distinction and proceeded

to the University of Nairobi where he pursued a Bachelor of Science Degree in Medicine. James later joined Leeds University in England from 1988 to 1989 where he gradu-ated with a Master’s Degree in Public Health. James was gifted intellectually and always continued his pursuit of learning. In the pro-cess, he completed several short courses in medicine and other areas of interest in the United States and

England.

Walk with the Lord James was a committed Christian, having been raised in his walk with the Lord at AIC Sengani

Church. James loved the Lord as his personal saviour from an early age. His commitment to his faith was deeply reflected in his life, “always putting the needs of others first before his own, always thinking and serving others first”. In his later years, he became a member of Parklands Baptist Church in Nairobi.

Marriage & Family Life James was married to Monica Masyuko on June 13th 1992, and they were blessed with two beauti-ful daughters Aida Muthikwa Mwan-zia and Ste� Mwikali Mwanzia. He was the father-in-law to Micheal Le� and the granddad to Bakari Mwanzia Le�.

EULOGY

Always putting the needs of others first

before his own, always thinking and serving

others first.

March 25 1957 - February 22 2021

DR. JAMES NGANDA MWANZIA

Career Upon graduation, Dr James Mwan-zia was posted to Machakos Hospi-tal as an intern before being trans-ferred to Makindu hospital as the o�cer in charge. He was later posted to Machakos and Kitui hos-pital as the Medical O�cer of Health (MoH). Upon return from Leeds University, James was pro-moted to the Head of Primary Health Care at the Ministry of Health headquarters in Nairobi. He was later elevated to the position of Director of Medical Services (DMS) at the age of 37, becoming the youngest DMS to hold that position. He was to earn the distinction of being the longest serving DMS before he was later posted as the pioneer Director of Research, a position he served briefly before transitioning to international assign-ments.

After public service, James joined the World Health Organization (WHO) as a Country Representative in the Republic of Gambia. He was later posted to Congo Brazzaville as the Director, Prevention and Con-trol of Communicable Diseases at the WHO Regional O�ce for Africa. He later moved to South Africa where he served as the Health Systems Strengthening Medical O�cer for WHO at Pretoria.

James later served as Chief of Party, USAID/FUNZO Kenya proj-ect, where he coordinated the National Health Training for Intra-Health International Kenya. This accorded him an opportunity to serve in his native country after many years abroad. More recently, James served as the Senior Public

Health and Health Systems Special-ist at JM Health Limited. He also served as a board member for World Vision International and was also a Member of the Board of Trustees, for the University Funding Board. In 2020, James undertook several consultancies in the field of Health, such as MyDawa. He was CORVUS Health Country Represen-tative for this International Ameri-can entity which is based at Alexan-dria VA USA. CORVUS provides Medical training and recruitment services worldwide.

Illness James has been in good health and has had no major illnesses except that he was hypertensive. On the weekend of 20th – 21st February, James was at his Kalandini farm for the weekend, and in the morning of Sunday 21st February 2021, his family was alerted that he had collapsed. The family quickly evacu-ated him to Aga Khan hospital where he underwent emergency treatment and was subsequently admitted to the ICU. In the morning of Monday 22nd February, James su�ered cardiac arrest. Despite two resuscitations, James succumbed at around 7.15 am. He was 63 years and 11 months at the time of his demise.

James is now in the presence of his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Although we will deeply miss his daily presence, his wisdom and leadership, we are comforted to know that one day, we will be reunited with him. As Jesus said in John 11:25-26

“I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and whoever lives

and believes in me shall never die.”

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E Dad, I miss you already. There was a sense of ease that came over me when we were together, the ease of being seen and fully, unconditional-ly accepted for who I am. The list of accomplishments in your life is seemingly endless, but as Maya Angelou said, “people will never forget how you made them feel.” Dad, you made me feel the joy of laughing often, of giving, of working towards a higher purpose. I saw how you made others feel around you too: you made them feel important, hopeful, and you helped them to believe in themselves and in their potential to make a positive impact. We felt very loved and cared for by you dad, like there was always someone that we could call

on when things got tough. Some-how, you were also the person people wanted to call to celebrate our successes, because we knew how proud you would be of us, and how you viewed our success as your own. I think that this is one of the reasons why the news of your passing is so hard for so many- who else will accept us unconditionally, and inspire us to be better versions of ourselves?

Your legacy lives on in us, your children, and in your grandson Bakari. May your soul rest in power and peace.

Aida Mwanzia

Dear dad, Losing you has not been easy. But as I look back on our times together I can only smile. You left a legacy behind in us, your children and all that you accom-plished. I am so proud to say I was your daughter because of all you stood for and all that you accom-plished. You completed your desti-ny by helping those in need, con-tributing to the continent with your knowledge, and always looking after us.

Thank you for teaching me that no dream is too far nor too big to accomplish. I will continue to sing and make you proud. I’ll miss the days where we would whistle in the

car together, explore the new cafes and restaurants of Nairobi and simply spend time in each other’s company. Your big heart will never cease to amaze me. Thank you for all you have passed down to us, through our upbringing and teach-ing us to focus on the important things in this life such as Faith, Love and Family. Those are the three things you stood by and we shall continue to stand by.

Thank you for not only being my father but my friend. I love you and will miss you everyday until we meet again.

Steffi Mwanzia

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“Jim and I had our good times and our bad times. We raised two amazing daughters who you loved so much.

I shall miss you. Till we meet again.”Monica Mwanzia

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TETribute to my brother Dr James

Mwanzia, from your sister Katuu Elizabeth Alleyne.

It’s hard for me to find a few words to describe my big brother Jim. To me, he was always more than just a brother. He was my friend too. A brother I knew I could always count on and he would be there for me, no matter what I faced.

I can confidently say that Jim was always a leader in our family. Any-time I needed an opinion on any-thing, I would call on my bro, and he would always have words of wisdom and encouragement.

Jim, you were genuine, loving, kind, and selfless. You would deny your-self, in order to help others. Just in the last few days, many people have texted me and told me how you touched their lives and changed their circumstances in a positive way. From helping a child get into MTC, and helping another get a job with some organization. That was you Jim! Always thinking and doing for others—you were indeed always there for anyone who needed you, be they your family, or just a neighbor.

Jim loved to laugh. He was simple and down to earth—even though he had accomplished so much! A plate of isyo with ndulu was his ideal meal! His enterprising nature was

amazing! He was intelligent, focused, and always knew instinc-tively what needed to be done to get to the next level. I could not have asked for a more caring broth-er…his example was exceptional. I will miss his laughter, his hugs, his quiet well thought out jokes on Jerome… most of the time. I will miss watching tennis with Jim from di�erent continents.

My dear brother, I promise that I will be here for your beautiful daughters and their families. I will always love them and represent you as best as I can. No one can replace you. Your shoes are too big to fill. But I will do my best to google all the answers and try to match your intelligence for any advice they ask of me. And I will always be there to listen when they just need that. Jim, you are irreplaceable as a brother and a friend.

Like King David said in 2 Samuel 12: 22, when he lost his son: “He cannot come back to us, but we will go to him”.

So, Jim my dear brother, “Tuta-onana malaters”. Because we are in the Lord, we will see you again

May our good Lord rest your soul in his arms. Your loving sister Katuu.

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E Words cannot describe how we feel at the moment. Losing uncle Jim has been heart wrenching. He was not only an uncle but a father to us all, a friend and a shining example of how we should love and protect each other. His generosity was unmatched, his bravery was fierce and his love was unconditional. He was a pillar of strength in the family and that is why we all gravitated towards him.

The times we spent together were priceless. Uncle Jim made sure that he had a special relationship with all his nieces and nephews and took time to individually remind us that he’d always be there for us. He showed us how to nurture relation-ships through his actions. We will forever treasure the final sleep over that we had in Kalandini. He went out of his way to prepare for us. He hired a chef and made sure that we got the VIP treatment. He did not want us to lift a finger. All he wanted was to have a good time with his nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews. He loved spending time with the kids. His favorite game was the staring contest with Jamali and Ayah. Uncle Jim loved music. He would tell us to play songs by Jose Chameleon on repeat and he would try to sing along even though he was tone

deaf. All that mattered was that he was having fun.

We all miss di�erent things about uncle Jim. His conversations with Lee about life and family, his con-nection with Rosey about the love for medicine, his long winded chats about politics with Tele and Mutheu etc. Uncle Jim was always so inspi-rational. He reminded his nieces every chance he got that they were worthy and should never settle for less. He was a man of such good character and we will take all the lessons we learned from him to better ourselves and those around us.

We don’t know what we will do without you uncle Jim or how we will heal from this tragedy, but we know that you’d want us to unite and take care of each other. We promise to stand by Aida and Ste�. We promise to always talk to Bakari and all your grand nieces and neph-ews about their Papa J, and how much you loved them. We will continue with your legacy of serv-anthood and we will continue to make you proud.

We will love you forever uncle Jim, until we meet again. Rest well our beloved uncle.

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TEThe fraternity of colleagues in

health development sector mourn an outstanding icon. We at Intra-Health were lucky to have worked with Dr. James Mwanzia as the Chief of Party for the FUNZOKenya project. We are lost for words that such a friend and resource has passed on at a time the health sector particularly human resource for health (HRH) looked upon him for counsel.

From the transition from public sector as DMS in MOH and advisor at WHO to his 3 years of service at IntraHealth, James has been a dependable leader. What sets him apart is his calm, patient and thoughtful leadership. James was a man of many accolades and achievements. He was a great stew-ard of resources entrusted to his care. He has had such an impact in health workforce development and management at IntraHealth. There are many policy guidelines, policy papers, strategic plans, standards and curricula in Kenya and abroad that James authored or contributed. We celebrate this distinguished leader, mentor, teacher, counsellor, opinion shaper, diplomat and a creative that James was. He was

such a distinguished and consum-mate leader that he was in the board, advisory committees of various development agencies. It is his wise counsel of various health-care and health system strengthen-ing matters that we shall all miss.

We eulogise a man who besides his busy schedule in his senior capacity at IntraHealth had a big heart for people. It's amazing how he con-nected with colleagues of all walks of life and in a special way. He was always helpful to colleagues in need and ready to aide as best as he could. Besides his immense love for his family, we at IntraHealth feel orphaned by the loss of a friend, father figure and a champion of HRH.

When history is written, James will have a prominent space for his contribution to the health sector and particularly HRH. Most impor-tantly we at IntraHealth appreciate and relish the special bonds of friendship that we had, unbreakable even in death.

Fare thee well dear friend, till we meet again.

For all the blessings, however how great or small to have had you as part of my family, was the greatest of all in my life.

I can say that the family chain is broken here on earth and nothing is the same now But*our almighty *GOD takes us one by one. One thing that i know and believe, the chain will link

us again in heaven.

Jim rest in peace till we link up again in heaven.

Roy Mweu Wa Sila, Uncle

On one glorious 25th day of March in 1957, a son was born to joyful parents on James Farm in Nanyuki. He was to be one of a family of nine children and a sibling to four broth-ers and four sisters. He was named James Mwanzia and he grew up in Sengani village in Tala in Matungulu constituency destined to savour the many vacillating dawns and even-tides of life.

Who could have ever imagined that this young, energetic and cheerful child would one day not only become a doctor but would rise to become the Director of Medical Services in Kenya, hold senior posi-tions in the World Health Organiza-tion in Africa and be a much respected Board member of several prestigious organisations!

In 1978, Jim was one of over 100 students in a class at University of Nairobi aspiring to become part of the medical profession one day. His disarming smile, ever cheerful demeanour and sincerity earned him a special place amongst colleagues as a friend among friends. He always carried himself with such dignity and humility that his classmates of the class of 78-84 a�ectionately referred to him as ‘Sir James’, oftentimes ‘Gentleman Jim’ or just simply ‘Jim’.

Jim’s association with his mates of the class of 78-84 continued way beyond the graduation year in 1984 to his last day. He kept in close contact with his colleagues near and far and was always sought for advice whenever wise counsel was required. In the last one year, he was an active member of a project committee planning for a reunion of the class of 78-84.

His greatest blessing was the lovely family he had and did not hesitate to share family photographs or talk about his wife and daughters who were the pride and joy of his life. Jim was a true son of the soil and took great pleasure in his farm where he cultivated fruits and vegetables. He belongs to a family who have not only excelled in the

medical profession but are also respected o�cers who have done the Armed Forces of Kenya proud.

Who could have ever imagined that this beacon of compassion, respect, humility, professionalism and friendship would fade away so suddenly on 22nd February 2021 just shy of his 64th birthday!

What is that feeling that imposes itself on our hearts after learning of the demise of someone we knew and loved?

Is it the loss of a friendship kindled over years? Is it the knowledge that the existence that we had so taken for granted shall be no more? Is it a realisation that our lives are chap-ters of a book that we pen as authors – a day here, a week there, a month, until years have passed, and the final chapter is done when the last bugle blows? Does it sud-denly then dawn on us that we still have our last chapter to write – what will it be? And then, a heavi-ness of uncertainty grips us. Per-haps it is a mingling of all these.

One wonders about our own book of chapters and one comes to the conclusion that our last chapter is not what we write just before our decreed time is up and the angel scribes bind up our book. But rather, it is a collection of verses from the story of our life that we reflect on and wonder whether indeed we have left something of goodness to this life and humanity; any small act that might bring us respite when the accounts are balanced, as indeed they shall with every certainty.

Jim leaves behind something very special and precious for us all who were part of the Class of 78-84, a part of his life as he was a part of our lives. His life as a father, friend and professional teaches us that we do not have to wait for that moment to do good to others – we have to make that moment. We do not have to wonder what people will say about us when we are gone – we have to prepare for what we

will say when asked in the Hereafter ‘what good did you do before you came to us’. We do not have to search for the words to the sonnet of our last chapter - we have to let our hearts sing its mellifluous tune on the lyre of our life whose chords are made up of all those whose lives we have touched. Jim touched the lives of each and every one of us.

Across the miles, his classmates of the class of 78-84 share this moment of grief with his wife Monica, daughters Aida and Ste�, and Maj. Gen (Retd) Charles Mwan-zia, Florence Naomi, Maj (Retd) John Sila, Jerome Muthemba, Eliza-beth Katuu, Col Richard Wambua, and all his loved ones. We mourn the loss of a compassionate and decent human being, a professional extraordinaire, a great humanist, a genuine friend, a mentor and sage. Perhaps selected lyrics from a famous song, whose rendition was made by an equally gifted artist, captures the sentiments of his classmates:

“Like a comet blazing 'cross the evening sky, gone too soonLike a rainbow fading in the twin-kling of an eye, gone too soonLike the loss of sunlight on a cloudy afternoon, gone too soonLike a castle built upon a sandy beach, gone too soonLike a perfect flower that is just beyond your reach, gone too soonLike a sunset dying with the rising of the moon, gone too soonGone too soon”

Dearest and beloved Jim – we bid you farewell our friend. May your flight into the next world be a smooth and peaceful one, and may you stand among the favoured ones on that day of Reckoning when only our deeds will speak for us. Amen and Ameen.

Classmates of Class of 78-84

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E On one glorious 25th day of March in 1957, a son was born to joyful parents on James Farm in Nanyuki. He was to be one of a family of nine children and a sibling to four broth-ers and four sisters. He was named James Mwanzia and he grew up in Sengani village in Tala in Matungulu constituency destined to savour the many vacillating dawns and even-tides of life.

Who could have ever imagined that this young, energetic and cheerful child would one day not only become a doctor but would rise to become the Director of Medical Services in Kenya, hold senior posi-tions in the World Health Organiza-tion in Africa and be a much respected Board member of several prestigious organisations!

In 1978, Jim was one of over 100 students in a class at University of Nairobi aspiring to become part of the medical profession one day. His disarming smile, ever cheerful demeanour and sincerity earned him a special place amongst colleagues as a friend among friends. He always carried himself with such dignity and humility that his classmates of the class of 78-84 a�ectionately referred to him as ‘Sir James’, oftentimes ‘Gentleman Jim’ or just simply ‘Jim’.

Jim’s association with his mates of the class of 78-84 continued way beyond the graduation year in 1984 to his last day. He kept in close contact with his colleagues near and far and was always sought for advice whenever wise counsel was required. In the last one year, he was an active member of a project committee planning for a reunion of the class of 78-84.

His greatest blessing was the lovely family he had and did not hesitate to share family photographs or talk about his wife and daughters who were the pride and joy of his life. Jim was a true son of the soil and took great pleasure in his farm where he cultivated fruits and vegetables. He belongs to a family who have not only excelled in the

medical profession but are also respected o�cers who have done the Armed Forces of Kenya proud.

Who could have ever imagined that this beacon of compassion, respect, humility, professionalism and friendship would fade away so suddenly on 22nd February 2021 just shy of his 64th birthday!

What is that feeling that imposes itself on our hearts after learning of the demise of someone we knew and loved?

Is it the loss of a friendship kindled over years? Is it the knowledge that the existence that we had so taken for granted shall be no more? Is it a realisation that our lives are chap-ters of a book that we pen as authors – a day here, a week there, a month, until years have passed, and the final chapter is done when the last bugle blows? Does it sud-denly then dawn on us that we still have our last chapter to write – what will it be? And then, a heavi-ness of uncertainty grips us. Per-haps it is a mingling of all these.

One wonders about our own book of chapters and one comes to the conclusion that our last chapter is not what we write just before our decreed time is up and the angel scribes bind up our book. But rather, it is a collection of verses from the story of our life that we reflect on and wonder whether indeed we have left something of goodness to this life and humanity; any small act that might bring us respite when the accounts are balanced, as indeed they shall with every certainty.

Jim leaves behind something very special and precious for us all who were part of the Class of 78-84, a part of his life as he was a part of our lives. His life as a father, friend and professional teaches us that we do not have to wait for that moment to do good to others – we have to make that moment. We do not have to wonder what people will say about us when we are gone – we have to prepare for what we

will say when asked in the Hereafter ‘what good did you do before you came to us’. We do not have to search for the words to the sonnet of our last chapter - we have to let our hearts sing its mellifluous tune on the lyre of our life whose chords are made up of all those whose lives we have touched. Jim touched the lives of each and every one of us.

Across the miles, his classmates of the class of 78-84 share this moment of grief with his wife Monica, daughters Aida and Ste�, and Maj. Gen (Retd) Charles Mwan-zia, Florence Naomi, Maj (Retd) John Sila, Jerome Muthemba, Eliza-beth Katuu, Col Richard Wambua, and all his loved ones. We mourn the loss of a compassionate and decent human being, a professional extraordinaire, a great humanist, a genuine friend, a mentor and sage. Perhaps selected lyrics from a famous song, whose rendition was made by an equally gifted artist, captures the sentiments of his classmates:

“Like a comet blazing 'cross the evening sky, gone too soonLike a rainbow fading in the twin-kling of an eye, gone too soonLike the loss of sunlight on a cloudy afternoon, gone too soonLike a castle built upon a sandy beach, gone too soonLike a perfect flower that is just beyond your reach, gone too soonLike a sunset dying with the rising of the moon, gone too soonGone too soon”

Dearest and beloved Jim – we bid you farewell our friend. May your flight into the next world be a smooth and peaceful one, and may you stand among the favoured ones on that day of Reckoning when only our deeds will speak for us. Amen and Ameen.

Classmates of Class of 78-84

On one glorious 25th day of March in 1957, a son was born to joyful parents on James Farm in Nanyuki. He was to be one of a family of nine children and a sibling to four broth-ers and four sisters. He was named James Mwanzia and he grew up in Sengani village in Tala in Matungulu constituency destined to savour the many vacillating dawns and even-tides of life.

Who could have ever imagined that this young, energetic and cheerful child would one day not only become a doctor but would rise to become the Director of Medical Services in Kenya, hold senior posi-tions in the World Health Organiza-tion in Africa and be a much respected Board member of several prestigious organisations!

In 1978, Jim was one of over 100 students in a class at University of Nairobi aspiring to become part of the medical profession one day. His disarming smile, ever cheerful demeanour and sincerity earned him a special place amongst colleagues as a friend among friends. He always carried himself with such dignity and humility that his classmates of the class of 78-84 a�ectionately referred to him as ‘Sir James’, oftentimes ‘Gentleman Jim’ or just simply ‘Jim’.

Jim’s association with his mates of the class of 78-84 continued way beyond the graduation year in 1984 to his last day. He kept in close contact with his colleagues near and far and was always sought for advice whenever wise counsel was required. In the last one year, he was an active member of a project committee planning for a reunion of the class of 78-84.

His greatest blessing was the lovely family he had and did not hesitate to share family photographs or talk about his wife and daughters who were the pride and joy of his life. Jim was a true son of the soil and took great pleasure in his farm where he cultivated fruits and vegetables. He belongs to a family who have not only excelled in the

medical profession but are also respected o�cers who have done the Armed Forces of Kenya proud.

Who could have ever imagined that this beacon of compassion, respect, humility, professionalism and friendship would fade away so suddenly on 22nd February 2021 just shy of his 64th birthday!

What is that feeling that imposes itself on our hearts after learning of the demise of someone we knew and loved?

Is it the loss of a friendship kindled over years? Is it the knowledge that the existence that we had so taken for granted shall be no more? Is it a realisation that our lives are chap-ters of a book that we pen as authors – a day here, a week there, a month, until years have passed, and the final chapter is done when the last bugle blows? Does it sud-denly then dawn on us that we still have our last chapter to write – what will it be? And then, a heavi-ness of uncertainty grips us. Per-haps it is a mingling of all these.

One wonders about our own book of chapters and one comes to the conclusion that our last chapter is not what we write just before our decreed time is up and the angel scribes bind up our book. But rather, it is a collection of verses from the story of our life that we reflect on and wonder whether indeed we have left something of goodness to this life and humanity; any small act that might bring us respite when the accounts are balanced, as indeed they shall with every certainty.

Jim leaves behind something very special and precious for us all who were part of the Class of 78-84, a part of his life as he was a part of our lives. His life as a father, friend and professional teaches us that we do not have to wait for that moment to do good to others – we have to make that moment. We do not have to wonder what people will say about us when we are gone – we have to prepare for what we

will say when asked in the Hereafter ‘what good did you do before you came to us’. We do not have to search for the words to the sonnet of our last chapter - we have to let our hearts sing its mellifluous tune on the lyre of our life whose chords are made up of all those whose lives we have touched. Jim touched the lives of each and every one of us.

Across the miles, his classmates of the class of 78-84 share this moment of grief with his wife Monica, daughters Aida and Ste�, and Maj. Gen (Retd) Charles Mwan-zia, Florence Naomi, Maj (Retd) John Sila, Jerome Muthemba, Eliza-beth Katuu, Col Richard Wambua, and all his loved ones. We mourn the loss of a compassionate and decent human being, a professional extraordinaire, a great humanist, a genuine friend, a mentor and sage. Perhaps selected lyrics from a famous song, whose rendition was made by an equally gifted artist, captures the sentiments of his classmates:

“Like a comet blazing 'cross the evening sky, gone too soonLike a rainbow fading in the twin-kling of an eye, gone too soonLike the loss of sunlight on a cloudy afternoon, gone too soonLike a castle built upon a sandy beach, gone too soonLike a perfect flower that is just beyond your reach, gone too soonLike a sunset dying with the rising of the moon, gone too soonGone too soon”

Dearest and beloved Jim – we bid you farewell our friend. May your flight into the next world be a smooth and peaceful one, and may you stand among the favoured ones on that day of Reckoning when only our deeds will speak for us. Amen and Ameen.

Classmates of Class of 78-84

On one glorious 25th day of March in 1957, a son was born to joyful parents on James Farm in Nanyuki. He was to be one of a family of nine children and a sibling to four broth-ers and four sisters. He was named James Mwanzia and he grew up in Sengani village in Tala in Matungulu constituency destined to savour the many vacillating dawns and even-tides of life.

Who could have ever imagined that this young, energetic and cheerful child would one day not only become a doctor but would rise to become the Director of Medical Services in Kenya, hold senior posi-tions in the World Health Organiza-tion in Africa and be a much respected Board member of several prestigious organisations!

In 1978, Jim was one of over 100 students in a class at University of Nairobi aspiring to become part of the medical profession one day. His disarming smile, ever cheerful demeanour and sincerity earned him a special place amongst colleagues as a friend among friends. He always carried himself with such dignity and humility that his classmates of the class of 78-84 a�ectionately referred to him as ‘Sir James’, oftentimes ‘Gentleman Jim’ or just simply ‘Jim’.

Jim’s association with his mates of the class of 78-84 continued way beyond the graduation year in 1984 to his last day. He kept in close contact with his colleagues near and far and was always sought for advice whenever wise counsel was required. In the last one year, he was an active member of a project committee planning for a reunion of the class of 78-84.

His greatest blessing was the lovely family he had and did not hesitate to share family photographs or talk about his wife and daughters who were the pride and joy of his life. Jim was a true son of the soil and took great pleasure in his farm where he cultivated fruits and vegetables. He belongs to a family who have not only excelled in the

medical profession but are also respected o�cers who have done the Armed Forces of Kenya proud.

Who could have ever imagined that this beacon of compassion, respect, humility, professionalism and friendship would fade away so suddenly on 22nd February 2021 just shy of his 64th birthday!

What is that feeling that imposes itself on our hearts after learning of the demise of someone we knew and loved?

Is it the loss of a friendship kindled over years? Is it the knowledge that the existence that we had so taken for granted shall be no more? Is it a realisation that our lives are chap-ters of a book that we pen as authors – a day here, a week there, a month, until years have passed, and the final chapter is done when the last bugle blows? Does it sud-denly then dawn on us that we still have our last chapter to write – what will it be? And then, a heavi-ness of uncertainty grips us. Per-haps it is a mingling of all these.

One wonders about our own book of chapters and one comes to the conclusion that our last chapter is not what we write just before our decreed time is up and the angel scribes bind up our book. But rather, it is a collection of verses from the story of our life that we reflect on and wonder whether indeed we have left something of goodness to this life and humanity; any small act that might bring us respite when the accounts are balanced, as indeed they shall with every certainty.

Jim leaves behind something very special and precious for us all who were part of the Class of 78-84, a part of his life as he was a part of our lives. His life as a father, friend and professional teaches us that we do not have to wait for that moment to do good to others – we have to make that moment. We do not have to wonder what people will say about us when we are gone – we have to prepare for what we

will say when asked in the Hereafter ‘what good did you do before you came to us’. We do not have to search for the words to the sonnet of our last chapter - we have to let our hearts sing its mellifluous tune on the lyre of our life whose chords are made up of all those whose lives we have touched. Jim touched the lives of each and every one of us.

Across the miles, his classmates of the class of 78-84 share this moment of grief with his wife Monica, daughters Aida and Ste�, and Maj. Gen (Retd) Charles Mwan-zia, Florence Naomi, Maj (Retd) John Sila, Jerome Muthemba, Eliza-beth Katuu, Col Richard Wambua, and all his loved ones. We mourn the loss of a compassionate and decent human being, a professional extraordinaire, a great humanist, a genuine friend, a mentor and sage. Perhaps selected lyrics from a famous song, whose rendition was made by an equally gifted artist, captures the sentiments of his classmates:

“Like a comet blazing 'cross the evening sky, gone too soonLike a rainbow fading in the twin-kling of an eye, gone too soonLike the loss of sunlight on a cloudy afternoon, gone too soonLike a castle built upon a sandy beach, gone too soonLike a perfect flower that is just beyond your reach, gone too soonLike a sunset dying with the rising of the moon, gone too soonGone too soon”

Dearest and beloved Jim – we bid you farewell our friend. May your flight into the next world be a smooth and peaceful one, and may you stand among the favoured ones on that day of Reckoning when only our deeds will speak for us. Amen and Ameen.

Classmates of Class of 78-84

“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live,

and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.”John 11:25–26

People are often unreasonable and self-centered.FORGIVE THEM ANYWAY

If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives.BE KIND ANYWAY

If you are honest, people may cheat youBE HONEST ANYWAY

If you find happiness, peole may be jealous.BE HAPPY ANYWAY

The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow.DO GOOD ANYWAY

Give the world the best you have, and it may never be wnough.

GIVE YOUR BEST ANYWAY

For you see in the end , it’s between you and GodIT WAS NEVER BETWEEN YOU AND THEM ANYWAY

Mother Theresa