As the Kamara family gathers in Riverside, California on Saturday, July 23rd 2011, in celebration of the life and legacy of our dear departed daddy, uncle and friend Mr. James Lahai Kamara (JL), who departed this earth 24 years ago in 1987; we wish to highlight some of the attributes that made this son of Pujehun district such a wonderful man.

24 years ago since you departed, the loss remains ever so deep and strong, Daddy!

Born in Potoru, Barrie Chiefdom in the Pujehun district, to Maada Harouna Kamara and Madam Fodie Watta Koroma, Papa J.L Kamara attended the Holy Family Primary School in Pujehun attaining standard six and then proceeding to the Catholic Training College in Bo, where upon completion he was employed as a teacher up till 1943.

In 1943 he enlisted in the West African Frontier Force and was part of the 81st West African Division of the 14th Army, comprising of soldiers from Gold Coast, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Gambia that saw admirable action against the Japanese in Burma during the Second World War.

At war's end in 1945, Papa J.L returned to Freetown and under the tutelage of Dr. Milton Margai, Sierra Leone's first protectorate physician, he was encouraged to enter the colonial medical services and trained as a nurse. He subsequently pursued further training as a pharmacist, druggist, and dispenser and practiced medicine throughout Sierra Leone. His long illustrious career in the Ministry of Health, where he retired as a Deputy Chief Pharmacist/Dispenser, culminated in postings from Freetown, Kabala, Makeni, Magburuka, Kenema, Bo, Pujehun, Port Loko, Zimmi and Kono where he opened his private pharmacy and health care center at retirement.

His commitment to improving our nation's healthcare in the post independence years remains unchallenged as evidenced by the many thousands of lives saved, touched, healed and counseled in all regions of Sierra Leone.  Many more in small villages and towns were touched by his medical expertise, dedication and generosity. 

His overarching attribute was his dedication and commitment to education, which motivated him to have all his children go through university and professional training.  At a time when paying tuition for a student at Fourah Bay College was exclusively the purview of government, absent which many talented students were unable to fulfill their dream of higher education, Papa JL paid tuition and board for some of his children when government was no longer able to afford scholarships.

When we remember your sacrifices and personal deprivations for family, your untimely loss still remains a source of grave sorry to all your children and extended family.  

We shall forever remain grateful for the love, nurturing and education you provided, for as you always reminded us, "education is what I am leaving for you guys and not property, for being the key to success, your individual educational pursuits is what I believe in and will support with my last cent".

From Children:  Professor Lawrence Kamara, Bartholomew ( M.B), Kortor (USA), Maada, Eddie, Mustapha (USA), Mary Rose (USA), Josephine (Nigeria), Sheku (Belgium), Fodie, Fodie (USA), and Lamina Kamara (USA).

Widows: Mrs. Fatmata Kamara and Mrs. Mamie Kamara (USA).

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