Open Forum

  • 1.  The Extraordinary Jim Prendergast

    Posted 01-19-2017 01:30 PM

    I was really saddened to read about Jim's passing. I was also so incredibly grateful to have met such a wonderful man during my very first week at Idealliance. I actually met Jim as I was walking from the train depot into the building. As I sat and talked with him and listened to him, I was impacted by his extraordinary journey, which he found ordinary in a humbling way. He was incredibly fascinating, actually unbelievably fascinating. We were talking about where he lived and that he was the “head of the tenant board” in his building and who lived there and he talked about it as if it was no big deal, when in reality his entire life was a big deal. We talked about Ireland, a place I called home for many, many years. I realized when I was talking to him that I was talking to a quite a legend, quite a gentleman, a character, and a man that was trans-formative in our industry, and a man that had an incredible journey of life. He was also so gracious and humble. He spoke to me one-on-one and was interested in in finding out more about me, where I came from, what I would be doing at Idealliance, and he had a way of making you feel like you had known him before. He was comfortable and comforting. It was a great honor to meet him and he made a point to come shake my hand before leaving before going back to New York, which I was amazed by, because I intended to go shake his hand, wish him safe travels, and tell him what a pleasure it was to meet him. I could have sat for days and listened to the story of his life, his experiences. What I was struck by was that he was so on-point, in-tune with the industry, and interested, as if he had this undying thirst for the industry, people and their journey's in life, and extending his hand, as he did to me to let me know if he could be of help in any way to give him a call. I certainly did not know Jim as many did in this industry, in fact, I really did not know him it all, but I was impacted by his grace and I certainly will never forget the great pleasure of our paths crossing in life.



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    Tim Baechle
    Director of Global Print Media Markets & Technologies
    Idealliance
    Alexandria, VA
    (512) 785-0490
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  • 2.  RE: The Extraordinary Jim Prendergast

    Posted 01-23-2017 08:17 AM
      |   view attached
    Tim,

    Thank you for sharing this great encounter you experienced with Jim.  It's a testament to Jim's greatness that you and so many others of us were touched by his spirit.  He was the most optimistic, caring and generous person I have ever met.  He was truly "a man for others" as the Jesuits inspired him to be.

    He certainly was a legend in our industry.  The attached photo is proof of that.  He was honored numerous times throughout his remarkable career.

    Best,

    Tim


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    Timothy Kennon
    President
    McVicker & Higginbotham
    Long Island City NY
    718-937-2940
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  • 3.  RE: The Extraordinary Jim Prendergast

    Posted 01-24-2017 08:42 AM
    Thank you for the beautiful note, we will all miss Jim. He was a special man and he inspired me over the years to be good to other people and treat everyone fairly. I hope the stories about Jim will last forever because he is worth remembering.
    Thanks again for sharing.
    Dennis

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    Dennis Lacognata
    Managing Partner
    Prompt Direct
    Staten Island NY
    718-447-6206
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