Shangri-La serves many different people in many different ways and they are wonderful and unique individuals. One such person we had the privilege to know, serve and love was Jim. He was an inspiring person who touched many people’s lives and we are much better people for having known him.

Jim was a model citizen who never let his disabilities define him. Rather, he showed that people with disabilities can and do live full and meaningful lives and enrich other people’s lives in the process. Jim came to represent so much of what is good and wonderful about Shangri-La, that for many, Mister Sunshine came to mean Shangri-La.

The Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities (OCDD) recently published an article on Jim and as a tribute to Jim and his legacy, we’ve asked for their permission to re-publish it here and they’ve graciously approved. Following is an edited version of the article. If you would like to read the full, original version, please visit the OCDD website and download their Fall 2009 issue #7.

Mister Sunshine

He called himself “Mister Sunshine” and would say with a smile, “Look outside, I brought that sunshine.” If you live in the Salem (Ore.) area, chances are you probably knew him: Jim – a truly colorful character.

Jim lived in his own apartment and received a few hours a week of supported living services from Shangri-La Corporation for assistance with medication, money management, and shopping. He worked at Jack in the Box on Lancaster part-time for six and a half years and took a great deal of pride in his work. He received the Employee of the Year award from The Arc of Oregon and also helped Jack in the Box win the cleanest store award.

According to his staff, he had a flare for the particular. Bobbi Kurek, his employment liaison, says, “Everything had to be just so. He was very independent; someone who could not be discouraged.” Mary Zarate, housing program manager, knew Jim for many years. “He was going to do what he was going to do. We just made sure he had enough money, Mountain Dew, and a charged cell phone,” she says with a laugh.

Jim was first diagnosed with a medical condition about eight years ago. He appeared to be doing okay for a few years, but in 2007 his health deteriorated. His doctor recommended hospice services. Jim was given all of the information and chose to receive hospice services in his home. The services provided by Willamette Valley Hospice were meant to make him as comfortable as possible; they included a home health nurse, medication for pain management, a bath aide, a spiritual counselor, music therapy, and massage therapy.

As Jim’s health worsened, it became evident that he was going to need more support. His staff really struggled with the idea that it might be necessary for Jim to move into housing with 24-hour support for his health and safety. Knowing how important it was to Jim to stay in his own home, his staff worked hard to make that happen for him. “We did what we had to do to make it work,” states Tiffani White, housing manager. Staff signed up for shifts around the clock, even staff members who had never worked with Jim before. At one time, there were over 30 people involved in Jim’s care.

For the hospice staff, who were used to interacting primarily with an individual’s family or a group home, working with a service provider was a unique situation. At first, there were some communication barriers. The hospice nursing staff didn’t understand Jim and interpreted some of his actions as “trying to get attention.” Fortunately, the staff from Shangri-La knew he was trying to communicate that he was in pain or that he wanted things done in a particular way. Eventually, the hospice team and staff from Shangri-La reached a good working relationship. It was evident that they shared a vision of providing person-centered support for Jim. The nurses started really listening to and trusting the staff who worked with Jim and knew him well. They also spoke directly to Jim and got to know and understand him.

The hospice staff also had to adhere to the rules and procedures of Shangri-La, and there was the added challenge of having so many staff involved. Many of the tasks the nurses recommended had to be delegated to specific staff and documented in a certain way.

Jim’s spiritual counselor, Dennis Heath, who was part of the hospice team, had known Jim since he lived at Fairview Training Center. Dennis helped to create a cohesive team and ensured that Jim had the support he needed. Dennis also talked with Jim’s staff and his family, answered questions, and helped to prepare everyone.

From the hospital bed in his living room, Jim remained in control of his electronics (with five remotes), his surroundings, his care, and the planning for his celebration of life. When Jim could no longer go out into the community, the community came to him. He had many visitors including friends, family, community members, and staff from Shangri-La.

Jim will be missed by everyone who knew him, but all it takes is a clear day to be reminded of him. “You see that sunshine out there? I made that happen.”

As for his friends and family, they suspect he still does.

Reprinted with permission from the Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities ©2009. All rights reserved.

To read the original article, please visit the OCDD website and download their Fall 2009 issue of Oregon Perspectives.

OCDD is dedicated to creating change to improve the lives of Oregonians with Developmental Disabilities. Please visit their website for more information: http://ocdd.org/index.php

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