The Adventures of James W

There is so much to tell about my life that I could probably write a book, however, I only have limited space, so I will highlight the key events of my life that have shaped the person I am today. On January 5, 1950, I was born at General Hospital in St. Catherine's to the Campbell family and adopted shortly thereafter to George and Jean W. Soon afterwards, myself along with my parents and my sister Sue moved to Grimsby where I spent my childhood. What I remember most about growing up in Grimsby was tobogganing on the mountains, camping in my backyard with my friends Tommy, Joe and Billy. ice skating on weekends, and seeing old movies at the Roxy Theatre.

Perhaps the most influential individual from my adolescence was Mr Dyes, the special education teacher at Grimsby Secondary School. I remember that he bought a farmhouse on Main Street in Wasaga Beach, and every weekend myself along with my classmates would clean it out, and eventually we helped turn it into a Dairy Queen. Mr Dyes taught me how to ride a motorcycle and even assisted me in getting a motorcycle license. Mr Dyes was a kind and compassionate mans who taught me the value of responsibility.

In 1972. my mother passed away and within two years, my father passed as well, This was a very difficult time in my life as I was really close with my parents. I remember living in the hospital for three weeks while my father was being treated for cancer of the throat. Soon after my fathers death, my sister and I moved to
Sault Saint Marie where I began working with "People First". Here I worked with individuals with disabilities and lobbied to make businesses fully accessible to people in wheelchairs. Soon afterwards, I became the People First President of the Sault Saint Marie area.

I was also involved in Community Living London where I attended numerous workshops and learned different trades such as making flowers and buttons. Community Living changed my life and helped to transform me into an outgoing and independent individual. I soon gained enough confidence in myself that I began acting in plays, and I even remember making a speech on TV about health living during the city's "Fitness Week".

Now I live in London where I am most happy. The staff and the individuals at the Alice Saddy Association are my family and I have realized that their endless support and commitment to my well being has helped make London my true home. At the Association's Drop-in Centre, I have helped organize a Men's Club, and I enjoy participating in Drama Club, Gardening Club, and Knitting Club. I even assisted in painting a Monet Canvas for the Art Club. In the summer I volunteer as a gardener at he Eldon House and throughout the winter I work at a Collective Kitchen.

In the future I hope to travel throughout Europe, visiting England, France, and hopefully Scotland where I can learn about my family tree.