We, like all who knew and loved Dr. Jim Laurita, are devastated by his passing. The extent of this tragic loss can be measured in direct proportion to the extraordinary number of lives he touched. Jim is truly irreplaceable, leaving a monumental hole in our community and beyond. When considered, that is not surprising for a man who was an inspirational educator, turning every interaction into a teachable moment. Jim loved life, and saw all creatures, large and small, as integral parts of the most majestic tapestry imaginable. He allowed Rosie and Opal to serve as ambassadors, helping us understand their place and ours in the world we share.
We will ensure that Hope Elephants continues to exist and thrive, bringing meaning to its mission while serving to honor and fulfill Jim’s legacy. The Board was already in the midst of a strategic planning process to define how we could best fulfill our mission. While that process will continue with renewed vigor, without Jim at the helm it will obviously need redefinition and re-imagination. We will value the guidance of all of our stakeholders including the communities surrounding Hope, Maine, teachers, students, conservationists, and all who came to love and treasure Jim, Rosie and Opal.
For Jim, his first thought, always, was for the well-being of “his girls”. The sacrifices that he made to make
Hope Elephants possible and sustainable were incredible. Everyone who knew him appreciated that his commitment was total. To that end, over the past few years, Jim sold his veterinary practice to raise money to fund the operation, lent money to the organization, deferred taking much of his already modest salary, funded equipment purchases, and more. In total, Hope Elephants owed Jim more than $300,000 at his death. This obligation from us represents substantially the entire net worth of Jim’s family. Therefore, Hope Elephants has created The Jim Laurita Fund which is gratefully accepting contributions that will be used to meet this need and provide support for Carrie, Henry and Louis. Instructions for supporting this fund are at the bottom of this statement and any and all assistance represents a touching and much appreciated tribute to Jim.
Lastly, Jim’s expectation of us was clear. He taught us the meaning of stewardship and was unequivocal in expressing his belief that our first responsibility was to ensure the continued well-being of Rosie and Opal. To that end, at least for the present, we will be returning the girls to the well-established, elephant care facility from which they came to us. They go back having greatly benefited from the host of therapies that Jim oversaw and we will work to see that those continue, so that Jim’s innovative veterinary techniques will benefit not only Rosie and Opal but, hopefully, other elephants as well.
For now, as we continue to care for two magnificent elephants that were a major part of Jim’s life for the past three decades, we turn our thoughts and prayers to his family and all who knew and loved him. We have lost a husband, father, son, brother, teacher, doctor, and friend. He touched our hearts in profound ways that will be with us always, and serve as the inspiration for his legacy which we are committed to preserve.
The Board of Directors of Hope Elephants
You may donate to the Jim Laurita Fund online at:
http://hopeelephants.org/lauritafund/
Or make donation checks out to:
Hope Elephants – Jim Laurita Fund
Hope Elephants
P.O Box 2025
Hope, ME 04847
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