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
