Gerard Luz James II donated $25,000 Monday to the V.I. Cardiac Center (VICC), because he knows firsthand the heartache and effects of heart disease: It has affected his family, the families he serves in business and him.
James gave the second of four donations in memory of his son, Gerard Luz “Luzzy” James III, who died in 2004 from ventricular hypertrophy, a rare form of heart disease. On Feb. 17, which would have been his son’s 28th birthday, James made the first donation of $25,000. James said “God willing” he hopes to make matching donations in December and the last next July.
“The Cardiac Center is very beneficial to St. Croix and all of the Virgin Islands – it is a relief to all knowing we have a good cardiac care unit,” James said. “We never know what may happen. Now patients can stay here instead of flying off island for treatment. It is so important for us as a community to understand the importance of supporting this state-of-the-art center, which is led by dynamic cardiologists, specialists and the wonderful support staff that complement the cardiologists.”
The donation is his family’s way of giving back to the community, James said.
Accepting the donation were Dr. Kendall Griffith, cardiologist and director of VICC, along with Gregory Calliste, chief executive officer of Gov. Juan F. Luis Hospital.
“This will be put to good use to be the best cardiac center in the Caribbean, as well as second to none in the United States,” Griffith said.
Calliste said the $50,000 donated so far will definitely assist with continued improvements at the center.
“With this we can continue to get the best equipment and best expertise,” Calliste said. “Conscientious citizens like James allow us to continue to make improvements to make sure we are the best we can be.”
Ten members of the James family were present for the check presentation, including the matriarch of the family, Asta K. James, who lost her husband, Gerard Luz James I, three years ago to heart disease.
“The donation makes my heart and soul feel good, since my husband also died of heart disease,” Asta K. James said.
Also on island for the presentation were Suzette Bough James, mother of James III, and his sisters, Jenelle, Jenee and Jeilene James.
“I feel my son’s spirit is around and I feel blessed today,” Bough James said. “I am glad the donation will help other heart patients.”
As a teacher she feels strongly about the need to educate women and young people about heart disease, which she plans to do, as she also has heart problems.
Conditions affecting the heart include coronary heart disease, congestive heart failure and congenital heart disease, James said. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. He encourages the community to have annual medical examinations, monitor the function of their heart, exercise, quit smoking and eat healthy foods.
James II is the director of James Memorial Funeral Home, as well as a former lieutenant governor and senator. He also served as president of the Fifth Constitutional Convention.
