Jimmy Aboud, known as The Textile King, was laid to rest after a funeral service celebrating his accomplishments and highlighting his hardships. His wife, children, extended family, employees and loyal customers yesterday gave him an emotional send-off in a ceremony attended by President Anthony Carmona and Chief Justice Ivor Archie.
Described as a loving son, husband, father and grandfather, Aboud, 87, died on September 15, after undergoing an emergency valve replacement procedure weeks before at the University of Miami Hospital’s Cardiac Care Unit. The father of five developed complications and died with his wife, Lily, daughter, Linda, and sons — Gary, Gregory, James and Stephen—at his bedside.
Delivering the eulogy yesterday at the St Finbar’s RC Church, Diego Martin, Justice James Aboud paid tribute to the legend his father had become but shared personal insights into the family’s history and humble beginnings. He praised his father’s strong work ethic, determination and unusual business strategies. His father had "to fight all his life" for everything he wanted and never missed an opportunity to teach his children to be industrious, civil, honorable and judicious with money, he said.
Justice Aboud shared the podium with his twin brother Gregory who expressed sentiments on behalf of the family. Gregory Aboud said their father had survived poverty, struggled through financial difficulty and achieved a wealth beyond money as he had taught them love for one another, appreciation for other’s hard work, a love of country and to never hold a grudge.
In the homily, celebrant Fr Thomas Lawson spoke of his close interaction with the Abouds who lived by the edict that every family gathering or celebration should be opened with a prayer. Describing Aboud as a man of deep faith, Lawson said he was never afraid to show his love for God and his family openly and avoided confrontation with those who wronged him. A true Christian was how Lawson summed up Aboud.
Among dignitaries at the ceremony were Judges Nolan Bereaux, Hayden St Clair-Douglas, Andre des Vignes, Malcolm Holdip and Joseph Tam, and Madame Justices Maria Wilson, Nadia Kangaloo, Andrea Smart, Charmaine Pemberton and Judith Jones. The registrar of the Supreme Court Jade Rodriguez, assistant registrar Shabiki Cazabon and other high court officials also paid their respects.
Former ministers John Rahael and Arnold Piggott and masman Mike Antoine also were present.
