The late James Jesubatham and Mrs. Victoria Jesubatham, my father-in-law and mother-in-law who gave me so much of their lives, passed away on March 22, 2017 and April 1, 2017 respectively at age 87 and 82.
They rested in peace with Jesus within 10 days of each other, which signifies how united they lived together for 63 long years, which is indeed remarkable. Having lost their first born Ranjith in 1955, to a brief illness, they had a son Ravi and three daughters, Romila, Rajeevo and Ramya, to whom they gave all comforts in life including higher education. and gave them in marriage, finding right life partners, and they have seen their eight grandchildren and looked into their welfare with pleasure. James Jesubatham worked for A. Baur & Co. Ltd., Colombo, for 50 years, joining in 1947 as a clerk and retired as a Senior Accountant in 1997 working for the same establishment, which is admirable and a rare record. Likewise, Victoria Jesubatham started her career as a Trained Govt.
Teacher in 1960 and retired as a Vice-Principal in 1990 at the same school C.C. School, in Pussellawa, serving for 30 years. Their loyalty, dedication and respect for their jobs are indeed praiseworthy.
They unitedly served and contributed a lot for the smooth running of the Church.
The late Jesubatham was a Senior Member of the Holy Trinity Church, Pussellawa and served as an Acolyte, assisting the parish priest, ordained by the former Bishop of Kurunegala. Likewise, Mrs. Jesubatham served as a Warden and later as the Hon. Treasurer for nearly 12 years at a stretch.
They helped the poor without exposing themselves, as Christ preached, and engaged in many social activities. It was only at the funeral service oration lead by a Senior Priest, that everyone got to know they had donated a large sum of money towards the Kurunegala Diocese to help the poor and the needy and also a part of the donation to assist the clergies of the Kurunegala Diocese for their welfare after retirement. Up to now, many have benefited by their generous deed.
Both had special talents in counselling, not only to family members but also teenagers and elderly people who sought their help. They were punctual and methodical in all their activities.
They won the hearts of the people showing immeasurable love and compassion.
I am proud of them both, as they stood for the right at every instance and maintained a high quality of lifestyle without giving up each other under any circumstances.
We should console ourselves that they have gone to rest in peace with Jesus after toiling hard and setting an example for the next generation. May God keep these precious souls in His bosom forever until we meet them at the gates of Heaven.
Rajan Selvadurai