A Tribute to Jim By: John Bourdeau (Teacher at Regina Mundi)

On Thursday, October 20, 1977, a former student of Regina Mundi, Jim Bassett died when the Phantom Jet which he was piloting crashed into the Pacific. The plane went down about thirty miles from Sante Catalina, California. The jet's navigator aslo died in the accident.
For those younger R.M.C. alumni who did not know him, it will suffice to say that he exemplified the goals and leadership qualities which are Regina Mundi's.
Jim spent five years at R.M.C. and during those years was always one of the top students in his class. Academics was not the only filed in which Jim excelled. He was involved in many aspects of the sports program as well, but can best be remembered for the abilities which won him a place on Western's wrestling team in later years.
After leaving Regina Mundi, Jim went to the University of Western Ontario where he received his Bachelor's of Science degree.
When Jim graduated from Western, he joined the Untited States Marines to become a pilot.His goal upon joining was to become a qualified jet pilot, and then. at a later time. to seek employment flying for a commercial airline.
It has only been since Jim joined the Marine's four years ago that I have come to realize the true meaning of friendships which develop during our years at school.Each year when he came home to Ridgetown, Jim always toook the time to come to London and visit with old friends. He kept in touch with the school and was always interested in what was happening there.
As well as his yearly visits, Jim wrote often to friends and former classmates. a communication which I for one was not as faithful as I could have been.
As a tribute to Jim and to coin on of his phrases, because he was a "special friend" I would like to recommend to the alumni that the new bursary fund which we are starting to be called the "Jim Bassett Bursary Fund", in honour of one who lived the ideals of Regina Mundi College.

The staff, students and alumni of Regina Mundi College would like to extend their profound sympathies to Mr. and Mrs. Claire Bassett and family on the loss of their beloved son and brother.
May he rest in peace.