GABRIEL, JAMES

James Gabriel was born in St, Lucia on May 13, 1895. He became a member of St. Lucia Athletic Club in 1923 and was elected as a delegate to the New York Cricket League in 1925. He was elected Financial Secretary of that body and served in that capacity for 25 years. In 1949, he was elected Captain of St. Lucia AC Cricket Team.

Jimmy, as he was more affectionately known, was elected delegate and then Secretary to the Joint Cricket League Committees of New York and a member of the “People to People” sports committee. He was instrumental in forming the United States Cricket Association’s Eastern Zone, and was elected its Financial Secretary.

His unquestionable character and dedication to the highest ideals of Cricket won him the respect and admiration of those whose paths he crossed. If you heard about Jimmy, you couldn’t help but like him and if you had the opportunity to meet him, you would certainly love him.

As the elder statesman, Jimmy was in the forefront; inviting teams from England, Australia, India, Pakistan, Bermuda, Antigua, St. Kitts, Grenada, St. Vincent, Montserrat, Canada and California. His managerial tour (1980) took him to St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. Kitts.

Jimmy married the former Ena O’Jon, a lady who became an avid supporter of her husband’s activities and traveled with him extensively. It was rumored that Jimmy got his energy from her.