JAMES GAY

James Gay was the ultimate leader of the CBASS organization.  James invited a trainer from the Western Community Policing Center to come to Alaska to teach several groups of community leaders about “community mobilization,” and out of that training came the formation of Community Based Action for a Safer Society (CBASS).  Following the challenge to stay together for a period of six months, and to put together a community service project, James led the way to the first CBASS Town Hall meeting, designed to provide a forum for members of the community to work together to respond to all the ways alcohol abuse and underage drinking were harming communities and families.  The CBASS organization, under James’ leadership, has continued its’ mission since 2000.

James quietly led this organization through an example of Servant Leadership and urging others to live as Agents of Change:  to have the courage to reject the status quo and step up to lead in change.  James was a Servant first, and as a result, a Leader.

James was consistent in his commitment and service as a Deacon and youth leader of Shiloh Baptist Church, his work as Supervisor for the Alaska Department of Probation and Parole, his service on the Board of Directors of Mothers Against Drunk Driving and his commitment to both victims and offenders, his community, his family and his faith.

James provided us the privilege of observing and experiencing his example of a life as a Servant Leader through his consistent examples of spirituality, wisdom and strength.  These are gifts that James humbly and quietly shared with each of us, and which we strive to attain.