Dear NLARA Community,

It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of our beloved brother, friend, and colleague, Jim Power. Many of you had the privilege of knowing Jim over the past several years; to know him was to be touched by his kindness, enthusiasm, and love for each member of the NLARA community and the commitment you each put into action to serve our youth.

Clark Power, Jim's brother and a fellow member of the NLARA Advisory Committee, shared the following:

"My brother Jim died peacefully on Monday, July 14, after a long battle with cancer. Jim played a crucial advisory role in establishing Play Like a Champion as an organization over 25 years ago, and he helped lead it as our COO for the last eight years. Leaders from the North Lawndale community graciously welcomed Jim and me to join them in establishing the North Lawndale Athletic and Recreation Association (NLARA), a collaborative that included UCAN, Old St. Patrick’s Kinship Initiative, and local nonprofit sports and recreational organizations.

Jim experienced firsthand the truth of NLARA’s mantra, 'We are stronger together.' He began every meeting with the reminder, 'We do what we do because we love the kids.' For Jim, love was not just a warm feeling or a good intention—it was an action.

Jim knew, from the time he was a child himself, that true love is rooted in kinship, where the giving and receiving of love are two parts of a whole. My purpose in sharing the news of Jim’s passing is to let you know that he treasured being part of the NLARA community, working with each of you, and participating in all that you contribute to the lives of our children.

Jim faced his death with joy, knowing not only that he ran his lap in this relay race of life as hard as he could but also that you and I would be there to accept the baton."

Please join us in praying for Jim's family and all those in North Lawndale and beyond who were indelibly touched by the incredible impact Jim made during his life. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy lives on through this community and the many saints who continue to serve our youth and promote the mission he loved so much.