People in the Forefront

by Alan Swinton
East York Times, November12, 1998
 

Jim Rooney is better known in the hustleand bustle of Canada's largest city as Jamr (pronounced Jammer), a bikecourier for the last 11 years.

He has survived long and hard in a professionwhere half the couriers have clocked only two years on the road.

Since April '97, Jim has had the internationalreport on Tuesdays at VoicePrint, a 24-hour radio reading service for theblind operated out of Leaside.

"One of the advantages is it keeps me verywell informed on international issues," he said, adding there are somejournalists who could use brushing up on their writing skills.

Two stories that have dominated his internationalreport are the death of Princess Diana and the exploits of Monica Lewinsky.

"I suspect I'll have to read somethingabout Hurricane Mitch this week," he said shortly before going on air.

Jim began his education at Upper CanadaCollege from Grades 3 to 9, and then opted for the alternative learningenvironment of Inglenook Community High School, which was still findingits teaching formula in the early 80s.

After graduating, and a stint as a partyanimal, he became a walking courier for three months, but got himself abike and joined the two-wheeled, lightning-fast delivery set.

Although slim and trim, he enjoys a nicebreakfast of bacon and eggs in the mornings. He added many couriers surviveon a steady intake of nicotine, caffeine, sugar and other dietary healthwarrants.

The prospect of working with people whoare blind and visually impaired wasn't even a consideration for Jim, whofinds the technicians "extremely capable."

"Sometimes I'm glad they can't see whatI look like in the morning," he joked.

Jim was advised that if he wanted to dovoice work, the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) or VoicePrintwould be a good start. He applied as a volunteer to both organizationsand was accepted by both, but by VoicePrint first.

"I love it and it's good experience forme too. At least it lets me exercise my voice," said Jim.

Jim, who plays both acoustical and electricguitars, would like to start his own band.

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