People in the Forefront

by Alan Swinton
East York Times, November 12, 1998
 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jim began his education at Upper Canada College from Grades 3 to 9, and then opted for the alternative learning environment of Inglenook Community High School, which was still finding its teaching formula in the early 80s.

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

Although slim and trim, he enjoys a nice breakfast of bacon and eggs in the mornings. He added many couriers survive on a steady intake of nicotine, caffeine, sugar and other dietary health warrants.

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

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

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

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

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

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