James (Jimmy) Lee Tuman, 84, of Royal Oak and White Cloud, MI., slipped into heaven in the early morning of November 12 with his wife at his side. Jim dedicated his life to helping young people and the community, spreading kindness and simply making the world a better place.

A man ahead of his time, he pushed by every obstacle. He believed in truth and kindness and that there was always a way to make things happen. He lived a life of service and believed in the goodness of people, always working to ease the pain of those less fortunate.

Jim began his work as a national public speaker in his 30s helping young people in the U.S. and across the world deal with difficult challenges such as self-worth, poverty, teen violence and suicide He brought his message of hope and kindness to more than two million young people in every state and nine foreign countries and to more than 2,000 schools worldwide. His work saved thousands of lives.

“Many students sought him out during lunch so that they could thank him for opening their eyes to recognize their own self-worth and potential so they can live out their own dreams, not the dreams of others,” said Kim Loomis, assistant principal at Portage High School in Portage, MI.

Jim also spoke to more than 100 various tribal/first nations across the United States and Canada. During one of his speaking engagements he met Judy Webkamigad, who was living on a reservation. He adopted her after her parents died and that relationship continued through today.

Jim founded the non-profit, Jimmy’s Kids in 1988 to serve disadvantaged children who are indigent, physically, or emotionally impaired and, in some cases, parentless. The organization operates with hundreds of volunteers to take care of these forgotten young people and families in need, including providing school supplies and helping with utility bills as well as dealing with food insecurity. No one is turned away.

For the last 15 years he brought together three faiths – Christians, Jews, and Muslims – to volunteer along with many others to deliver toys, food, and clothing to 25,000 underprivileged children in Southwest Detroit on Christmas morning. Over the years, more than 70,000 people, some from overseas, have volunteered. Jim often dressed as Santa Claus. Jim was able to achieve something the world hasn’t by bringing three faiths together to work for one common good – helping those less fortunate. He brought “world peace” in Southwest Detroit.

Jim and Jimmy’s Kids were honored for their work by U.S. House of Representative Rashida Tlaib, who read a commendation into the Congressional Record on the floor of the House. The Kentucky Legislature also recognized him with a proclamation.

He was recognized internationally for his work with Jimmy’s Kids appearing on numerous national news programs, as well as on The Today Show, Oprah Winfrey. He was also invited to play himself in the movie A Girl Like Her.

Jim was named The Detroit News Michiganian of the Year and presented with the Distinguished Alumni Award from his alma mater Michigan State University. He also received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Scarsdale High School.

In addition to giving a Ted Talk, he wrote four books and five songs that serve as inspiration for his commitment to helping teens thrive. His Compassion Through Kindness podcast addressed problem solving for kids and families. His successful Voice of Reason program, introduced at numerous schools, brings together students from a wide section of the school body, including athletes, at-risk students, class officers, Top 10 students, student council and others to discuss, share and find solutions to the issues they face at school.

Jim developed national programs, Connections, Being Other Centered and 26 Days of Acts of Kindness, which focus on mental health, kindness and being other centered. 26 Days of Acts of Kindness was named after the number killed at Sandy Hook. The program began in 2014 at Michigan State University where thousands of students committed to doing daily acts of kindness.

Jim launched his first program, Dialogue, in the 1970s, which takes students through 50 exercises such as sitting in a wheelchair all day, sitting behind bars, and shopping for a family of four. Its goal was to put students in the shoes of others, so they understand what it’s like to deal with these issues.

That program took him to communities throughout the world. He spoke to 5,000 people in Beijing, China, and spent two summers in Japan, which led to his participating in a Fuji Telecasting documentary, Six People Who Are Changing the World, which aired nationwide in Japan in 1983.

Jim never met a stranger and loved laughter, parties and celebrations. He believed in balance in his life and managed to develop interesting hobbies. He was circus clown, rodeo rider, symphony musician, cake decorator and parade enthusiast.

After serving as a famine relief worker in Ethiopia and a roadie with the rock band Journey, he decided to begin his work with at risk young people in Michigan. He created three national programs for youth, women and returning veterans.

Jim was born in New York City on October 22, 1941 to Nathan and Anita Tuman. He graduated from Scarsdale High School in New York and from Michigan State University.

Jim loved people, and people loved him. He followed one belief for his life… If you find your purpose it is a gift from God. If you fulfill your purpose, it is your gift to God.

The Happy People Live Outside Themselves bracelet he wore every day says it all. He gave out 50,000 asking those who accept them to wear them for a year to remind themselves they too can make a difference.

Jim married Janet Canning on August 5, 2006, and they began their adventure together. He was sure the Vegas odds gave him six months, but he was able to prove those folks wrong.

Jim is survived by his wife, Janet, his daughter Judy (Howard) Webkamigad and family, stepson Ed (Erin) Canning and family, brother Robert (Joy) Tuman and family, his beloved pup-son Booker T, and thousands of children and adults who called him mentor and friend.

Jim was a remarkable powerhouse of positivity, caring, kindness and hope. He will be sorely missed.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 pm on December 6 at White Cloud High School, 555 E. Wilcox Ave., White Cloud, MI A Celebration of Life will be held in the Royal Oak area in February. Details will be announced.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Jimmy’s Kids, PO Box 150, Clawson, MI 48017. Jimmy’s Kids is a certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Donations go directly to helping the children and families.