JAMES ALLEN GEARO

Condolences & Memories (1 entries)

• I had the good fortune to be hired at the International Inn as a young 17 year old to work night maintenance. I met a guy there by the name of Jim Gearo. From the first time he met me he dubbed me “Tiny”. Every time he saw me through the years, and there were far more than might be expected, he’d see me .. flash that huge smile and say “hey Tiny … what’s happening!” Jim was a bellhop and shuttle driver back then. No doubt he was running the place by the time he left us. I just now saw this notice about his passing back in 2020 and I am shocked. He was the sort of guy that you never thought would leave the planet. We had great times then with the rest of the staff. Room service waiters Rick and Wilf and Victor. Other maintenance guys like Jimmy Hutch and Gord (affectionately known as “Nails”). And a host of others. We played cards, partied, drank like fish, took trips and went to see bands and just enjoyed each others company for the time we all shared the same space. I eventually wound up my service at the Inn and found my way back to Toronto where more often than not I’d bump into Jimmy at the Grey Cup game when it was Toronto’s turn to host. A CFL fanatic is how I’d describe him. Lol. One Grey Cup I asked him to come to my house to meet my family and I have pictures of him with my little daughter snuggled in his lap. She took to him immediately as she could sense the peaceful nature of his soul and gentleness. As did I. He was truly a wonderful funny guy that I enjoyed spending time with. When I became bellman and shuttle driver He taught me how to make a few extra $$ with the silk pillow trade (cmon it was a business man’s hotel. Those were the days) by introducing me to Gladys who ran an “escort” service out of the lounge in the basement of the Airport Hotel. She was a character, her girls were very nice people and I learned that the work you do isn’t necessarily who you are. Jimmy pointed that out to me many times in my youth. Lesson well learned. For some reason I got to thinking about Jimmy recently and so I decided to do a search … and bingo. This pops up. I was shocked by the overwhelming sense of loss I had when I read this. Even though I haven’t seen or heard from him in years. That’s the kind of impression he left on me. A lifelong respect for him and a wish that fate had allowed us some more time together to laugh and play cards. Rest well Jimmy .. I’m glad I knew ya. - Posted by: Ken Shipman (Old friend ) on: Feb 22, 2023