Simply Said – In Memory of James le Mesurier
Just a few weeks ago, a small group of my former colleagues who were able to travel to Washington D.C. reunited in a private room in the back of a well-known whiskey bar near the bustling area of Adams Morgan.
Around a crackling fireplace, we gathered to celebrate the life and achievements of our good friend, a former colleague and a true British gentleman, James le Mesurier.
Photo by David Wyllie – nakedeyeimagery.etsy.com
James met an untimely and suspicious death in Istanbul, Turkey on November 11, 2019, where he lived in a small apartment with his second wife above the office of Mayday Rescue, a non-profit he co-founded in 2014.
The Turkish authorities have just recently concluded their investigations and have ruled his death a suicide after he apparently jumped or fell from the ledge outside a window of his apartment. He was found several meters away from that window, on the sidewalk below, still wearing the same street clothes and watch that he had worn the evening prior.
James had recently spent an enjoyable time with his two young daughters, but, in spite of being known as a talented writer, no suicide note was found.
While many theories will continue to swirl around how James may have died, many of us are concerned we may never know the truth. It is now up to the British government to uncover more details. If they know what happened, they would have to be willing to report their findings to the world. If not, I’m sure the true circumstances of his death will always be shrouded in mystery and intense speculation. For those reasons, I can only focus on the way James lived his life, as I knew him.
In the days leading up to James’ death, some members of the leadership of foreign governments had made it publicly known that they were not happy with his efforts to assist the White Helmets in their rescue of civilians who were the “collateral damage” of the war in Syria. The White Helmets have been credited with saving thousands of men, women and children and their work exposed the horrible atrocities that have been committed against these innocents, bringing much-needed attention to the outside world as to what was happening there.
Many of us (his former colleagues) were not completely aware of James’ involvement in Syria, with Mayday Rescue or the White Helmets. It had been more than a decade earlier when we were all working together in Abu Dhabi for a U.S.-based consulting company. Over the years many of our contracts and projects came to an end and everyone went on to other international projects. Shortly after our time in the UAE, James began to pursue other passions in the Middle East, which was now not suprising to learn. He loved finding unique approaches (and even heroic efforts) to make a humanitarian difference.
James’ life is yet another reminder of those who may go well above and beyond, and yet are unacknowledged while they try to make a difference in this world.
As our small group reminisced, we agreed that James had found his true calling after we all worked together in Abu Dhabi. We recalled many memories of our short time with James that were inspirational, introspective and humorous.
Whatever James had an idea about, he somehow made it a reality, no matter how crazy it sounded. He was ambitious and rarely lacked confidence, qualities that many admired but could find sometimes irritating all at once. Both he and his then wife, Sarah, came to Abu Dhabi to work for the same U.S.-based consulting company and decided to live on a small remote island, where they commuted by skiff and transferred from there into a Range Rover (true to his British roots, of course) for the final leg to the office. Many days, Sarah would arrive at the office drenched and irritated, swearing under her breath about James’ “romantic idea” of living on this island as she headed to the restroom to dry her hair and change her clothes.
Photo by David Wyllie – nakedeyeimagery.etsy.com
Most of the time, it seemed to be a fascinating concept and a perfect fit for his and Sarah’s adventurous personalities. Many of us were invited out to this small island to have dinner and hang out as we got to know each other and marveled at the uniqueness of their living environment. We also recalled his other ambitious effort to convert a distressed maritime defense boat from Oman into a liveaboard; something he and a few friends put a lot of work into and when completed, was as unique and fascinating as James himself.
To most who knew James, he will always be remembered as intense, intelligent, funny, sometimes annoying, but a consummate professional. He was an excellent public speaker with quick British wit, humor and charm. Surprisingly, at times he could be be somewhat introverted. He loved stimulating conversations over a glass of good wine with the delectable aroma of Middle Eastern dishes. His infectious personality could draw you in and convince you that anything was possible. He made you want to join his team and his cause.
Photo by David Wyllie - nakedeyeimagery.etsy.com
James and I first crossed paths in Kosovo shortly after the war ended. He did have an intelligence background from his days in the British military, but the claims that he was a British MI6 spy is preposterous in our opinions. Some critics have drawn attention to his collection of James Bond books and movies as proof he was a spy. If having a keen desire to be James Bond makes you a spy, then color me and most men in the world British spies.
In 2016, James received the very distinct honor of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his humanitarian efforts and the protection of the civilians in Syria. This may have been his highest awarded honor, but was only followed by being a father with Sarah to two beautiful daughters.
While we may never know the truth surrounding his death, one common theme is certain about his life: James lived a passionate existence of service and all who knew him will never forget our friend and colleague.
May peace be with him, his family and children during the difficult times ahead without his incredible spirit. May we all remember the James in our lives that lived a life that seemed only to be about making an authentic difference in our world. Many, like him, leave us far too soon.
Remembering James reminds me of a quote by Churchill:
I am prepared to meet my Maker.
Whether my Maker is prepared for the great ordeal of meeting me
is another matter.
~ Winston Churchill
I hope the stories and memories surrounding his life will be shared for many years to come, and especially with Sarah and the girls. And when those who knew him meet again in cities like Washington, D.C., London, or in those quaint and/or obscure locations around the world on cobblestone streets, we will toast to our friend and always remember James le Mesurier.
Cheers - and rest in peace my friend,
—Mike
