Nationally acclaimed dramatic arts direc­tor, actor and promoter James Lee Wah died last weekend. The following is a reflection of his life and work, written by his friend and former colleague Godfrey J Martin.

We reflect on the journey and contributions made as we mourn the passing one of San Fernando’s pathfinders—­drama director and iconic Sher­pa in the theatre world James Lee Wah—who transitioned on July 4 at age 89.

Jimmy, as he was affectionately called, was a national treasure, excellent teacher and educator, visionary, innovator, inspirer of many, lover of nature, humanist and a sensitive director of drama and theatre arts. His soft-spoken manner and smile masked a steely determination and commitment to get the job done.