Dedication
To my father, James L. Donaldson II
With great honor, joy, and admiration, this book is dedicated to my father. He is the man who has been a consistent positive influence throughout my life, and the one who dedicated his life to being the provider, protector, positive influence, and constant presence in the lives of all our family despite the challenges, pressures, and demands that were placed upon him during his own journey through this thing we call “life.”
In this media frenzy and photo opportunity world we live in, where dads seem almost absent, and so much credit and adulation is given to “Mom,” I want to take this moment to say, “Thank you, Dad.”
Dad, you’ll never know the full extent of what you meant to me throughout my life. I may have grown to be bigger in physical stature than you and even wear a larger shoe size, but I pale in comparison and will never be able to fill your shoes.
You’ve blazed trails so I’ll never have to put in as much effort to travel them as you have. You’ve overcome challenges and battles I’ll never have to face or fight.
I’ll never be able to say thank you enough, but I hope that by my being the model of an exemplary life, I make you happy and proud—it’s my way of giving back and saying, “Thank You.”
– Thank you for being you.
– Thank you for being the best “you” that you knew how to be.
– Thank you for showing, leading, and helping me to be the best me I can be.
– Thank you for being there for all of us (especially me).
Love always,
Your son,
James L. Donaldson III
This dedication is an actual excerpt from the book, Standing Above the Crowd. You can order your own autographed copy by going to the website and just asking (smile!).
James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
JamesD@StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
1-800-745-3161 (voicemail & fax)
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
