BY LEONG Z-KEEN
KUCHING: Family members of the late Corporal (Rtd) Etim Jam fondly recalled their best memories with him during his funeral.
Family members close to Etim were seen praying and putting flowers onto his casket before they witness the final moments of him being laid to eternal slumber at the Heroes’ Grave at Jalan Taman Budaya here.
New Sarawak Tribune managed to speak to a few of the family members.
MARGARET JOSHUA JANGGA, 74, STEPSISTER
“He was a very kind and invaluable family member because to me, he cannot be replaced.
“He also asked me to keep visiting him no matter his health condition.”
AGNES SAGA, 65, SISTER-IN-LAW
“We enjoyed conversing with him a lot because of his soft voice and our in-laws also have a healthy relationship throughout the years.
“Besides that, I was able to visit him when he was hospitalised, but he was discharged not long after, so hearing about his passing really shocked me as I did not receive any news of him being sick.”
TENGGAK JAN, 63, ADOPTED NEPHEW
“He was a kind-hearted person. I was close to him since our childhood since we would share a lot of things.
“I would always remember his wisdom for prioritising education and constantly look for new knowledge because he had a forward-looking mentality.
DARREN EDWIN JEPUN, 52, NEPHEW
“I always would visit his house and sometimes stay overnight at his place. He was quite a smooth and joyful person when sharing about his life, opinions, and even his advice.
“One of the memories he would often share with us was him trying his best to protect his comrades, disregarding his own safety.
“I would also talk with him often because he always give sound advice like respect your elders and take care of our own family with a soothing tone, but now, I’ve lost the perfect uncle which I could not find a replacement for.”