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Continued from page 19 He loves to fly planes and for years he and his wife Janet flew all over the USA, Canada and beyond. With a sly smile he says “I taught my wife to fly, just in case I ever got sick, so she could safely land the plane.” And although he doesn’t hang glide anymore, he was an avid glider for many years. “I haven't been kind to my body,” Jim admitted with a grin. Three years ago the love of his life passed away and Jim decided to move from their large home into something smaller. It was during this move that he discovered a beauti- ful plaque wrapped in kraft paper. The plaque, like many other things in Jim’s life, had been buried in storage for more than 40 yea, being dragged from house to house as they move “We moved at least four times. ym amazed that I still had it,” he exclaimed. Sometime after finding the plaque he decided it should be returned to a member of the Slaughter family, but he was unable to locate any relatives. Next he contacted the Port Perry Star who suggested he get in touch with local historian Peter Hvidsten at Focus on Scugog. Jim said he would donate it to any local organization Proud to be citizens of a nation made great by the sacrifices and dedication of all our military personnel. We salute you. SALES ¢ SERVICE ¢ PARTS 1565 Hwy. 7A, Port Perry 905-985-3655 22 FOCUS - NOVEMBER 2009 Former Port Perry resident Jim Hood, with the plaque he found in his home in the U.S.A., honouring young Harry Slaughter. that would take care of it and offered to bring the plaque to Port Perry. That was back in May, but health problems got in the way of his mission two months later when he was hospitalized for critical heart surgery. Following his recovery Jim resumed his mission. After contacting Focus on Scugog again, we arranged with history teacher Nancy Hamer Strahl at Port Perry High School to take on the task of researching Harry’s military career. She and her students enthusiastically jumped at the ry and in th article you will have an opportunity to learn more about this young Port Perry soldier, killed in the prime of his life. And so it was on October 6, while lying in a hospital bed recuperating from heart problems, Jim told his attend- ing nurse that he didn’t have time for rehabilitation because he had something he wanted to do. The nurse explained