Jacques Tawfiq Lama, loving husband, father, Baba, Sedo, son, brother and uncle went to be with our Lord Jesus Christ, surrounded by his loving family, on December 11, 2021 . Jacques is survived by his loving wife of 54 years Grace Sahar Lama, children Dominique Lama, Dr. Natalie Monticciolo (Dr. Vincent Monticciolo), André J. Lama, (Colleen Lama) and grandchildren Isabella Monticciolo, Sophia Monticciolo, Luca Lama, and Theodore Lama.

Born on July 6, 1934 in Bethlehem, Palestine to Tawfiq and Marie Lama, Jacques was one of 13 children. Starting at a very young age, Jacques was his father’s right hand in helping him make decisions. Everywhere Tawfiq went, Jacques was by his side.

A man of the arts, Jacques spoke fluent English, Arabic, French, and Spanish. He was a historian. Politics, government, and history were something Jacques loved to discuss not only in the United States , but globally. Jacques received his prestigious education in Bethlehem at the College des Freres. He was so advanced , he started teaching at a Methodist school at an early age. There, he met an elderly woman, Mrs. McAuley, who was visiting the church and school. She liked and sponsored him to come to the United States. Jacques moved to Michigan in 1957 and attended Adrian College where he received his Bachelors degree in teaching and education. Jacques also later received his Masters degree in teaching and education at Saginaw Valley State University. His first teaching position was in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan at a private school. After one year of teaching, he was offered a position at Bay City Central High School where he taught for 36 years, retiring in 1999.

Jacques began his career teaching French and eventually added Spanish, and adult education (night school) to his course load. He molded so many lives, and his curriculum was more like that of a College Professor, always demanding the most out of his students. Jacques started Central High School’s first French Club, where he took his students on annual trips to Canada to practice the French language that they learned throughout the year.

Grace Naomi Sahar , from Jerusalem, Palestine, was only 18 when she had a chance meeting with Jacques. Four years later, they reunited and started courting. Jacques fell head over heals in love for Grace. Although she was living in New Jersey and Jacques in Michigan, they embarked on a long distance relationship. He then asked her father, Issa Sahar, for his daughter’s hand in marriage. Jacques and Grace were married on August 19, 1967, and progressed through a 54 year love story for the ages.

Through his hard work and perseverance, Jacques sponsored and supported his brothers in helping them immigrate to the United States.

Jacques is also survived by his siblings, Ibrahim Lama(Su’ad )Judith Handal , Samir Lama(Lilian), Emilie Hasbun, Fouad Lama(Heidelore), Maurice Lama(Joan), Michel Lama(Scarlet), Joseph Lama(Maria), sister-in-law Alice Moustakas (Stavros) brother-in-law Dr. David Sahar(Maya), and sister-in-law Marianne Sahar, numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

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Jacques is preceded in death by his parents Tawfiq and Marie Lama and by siblings Mary Handal, Hanna Handal, George Lama, and Johnny Lama.

Jacques Tawfiq Lama will be sorely missed from this world. He impacted so many lives for the better, and he will live on through each one of us forever. We love you Chard, Dad, Baba, Sedo, Uncle, Amo, Khalo,… “Forever and a day, “Our One and Only!”

A celebration of his life will be held on Tuesday, December 28, 2021.

Visitation : 9:00 am -10:30am

Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Home

701 E Tarpon Ave Tarpon Springs FL 34689

Mass 11:00 am

St Ignatius of Antioch Catholic Church

715 E Orange St.

Tarpon Springs, Florida 34689

Burial

Cycadia Cemetery

1021 E Tarpon Ave, Tarpon Springs, Florida 34689

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that a tree be planted in Palestine in honor of Jacques Tawfiq Lama.

Details to follow.