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James Sands Obituary
The four-foot-long grouper was guarding her baby as James Sands Jr. and his wife, Jennifer, swam by in their scuba- diving suits earlier this year, 75 feet below the surface of the Caribbean Sea at Grand Cayman. It was a tense moment, both for the grouper and for Mr. Sands, a budding underwater photographer. The mother fish gave what is known as a grouper shimmy, and the Sandses took their leave, but not before Mr. Sands captured the rare moment on film.
The picture joined a gallery of his work that included a close-up of a barracuda and a portrait of a moray eel baring its teeth.
Mr. Sands, 38, spent most days well above sea level on the 103rd floor of 1 World Trade Center, where he worked as a software engineer for eSpeed. But he was happiest underwater.
The Sandses lived blocks from each other most of their lives but didn't meet until a dating service set them up on a blind date in 1995. They began diving about three years ago, and Mr. Sands had only recently discovered his flair for photographing fish. "They basically just posed for him; it was amazing to watch," Mrs. Sands said.
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Munazir Hashim
September 11, 2020
First met Jim at Optimark, and I very clearly remember he made sure I felt comfortable coming from Canada. Over subsequent visits I found him to be very friendly. One time I was scheduled to fly out in the evening and the weather had turned bad and he was concerned and made sure I left early in the day so I wouldn't miss my flight. I found him to be a very caring human being.
Jim and Paul have always been in my thoughts, and specially on this day every year my heart feels heavier. Rest in peace Jim.
July 20, 2019
I am sure the Lord is taking great care of Jim. And I really liked the photos that his spouse posted on this memorial page of his travels. Thanks for sharing.
The Kindred Family
November 8, 2018
sending our deep thoughts of sympathy to your family for your loss. Words will never remove the pain of losing someone loved. With each new day may God continue to give the needed strength to cope. Jim touched the lives of others in a positive way and will always be missed.
Moray Eel (Grand Cayman). Photo by Jim Sands
Jennifer Sands
November 29, 2017
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Barracuda (Grand Cayman), no zoom lens used. Photo by Jim Sands
Jennifer Sands
November 29, 2017
Jim and Jennifer, Thanksgiving 1999
Jennifer Sands
November 29, 2017
Spotted Puffer fish (posing and smiling for the photo). Photo by Jim Sands
Jennifer Sands
November 29, 2017
Christmas Tree Worm (Bonaire), extremely difficult to photograph. Photo by Jim Sands
Jennifer Sands
November 29, 2017
Dive buddies underwater on their 5th wedding anniversary, May 4 ,2001
Jennifer Sands
November 29, 2017
Jim & Jennifer (on Jim's boat), July 1995
Jennifer Sands
November 29, 2017
Jim & Jennifer in Bonaire, November 2000
Jennifer Sands
November 29, 2017
Jim Sands, April 2001
Jennifer Sands
November 29, 2017
Sea horse (Bonaire), photo by Jim Sands
Jennifer Sands
November 29, 2017
Diving Buddies in Grand Cayman, May 2001
Jennifer Sands
November 29, 2017
Diving Buddies in Grand Cayman, April 2000
Jennifer Sands
November 29, 2017
Jim & Jennifer Sands, May 4, 1996
Jennifer Sands
November 29, 2017
Jim & Jennifer Sands, Christmas 1997
Jennifer Sands
November 29, 2017
Scorpion fish (Bonaire), photo by Jim Sands
Jennifer Sands
November 29, 2017
Mama Grouper and her baby (Bonaire), photo by Jim Sands
Jennifer Sands
November 29, 2017
Jim & Jennifer -- the last photo taken of them together. August 28, 2001
Jennifer Sands
November 29, 2017
Jim and Jennifer Sands, May 4, 1996
Jennifer Sands
November 29, 2017
Purple Vase Sponge (Bonaire), photo by Jim Sands
Jennifer Sands
November 29, 2017
Jim and Jennifer Sands, August 1995
Jennifer Sands
November 29, 2017
Jim Sands, May 2001
Jennifer Sands
November 29, 2017
Jim Sands, May 2001
Jennifer Sands
November 29, 2017
Jim Sands, the "post dive high"
Jennifer Sands
November 29, 2017
Jim Sands on May 4, 1996 (wedding)
Jennifer Sands
November 29, 2017
Jim Sands, underwater photographer
Jennifer Sands
November 29, 2017
Queen Angelfish (Grand Cayman), photo by Jim Sands
Jennifer Sands
November 29, 2017
pink sea anemone (Bonaire), photo by Jim Sands
Jennifer Sands
November 29, 2017
purple tube sponge (Grand Cayman), photo by Jim Sands
Jennifer Sands
November 29, 2017
orange elephant ear sponge (Grand Cayman), photo by Jim Sands
Jennifer Sands
November 29, 2017
Spotted Drum (Bonaire), photo by Jim Sands
Jennifer Sands
November 29, 2017
Lisa Lau
September 11, 2012
On this day my husband and I always visit the Angel at Windward Beach and remember our friend Jim. My heart goes out to all the families and friends that lost someone that day. We will never forget.
Donald Dorfman
January 18, 2012
Think of Jim often My former student and friend.
911 Memorial
Janet O'Brien
October 23, 2011
Carolyh Dorfman
September 9, 2011
My father, Dr. Donald Dorfman to this day thinks of Jim. Jim was his student at Monmouth University. On 09/12/2011 at the court house where I work we are having a memorial service. There is also the Shrine of St. Joseph in Stirling, NJ where they have a beautiful memorial built from the steel of wtc and large church bells that were donated to create the memorial. It doesnt matter what faith you are its a beautiful place to visit, jim and those lost are on the memorial wall.
In memory of Jim and those lost,
Carolyn Dorfman
Rebecca Walters
August 27, 2011
I have started a facebook memorial page called "Remember Me" in which everyone who joins, receives the name of someone who died on 9/11. I have just given James' name to a group member. James is not forgotten, and someone is praying for him.
Lisa Lau
September 11, 2009
We will never forget our friend Jim, who lives on in our many happy memories. Love you Jim. Lisa & Rich
Daniel Sanford
August 31, 2009
Hi, my name is Daniel Sanford; I am a 7th grader in the small town of Brooklet, Georgia. We are searching the 911. James seems to be and outstanding individual. I am remembering his life. God bless his family.
Laura
September 11, 2007
6 years later, we will never forget!
Barbara Schembari
September 11, 2007
On this day I always look up Jimmy's name and think of his family, esp. his mom and sister Lori. I also listen for his name to be read at the memorial ceremony. My thoughts are still with you all.
kristine
May 9, 2007
As I cross-stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
P Tabbernor
March 1, 2007
In memory....
Daniel Casella
September 11, 2006
Jim was my cousin Jennifer's husband. I met him while visiting relatives in New Jersey, April,2001. He was a caring, loving human being. Jim treated my brother and I as if he had known us for a lifetime. He is sorely missed. God bless you Jim ! I know you brought great hapiness to my cousin.
Wayne Verducci
May 24, 2005
I only knew Jim for the short period of time during my years in High School. Jim was kind, good-natured and of course, talented. Jim excelled in whatever he was doing. Jim respected me, our school and his duties. He had an old soul and was much more mature and respectful to others than myself or our classmates. I have Jim to thank for my appreciation of the technical side of the arts and the tremendous and nurturing respect that I have for my fellow man.
Truly a great loss to our community,
Wayne Verducci
42 Patmas Drive
Toms River, New Jersey 08755-6328
Denise DeBenedetto-Winstead
September 11, 2003
Two years later I think about Jimmy often. He was someone who briefly touched my life, but left a lasting impression on my heart. I'll never forget that smile!
I thank John and Cindy for giving me the opportunity to get to know him.
I take comfort in knowing that J.J. has his uncle with him watching over all of us.
Lynne (Beck) Moritz
September 11, 2003
Jimmy was a friend throughout my childhood years. We grew together, learned together, graduated together and attended the same college. As I've learned since his death on that tragic day two years ago today, we persued the very same interests, among them,Scuba diving and photography. Our lives were parallel for all those years. He was a good and true friend and the pain I felt the day I heard he was in the tower has not left my heart. I will remember him there always. Love to all who knew him.
Israel
Robin Franzen
September 19, 2002
I was given a Mercy B.A.N.D. (Bearing Another's Name Daily) with Mr. Sands name and "WTC" on it as a gift- I came here to learn more about him. As often as God brings him to my mind, I pray for his family. This then leads me to pray for our President/government/country so that they might act in God's will in responding to this act of terror/war- that we might all remain in God's protection.
Sincerely, Robin Franzen
Dene Schmidt-Hellwig
September 12, 2002
We hadn't seen each other since we were children on the shores of NJ. How much fun we had on the tilt a whirl. You & your family are always in my thoughts. You are in my prayers and so is your family. I miss you -Love Always Your Cousin - Dene
Nathalie Trepelkova
September 10, 2002
to mr.sand's family and friends: i attend georgetown and we each got a remember card for a victim of the tragedy to pray for tomorrow and having lived through the horror myself (i live in nyc) i just wanted to extend my love & prayers. god bless us all
-Nathalie
John & Carolyn Sierra
August 9, 2002
To an old classmate & friend,
Your time here on earth may have been brief, but God surely did not create you for no reason. You touched many lives with your gentle spirit and loving heart. You showed others the beauty of God's creation in the underworld. You brought so much joy into Jennifers life, far more then she ever expected.For that she is eternally greatfull. So you see Jimmy, even though you are gone from us, you will never be forgotten. May the Lord be glorified by your works and transfer onto those whose lives you've touched. To Him who deserves all the glory, John and Carolyn Sierra
Angie Campbell
May 14, 2002
May God Bless you and watch over the family and friends that you left behind on 9/11/01. May you rest in peace forever more.
Sandra Grant
May 9, 2002
My nephew Jim - You were the light that shined in our lives and we will miss you. Your death is not in vain it will live on in our hearts. I prayer for you everyday and know that our love goes with you and your family. Aunt Sandy
Anonymous
April 20, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS BEAUTIFUL YOUNG MAN..JAMES SANDS JR.AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS LOVING FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS...STAY CLOSE..PRAY..AND NEVER LET ANYONE FORGET 9/11/01..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK FOREVER..MAY JESUS AND ST.JAMES GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN...AMEN
Joann Paranuk
March 10, 2002
You are in my thoughts and prayers often.
Susan Chelston (Suarez)
January 8, 2002
Dear Jennifer,
I remember when you told me you were engaged. You seemed so happy.
I am praying for you and Jim's family. I know your heart must be breaking. I pray you will find comfort and peace soon.
Teresa Jahn
December 13, 2001
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
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