By Daro Sharma
Jai Sharma is arguably at the forefront among the most charismatic and influential young men who migrated from Guyana to the United States. That probably explains the plethora of cricket stalwarts like Sir Clive Lloyd, Dereck Kallicharran, Tyrone Etwaroo, and Amarnath Ramcharitar, very close friends with Jai for decades. And most of whom, amongst many other stalwarts, will be present at Idlewild Cricket Ground, Rosedale, on Saturday, June 11, to honor his impressive legacy.
Born Jai Prakash Sharma to Pandit and Mrs. Loaknauth Sharma at Meten-Meer-Zorg East, Jai was the third of ten children born to the couple on the West Coast of Demerara. He achieved academic excellence in Accounting with a Bachelor’s degree in London, England. His cricket enthusiasm peaked during his late teens as the village team’s fast bowler. With long, skinny legs supporting a lanky frame, his legs would wobble in the run-up to delivering the ball. As a result, “Wobble” became his nickname.
Jai was not only an avid cricket fan, but he also fancied himself the best cook around. He often entertained everyone and treated them to many Guyanese dishes such as duck curry, hassa fish, and veggies. His cooking was matched only by his love of music, especially the oldies. But all of those passions pale in comparison to his love for family and friends. For Jai, that passion was almost like a religion. He could not be prouder of his children and family, never missing an opportunity to boast about them. Especially his angel – Anjalie.
Jai always strove to make everyone around him happy, more often than not, sacrificing himself. But that’s Jai. Often referred to as the Mayor of Jamaica Avenue, Queens. Jai would walk into a room of 100 strangers and walk out with 50 new friends, five of whom will become lifelong buddies. That’s Jai.
Jai Sharma basked in sartorial splendor. He was always dapper in a Brooks Brothers trench coat and cashmere scarf; he presented a picture of the well-groomed model in a gentleman’s magazine. But he was not only about sports and style. Jai had a huge heart that was always in the right place. He knew the impossibility of saving the entire world, so he reached out to one person at a time – like the family without a home that he assisted in establishing a restaurant and the struggling deli owner who was able to visit his family in Bangladesh after 15 years. There are numerous stories of Jai’s magnanimity.
The comparison to celluloid stars was inevitable with Jai’s charisma and impeccable sense of style. From Tony Curtis and Alain Delon to Bollywood’s Jeetendra and Shahrukh Khan, Jai remained grounded and kept the common touch. His amiability and gregarious personality knew no bounds. But, when one man is compared so favorably to so many movie stars, it’s difficult to deny or ignore his star power.
Rest In Peace, Jai. You are sorely missed.