The Meaning of Life to MeTo Share
To Care
To Serve
To
absorb the fruits of as many thoughts that enter the mind and body that I’ve
been given.
To participate
in the extreme beauty that has been placed before me and allows my heartstrings
to play a loud and joyful song.
To
feel the pain of my fellow man and perhaps show them another way could be
happiness.
To put
something back into the box of Life.
To
smile at this wonderful moment and to look at life as when you hold a baby for
the first time.
Life
is a gift we are blessed with and we have the opportunity to contribute to its
beauty.
We are
here to witness creation and to abet it.
We are
here to notice each thing so that each thing gets noticed.
Together
we notice not only the mountain shadow and each stone at the beach, but
especially we notice the beautiful faces and complex natures of each other.
We are
here to bring consciousness to the beauty and the power around us and to praise
the people who are here with us.
We are
here to witness our generation and our time…
What is the ‘meaning of life’ to
you?
Please express your thoughts and appreciation for Jules in the comment section below. As we know Jules, he will read and smile at every single entry.
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Please express your thoughts and appreciation for Jules in the comment section below. As we know Jules, he will read and smile at every single entry.
To leave an entry, enter a comment below at the very bottom of this page. You may choose either one of the options under "Comment as". Click "Publish", and your entry will be saved.
jules,my dear friend of nearly 30 years,was a rare bird,a true gentleman and"one of the good guys."i will always remember the happy times i shared with jutta and jules.he will be missed.rest in peace...love,judy
ReplyDeleteDear dear Jules,
ReplyDeleteWith your passing much goes out of our lives. You had a unique capacity to cut through "bull" in the most gentlemanly, the most dignified manner. You barely had to say anything, just give your wry smile, and any imposter was rendered naked. You had a rare capacity to say "yes!" to life, whether it was to savor closing a deal, eat at a first rate restaurant, take a walk in the woods, wear a gorgeous new shirt, or dunk in the pool, you had so much capacity to reap pleasure in the beauty of life and the enjoyment of those you loved. Together with your incomparable Jutta you enjoyed a capacity to open your heart and your home to the widest array of people, old friends and new, and family. We were priviledged to be counted among them. We will forever miss your wit, your poetry, your smiles and your personal beauty. Larry and Bev
I can only tell you how kindly, positively, and encouragingly Jules always was to me, on a personal and professional level. More than that, Jules was a tremendous listener, and always took time to hear (and listen) to my interests, perceived successes, anxious moments, and speculations about the future. At times of doubt, or stress, he was always someone who could really help me see, and believe, in myself and my future. His gifts as a communicator, mentor, and connector to others was extraordinary. He was truly a gentleman, and always reached out, on a regular basis, even when it was not reciprocated. I received holiday cards from him every year, always with thoughtful and encouraging personal remarks. He was a great man, and will be remembered by everyone that knew him as such, particularly in the pharmaceutical industry.
ReplyDeleteJules Kramer was a friend who we treasured and admired for so many reasons. I guess the overriding one was his humanity...he was the real deal. Our friend who had the heart of a poet with the mind of a pragmatist. Somehow I was waiting for that Thanksgiving Poem this year...the special message from Jules that reminded us to smell the flowers, to savour the moment, to love eachother and to be the best that we could be. This marvelous man who found the time to call and see how we were doing when he was not sure how he was doing himself.We will miss that disarming smile and those thoughtful reminders that around the next bend in the road is something worth seeing. His has been called the greatest generation...apt description. He saw good in his friends and added much to the lives he entered and shared. That love remains behind in the memories of this unique human being. Our friend Jules a Mensch if there ever was one.
ReplyDeletesteve and marion
DeleteJutta,
ReplyDeleteI have lost a dear friend. He will be in my thoughts always. You have my sincere sympathy on your loss and I am deeply saddened.
Jules was an inspiration to me. I admired all those wonderful qualities that made him the special person that he was. He had intelligence, wit, charm and a caring heart that made him a Prince among men.
I could always rely on him whenever I needed help, whether with a project or some mundane chore.
I came to trust his judgement and wisdom and his advice was always so thought out and helpful.
I am left with so many wonderful memories, and will cherish them forever. It was a joy to know him.
Please know how much I share your grief.
In deep sorrow, Dr. Joe
They say people come into your life for a reason a season or a lifetime. Our season with you was far too short. Jules was a great theatre and dining companion. We will miss him terribly. Jutta, we are so sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteJules,
ReplyDeleteSigi and I planned to celebrate your birthday, in your presence, next Saturday (Dec. 1).
We see no reason to change our plans and we will be hoisting a glass, or more than one, to you. We know that you will be hoisting a glass, or more than one, in return.
Philip
When I think of Jules this quote comes to mind, "Some people come into our lives and leave a footprint on our hearts and we are never, ever the same." When I met Jules 5 years ago at URA, I was taken by his kindness, his wisdom, his dapper wardrobe & the twinkle in his eye. A true poet & a gentleman, he will be missed by many.
ReplyDeleteWe remember the wonderful walks in the woods at Thanksgiving. Jules was the center of our celebration. He inspired our interns and gave wisdom and advise. We enjoyed his spirit and energy.
ReplyDeleteAs we travel through life, we meet many people. As others have already said here, a few leave lasting, life-long impressions on us. Jules is one of those special people that have had that kind of impact on me. Over the years we know each other, he was many things; a mentor, guardian angel, business partner, employer...but most of all a truely caring and supportive friend. I am grateful to have known Jules and will miss his optimism and positive outlook on life.
ReplyDeleteJutta, I wish you peace in his passing and am here to help in any way I can.
Steven Engelhardt
"Good night, sweet prince,
ReplyDeleteAnd flights of angels sing thee thy rest!"
- Ilene Lander
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
ReplyDelete- David Kramer
Yutta, we extend our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteJules, you were a joy to talk with, to ponder with, to laugh with.
We always looked forward to your company.
Ever the gentleman, ever the kind person, ever the optimist!
Jules Kramer, we love you........
Vicky and Dennis Leri
For Jules to contemplate in hisown unique way from his unique place in the universe:
ReplyDelete" Only when you drink from the river of silence shall you indeed sing,
And when you have reached the mountain top, then you shall begin to climb,
And when the earth shall claim your limbs, then shall you truly dance"
God Bless"
Roshan Girglani
Dear Jutta-
ReplyDeletePlease accept my heartfelt condolences for your loss. Jules would flow in and out of my life over the last 30 years like a winding river, but I would always hear from him around the holidays. In fact I was thinking about him today and that he would most likely be calling and sending out his holiday poem/reflection soon. I will miss him as will everyone who ever knew him. As someone above said, he was one of the good guys!
Bob Kemp
As a very new and fairly young CEO of the Visiting Nurse Associations of America it was my great opportunity to welcome Jules as our first outside board member. His wisdon and innovation helped move us to the next level as an organization. His leadership helped to guide me as I grew into my role. As time passed he became my friend and mentor. Jutta, when the two of you traveled the world I was sure many people in many countries were benefitting from his expertise and I always enjoyed his travel stories. His influence on my life and values is one I will always treasure. Kay Brown
ReplyDeleteThe word that comes to mind is "elegant." A fine suit, silk shirt, natty necktie wrapping a character of manners, charm and fineness. There was nothing pushy in Jules. Just a quietness that bespoke a confident wisdom. And he could laugh: a laughter that was genuine, infectious and came from deep within him. And love? Oh how he could love. He loved Jutta from the depths of his soul. Jules is not lost to us. We will find him in the thousand places, among the many friends and in the memories of the many occasions we shared with him. We are better for his friendship.
ReplyDeleteWith love from, Judy and Hal
Dear Jules, November 28, 2012
ReplyDeleteYour will be deeply missed by many far and near. Your Christmas letters will also be missed with lovely words of hope,love,and compassion. You have left your mark on many. We will carry on in life for you dear Jules, we will continue where you left off and give back to family and friends as you did. You will always be remembered and you will be the topic of many conversations. Jutta we will always be there for you.
With all our love,
Niki & Joe Lombardi
I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death. They continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make. Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories. We find comfort in knowing that our lives have been enriched by having shared their love. Leo Buscaglia
ReplyDeleteDear Jutta, Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss…our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Nissi George, URA
Dear Jules,
ReplyDeleteI had the pleasure and privilege to become part of your circle of friends in East Hampton and to sit next to you at many dinner parties. Your joy de vivre was totally contagious! And I thoroughly enjoyed your unconventional wit, poetic mind, your charm, your twinkle in the eye, and the choice morsels you selected to read to us around the table, at these occasions. I witnessed your deep love and admiration for your children. I admired your altruistic thinking and your open mind. And last, but not least, I wondered if it was your deep wisdom or sheer dumb luck that made you fall in love with Jutta, marry her, and live happily ever after.....
I will miss you, and I will miss your friendship.
Constanze von Collande
I knew Jules for many years as a business associate,advisor and friend. He was always full of life and enjoyed everything he was involved with. He was a good man who went out of his way to help others. He will be missed. My sincere condolences to Jutta and others in the Kramer family.
ReplyDeleteArnold Burstein
Preserve me, O God :
ReplyDeleteFor in thee do I put my trust.
O my soul, thou hast said unto the Lord, Thou art my Lord: my goodness extended not to thee.
But to the saints that are in the earth, and to the excellent, in whom is all delight.
Their sorrows shall be multiplied that hasten after another god: their drinks offerings of blood will I not offer, nor take up their names into my lips.
The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance and my cup thou maintainest my lot.
The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yes, I have a goodly heritage.
I will bless the Lord, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the right seasons.
I have the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in house.
For thou wilt not my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see the corruption.
Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
With Love,
Romeo Felicano
I regret that I didn't know Jules better.
ReplyDeleteEspecially after reading what those who did know him well, had to say.
Other than a recent visit in East Hampton, for which I'm truly grateful,
I hadn't seen Jules in 40 years.
Not since I was a teenager, vacationing in Nassau with my family and he, with his.
First impressions last; dapper, confident, approachable, open, disarming....
elegant wife, cute daughters too.
When I glance over the tributes posted here, my first impressions are confirmed,
as well as some reoccurring themes and adjectives:
"Prince, gentleman, friend, poet, mentor, witty, wise, one of the good guys".
Jules is described as being open: "open mind", "open home", "open heart"
In fact, his heart is often mentioned: "caring heart", "heart of a poet" "kind hearted"
And many spoke of his intellect: "communicator, facilitator, connector, pragmatist, intelligent, writer, reader, humorist, adviser"
It's obvious that those who knew him, consider themselves lucky.
Those who knew him best, even luckier.
Wishing all of the Kramers my deepest sympathy for the loss of your favorite: "good guy",
"prince among men", "rare bird", father, husband and grandfather.
David
Frieberg
I had the pleasure to meet and become friends with Jules about 15 years ago. We were both pitching non-competitive business to the same pharmaceutical clients and realized there were potential synergies that could be exploited by working together. Jules is my senior by more than 20 years, yet there was never a generation gap because Jules remained young at heart in so many ways. Almost every conversation with Jules was enlightening as we discovered that we shared many of life's experiences and had derived similar learnings from them. I would describe Jules as a thoughtful, intelligent, gentlemanly and caring person who wanted others to see the same degree of goodness, diversity and beauty that he saw in people and circumstances. I will miss him, but I will smile thinking about him, knowing that he lived his life his way, happily, and that I had the privilege of spending some time being a small part of it.
ReplyDeleteBarry Bauling
Julies was a great friend, confidant, and mentor to me during the time we knew each other. He will be sorely missed by the many people who have crossed his path in the Pharma industry. I'll miss he attitude on life and people - there was never a time where did not extend is warmth and friendship to meet the needs of others.
ReplyDeleteMy fondest memory of you peaking in the Call Center office and saying "Hi" to everyone with the brightest smile and gentleness. Each night before you leave, you make sure you say "Goodnight" to the URA night crew. You know each one of us by name. Now, we bid you Goodbye, but you will always be in our hearts, Jules.
ReplyDeleteDear Jutta, may the love of those around you help you through the days ahead. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Mariefel, John and Francis
I thought of Jules as a mentor, as a model of how to grow older yet remain young in outlook and enthusiasm. Every moment spent with him was imbued with positive energy and good humor. Combine this with compassion and great intelligence - this was someone who will remain with me as a presence, a guide. I shall miss our telephone conversations Jules, and our evenings at the ballet. Much love always Richard O
ReplyDeleteDear Jutta,
ReplyDeleteAs I read all the beautiful and wonderful attributes about Jules I see everyone that knew him has the same opinion and feelings as to who Jules Kramer was. I find that so amazing because in the walk of life each individual sees things differently yet we all saw Jules for who Jules was a gentle soul and true friend.
I have missed Jules and our many conversations we had at URA over the year.Jules had a talent for putting things into perspective and always lending his guidance, wisdom and heartfelt caring. His door at URA was always opened and he always welcomed you to sit and chat.
He for sure was a great role model. He was a mentor to my son and loved my family. My family loved him.
Jules lived his live to the fullest. He will be missed.
I believe God puts you where you need to be and I am Blessed to of known Jules and be part of his world and friendship.
He will leave a lasting mark on my heart and I will remember the debonair man he was and his contagious smile and laughter.
Our Heartfelt Sympathy to you and the family. If there is anything you need we are here for you.
God Bless you and may your memories that you hold dear get you through this difficult time.
Our prayers and love are with you.
Pat & Lonni Whiting and Family
Jules was always a special man who had a smile on his face and an eagenrness to share with others. Over one's life it is not often that you meet a person whose sole ambition is to help the next person, but this was Jules. A true man for all seasons who had a passion to share with others.
ReplyDeleteTo Jutta and Jules Family, we will always remember his smile and joy he brought to our times together.
L'Chaim
As we read all of the tributes written here, it confirms what we have always thought about Jules. He was an old soul who has lived many lives before and now he is in preparation for his next one as we celebrate the spectacular life he just left. Having had the pleasure of sitting next to Jules at many of his and Jutta’s always scintillating dinner parties, we always felt as though we were in the presence of a French Count, an Enlightenment Philosopher, a Keynesian economist, a boulevardier with exquisite taste—and on and on. And, all of this was wrapped up with unconditional love. If you were his friend, his love and affection for you was steadfast and powerful. So powerful that when you left him for the evening, you could still feel the warmth and the giddiness of feeling good all over for some time thereafter. Honored to be called his friends and hope that we are fortunate enough to get a glimpse of the next incarnation. with love and respect, David and MikeLynn
ReplyDeleteJutta,
ReplyDeleteI am truly and sincerely sadden to hear of Jules passing. What a wonderful man and such an inspiration to so many, myself included. I will strive to carry with me what he gave me in advice and motivation to carry his life on. Please know you and the URA team are in my thoughts.
Our thoughts are with you. Although we haven't had the privilege of knowing him long, we always loved Jule's gentle nature and encouraging words.
ReplyDeleteCynthia Harris, Scott Alan Evans, and Jenn Thopmson on behalf of all your friends at TACT.
Dear Jules, Although we will miss your uplifing holiday greetings, we will always have the fondest memories of your good will, optimism, and joy for life. Jutta, our thoughts are with you and your family. With much love, Dolores and Danny
ReplyDeleteDer Tod unseres lieben Onkels hat uns sehr getroffen.
ReplyDeleteDie Zeit, die wir mit Dir, lieber Jules verbringen durften, hat uns positiv geprägt. Wir werden Dich unser Leben lang in guter Erinnerung behalten.
Finde Frieden im ewigen Licht.
Christine und Irene
Jules was the most wonderful human being I have ever know. He was my friend, always willing to listen, never criticizing, always in a helpful mode when needed. We did not live in the same town, but I always felt he was nearby. I will miss him always, and, he will always be in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteWhen I first met Jules I was struck by his fabulous looks. And as I got to know him better,I realized his inner self was as beautiful as his outer self. When the four of us traveled together, we had such wonderful times - many memories and conversations, talking, laughing and seeing wonders of the world. To me, Jules was also a wonder, of friendship, humility and kindness. May he rest in peace.
ReplyDeleteThey say that actions speak louder than words. It only follows that if you want to judge a man's character you look more at what he does than what he says. Jules Krsmer was just such a man. He ran his business and his life with compassion, ethics and with love.
ReplyDeleteWe pay tribute to a fine professional, client and friend who has shown us his true self time and again through both his worda, his actions and his philosophy. Jules you will be missed by us all but always remembered.
I always enjoyed seeing and talking to Jules. He used to come to Canada every few months and we would meet for supper sometimes or just chat about stuff. He was passionate about doing things well in our pharma industry and he was not shy to kick me in my ass when I needed it … to take control of my own life and career. Of course he was right most of the time.
ReplyDeleteI always respected Jules highly and thought very highly of his opinion, his experience and his great talents.
He will of course be missed by all who knew him. He has always been very special to us. His holiday greetings were always moving and unique..always a stand out.
Thank you for letting us (Marilyn and I) know.
Our deepest condolences to you and to the children and grandchildren at this sad time.
May his memory be bright for you all.
Sincerely yours,
Marilyn & Chris Neuman
Canadian friends
Dear Jutta,
ReplyDeleteI will remember Jule's great smile. He was a wise and gentle man; a true gentleman. I wish I had known him longer, but I am so grateful and feel priviledged that our paths did cross and I knew him for the time that I did. You and your family have my deepest condolences. Please do not hesitate to call upon me if there is any way that I may be of service to you at this time. With much respect and sadness on the loss of your husband, I remain, Roberta Stevens
Das Leben, ist nur ein Augenblick,
ReplyDeletesoviel geschehen - soweit zurück.
Wir nehmen es in Dankbarkeit und denken die Jahre die wir
Leben sind ein Geschenk.
Jules hat viele Spuren in unserem Leben hinterlassen.
In Erinnerung an Jules in Liebe Ingrid & Bernd
REMEMBERING JULES
ReplyDeleteWhat a guy... He made us smile , he had a way about him. I remember dinner parties in Paris , NY, Beverly Hills, Venice, Mexico, the Gazebo in East Hampton. How Jutta and he were off to the Opera, the movies,to Kansas City and Capri. With Jutta one does not stay idle, and Jules loved to go.
He could make you smile just by singing a few lines while riding in the car or send you a poem during the holidays. He could surprise you with a one line comment that showed you what a great sense of humor he had. He could amaze you with taking up an art class and sculpting out of clay.
Are you getting the picture? Did we really know that we were among a Renaissance Man?
When a storm was about to hit last year (Irene..."Goodnight Irene") Jules stayed calm... How courageous he was, had the roof blown off,had we to run to the basement he could not have moved that fast. But his comment was "This is nothing if you've been to war". With that he made me feel safe and we all slept through the night and the storm!
Never estimate the guy who has lived a full life and has had years to perfect such wisdom .
I will miss his company , I will miss laughing with him.
I will keep his memory in my heart and be grateful for his friendship forever.
So when I think of him I will be smiling!
Diane
Dear Jutta, I was so saddened to hear of Jules passing. He was an inspiration to me when I sorely needed one. While in the middle of my awful divorce and feeling pretty hateful against my to-be-ex-husband and also feeling pretty sorry for myself, I remember Jules saying to me, "Carol, just wish him love." That sums up Jules in a nutshell. Loving and gracious, helping people with just a few words that said it all. We waited each holiday season for the card with Jules moving and inspiring words. I think I have them all. He will be missed. You made a wonderful team together.
ReplyDeletePlease accept our deepest condolences to you at the loss of your dear husband and to your family. If there is anything that we can do to be of some help to you through this tough time, please don't hesitate to ask us.
Carol & Curtis
Geoffrey R. W. Smith
ReplyDeleteDearest Jutta,
I will write seperatly to you but wanted to share with others what a wonderfully wise man Jules was and how generous he was to me (and I assume many others) in sharing his wisdom. I will never forget the day I came up to your apartment just to sit with Jules and basicaly ask him what I should do with the rest of my life. I considered him the one person in the world whose answer I would take to heart -- he really was for me that special. Of course what he told me was wise. But it was also immensly kind -- because it included the message that I should try to love the person I am and not worry too much about the person I thought others wanted me to be. Jules has left us physically. But in my mind he will always "be there" as a singular example of how to live ones life; full of care and concern for others but also accepting and loving and taking care of the person YOU are. I like to tell people that I am now in Act IV of the ballet and that "if my wig is on crooked everyone is just going to have to work with it until they bring in the curtain." And nothing will help me get through Act IV more than the "coaching" I got from Jules.
Much love to you == Geoff
"Good night, sweet prince
ReplyDeleteAnd flights of angels sing thee to thy rest."
You were a royal man . . one who we admired greatly!
Your warmth will forever radiate.
Ilene & Joe
It was a great pleasure to spend a weekend with Jutta and Jules in the Hamptons at their wonderful home. My most vivid image of Jules is that of a real gentleman, a characteristic too seldom seen in our times. I know that Jutta will have a lifetime of rich memories of Jules, and both Steve and I send our best wishes and sympathies. Edward Lahniers and Stephen Birmingham
ReplyDeleteI just don’t know what to say. I deeply regret not getting to New York to visit both Jules and Jutta over the last couple years. It was always my intention, but just didn’t work out. I was so touched by Jules and his warm, loving and radiant personality. The twinkle in his eyes and the smile could capture anyone’s heart. Spending a week on the Sea Cloud, in such close quarters really leads a person to seek out those you can relate to. Jules was easy. Terry and I will miss him, and hope we can still visit Jutta in the near future.
ReplyDeleteMr Jules Kramer was my boss for a couple of years I’m so sorry to have only seen this but I just want to say that I loved him he was a mentor to me and always wanted the best for me. When I became ill. He was always in my thoughts with all those beautiful poems he wrote for friends and family. It was a pleasure and luck for me to have met such a wonderful beautiful human being. You are always in my heart ❤️
ReplyDelete