A plaque was installed in the foyer of the new El-Hefni Center in lawrence recognizing the work of Staples employee Jim McNamara.

For Jim McNamara, a furniture account executive at Staples, selecting all the right furnishings for Northern Essex’s shiny, new Dr. Ibrahim El-Hefni Allied Health and Technology Center in Lawrence, was more than a job – it was a mission. A mission, that didn’t go unnoticed.

So when the 57-year-old Hooksett, NH, resident died suddenly in January, just days away from the El-Hefni Center opening its doors to staff, faculty, and students eager to use the furnishings he selected with great care, both his colleagues at Staples and employees at NECC who worked closely with him, were devastated.

Jim and his efforts were so highly regarded by the NECC college community, that when the official opening and ribbon cutting for the El-Hefni Center were held on Friday, March 21, there was first a quiet ceremony in one corner of the foyer where a plaque, in his honor, was unveiled. With a few family members present, NECC President Lane Glenn with assistance from Jim’s widow Karen McNamara, removed the brown, craft paper from the plaque bearing his name.

The family of Staples employee Jim McNamara: son Jacob McNamara, family friend Sandy Glansberg, NECC President Lane Glenn, widow Karen McNamara and son Joshua Slovack.

The plaque reads, “In memory of our dear friend James McNamara… for his untiring efforts and outstanding service to NECC…”

 “This building is a true testament to his caring nature,” said long-time family friend and colleague Sandy Glansberg. “He really left his mark here. He knew every piece of furniture. He was really loved and trusted. He cared.”