A Future for the Rouse Family

At 42 years old, Jim Rouse was living his best life.  He had an adoring wife, who he'd known since she was 13 years old, and 3 beautiful kids.  Jim was a Project Crew Lead for Universal Orlando Parks and Resorts for 13 years and was instrumental in most of the landscaping including trees and plants that adorn the property.  He was involved in his local church as a strong follower of Jesus Christ. 

On Wednesday, April 14th, Jim developed a significant headache that continued and got progressively worse until Saturday.  He stayed in bed for most of that day until early evening.  As he sat up in bed, he told his wife Sam (Samantha) that his head was pounding and took a breath and collapsed.  Sam started CPR immediately and his middle son, Eli, called 911.  They were able to get his heart beating again but he was unresponsive.  


He was taken to Advent Health hospital in downtown Orlando and the medical team began running tests.  They discovered that Jim had a massive brain aneurysm that ruptured with such force that the surgeons were not even able to get much fluid off his brain to relieve the pressure.  Sunday, April 18th, Jim's wife Sam woke up to her 40th birthday and the potential of losing the love of her life, her protector, and her soulmate.  As the day progressed, the news got worse.  Jim had no brain activity, and they were unable to relieve the pressure in his skull.  Early Monday morning, April 19th, Sam received the call from the doctor informing her that Jim had been declared brain dead.  


Sam is a stay-at-home mom to her 3 kids, Mason (15), Eli (13) and Georgia (7).  She supported her husband as he worked primarily overnights when the parks were closed, and no guests were around.  He has been described by so many as one of the kindest, most gentle human beings ever known.  In Sam's own words from her post on Facebook:

"Jim was an amazing man.  I know it's so cliche, but I also know that anyone that knows him would agree.  He truly was one of the most amazing men that has ever walked the earth.  He saved my life.  I don't how I managed to trick him into marrying me.  I didn't deserve him.  And he truly deserved much better than me."

In his death, as in his life, Jim gave himself away for the benefit of others.  He donated his organs to those who needed it most.  

Now Sam is left to care for and raise their 3 kids.  She hasn't worked in 15 years and fears how to move forward and what they will do.  My name is Jason Cooper and I've had the privilege of being their pastor for the past 14 years but beyond that, they've been my friends.  I can tell you that this is no ordinary family.  They are reflections of the incredible man Jim Rouse was.  There is a lot of uncertainty that their future holds.  There will be bills to pay and kids to get through college one day.  Your donation will go directly to helping Sam and her kids with day-to-day bills, medical costs, medical insurance after Jim's runs out from his work and their home.  Thank you in advance for anything you can offer to help this sweet, hurting family.