Everyday Heroes: Jigger Sirois
Leon “Jigger” Sirois is the kind of guy you’re truly glad to know: whatever happens to him, it always seems he’s counting his blessings. He raced cars from 1957 to 1977 but never made it to the Indy 500. He was at the top of his form in 1969. That year he went fast enough to qualify for the race and might have easily won, but car owner Myron Caves made a mistake at the line in waving him through which nullified his time and prevented him from qualifying.
At the time, Sirois forgave Caves and said it was a mistake anyone could have made. He never held it against him. It was an act of magnanimity that caught the attention of the sports writers of the time. The American Auto Racing Writers and Broadcasters Association created its “Jigger Award” that is presented each year at the club’s breakfast the morning before the Indy 500.
They’ve asked Sirois to come and speak at their breakfast each year and Sirois, a life-long stutterer, declined each time. Then, in 2000, he underwent therapy and became a public speaker. In 2002 he spoke at the event for the first time. He’s since won several speaking contests.
Siroirs is undergoing treatment for prostate cancer at Johns Hopkins University. So far, he has completed 18 treatments with little side affects. He praises the doctors, staff and facilities and expresses concern for the patients with serious and life threatening situations. Our thoughts and prayers go out to him for a quick recovery. We need men of forgiving kindness, gentle spirit and positivity.
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the beautiful cycle of life...lambs in the spring...wild flowers in the summer...enlivening winds in [...]
on 23 Apr 2007 at 2:39 am 1.Ed Everbest said …
I never saw Jigger on the race track, but I have seen him at the podium. He is a winner in every sense of the word. Always on target and always thinking of others.
on 23 Apr 2007 at 3:18 am 2.Alice M. Hertzler said …
I’ve only known Leon Sirois as race driver from his wonderful speeches at Toastmasters about his history with racing and his love of the Indy 500. He shares that he goes every year or watches on TV. Leon is the most sincere, caring, conscientious individual I have known and he continues to take life on just like he was driving a race car; one moment at a time and enjoying every minute. When more of us humans awaken to appreciate the beauty of allowing life to unfold and enjoying all of it, our world and our planet Earth will be moving at a greater speed toward peace, joy and greater love.
Thank You for honoring this caring man, Leon “Jigger” Sirois.
Alice
on 23 Apr 2007 at 4:25 pm 3.Lottie Reader said …
What a great guy! Leon is an inspiration for us all.
on 24 Apr 2007 at 12:21 pm 4.Jerry Keast said …
I first met Leon after he experienced a memory lapse to a speech he was giving during a contest. He apologized and humbly stepped away from the lectern unable to complete his speech.
I spoke with Leon shortly after that incident and felt his giving nature and ask if he would prefer to complete that speech as I and others were interested in hearing it.
After some arrangements with the Contest Master Leon was given an opportunity after the contest to give his speech and it was so moving that in my opinion would have won the contest but Leon won solely on the basis of giving that speech.
Leon remains always grateful for that small gesture as it moved his heart, which remains always tuned in to those around him. Toastmasters is about being encouragers but Leon is about being a friend, which many are blessed to call him. He tackles life’s challenges with the same heartfelt energy and his inspiration remains always a part of our lives, which we will remain forever grateful. Leon continues to touch our hearts and through his efforts those he touches grow. Thanks Leon and God Bless you.
on 26 Apr 2007 at 4:28 pm 5.Martin Billups said …
Leon is a gentleman in the true sense. He continues to encourage others to reach their goals. He has helped me advance in Toastmasters and in life. “Go Jigger”
Martin Billups,ACB
AG5
on 26 Apr 2007 at 9:41 pm 6.Elle E. Veightor said …
The thing about Jigger is that he takes each turn on the track of life as an opportunity to re-invent himself. Sure he raced cars, had an accident and bounced back, and had a disappointment at Indy, and so forth, but each time he emerged better, stronger, and more confident in his faith.
Here is the latest example that many of you may not know of: Jigger was raised in a state where encounters with water were rare. I think most of the folks bathed in motor oil, or corn oil, or just skipped the experience. Now, Jigger is making up for it. At the young age of 70, he is taking swimming lessons. And he is “top of the class.” He just delights in floatin’, boatin’, and splashin’ around. And some of his lady classmates say he looks mighty cute in his bikini trunks. Of course, none of the lady mermaids wear there glasses in the water, so we will leave them with their dreams. Anyway, the point is that Jigger saw water and re-invented himself, again.
We can hardly wait till he gets back from Johns Hopkins. I would not be surprised if he doesn’t come home with a medical degree. But if he does, and if he wants to take my temperature, I’m runnin’.
on 28 Apr 2007 at 3:51 am 7.Frank G said …
Leon,
You have taught me a great deal with your positive attitude in the face of such great adversity. I hope to see you at the lectern again soon.
on 16 May 2007 at 6:57 pm 8.Rose King said …
I knew when I met Leon Sirois that he was a special person. Within a very short period of time he had endeared himself to everyone in our Toastmasters group. The “L” in Leon stands for Love for Leon loves everyone and has never met a stranger. The “S” in Sirois is for his sincerity. He speaks from his heart. I can’t leave out the “J” in Jigger because Leon has brought joy to so many.
on 19 Aug 2007 at 6:14 pm 9.Soul's Code: Everyone's a guru said …
[...] can be a serious problem for people who suffer from it. Sometimes it takes decades to overcome. But it doesn’t kill the people who suffer from it. Can you ever imagine a different version [...]
on 08 Jan 2010 at 5:57 pm 10.Linda Street said …
Wow - just Googled Jigger’s name and found this. Have known him all my life, as he was a good friend of my parents. Yep, what a guy!