Cambridge School. So, though a school man, he was able to be also an enthusiastic pastor. In 1970 he became Society Superior, and in this task he wanted to be full-time, based in Rawalpindi City. But when Fr Francis Scanlon died, Fr Jac was appointed to succeed him as Principal of Senior Burn Hall. Added pressure came when serious trouble broke out at the school; strikes among the teaching staff, and court cases. All this undoubtedly affected his health and in 1972 he had to relinquish school work and went to Islamabad as parish priest. The trouble which he thought to be located in his back began to travel further, and in January 1974 he returned to Holland on sick leave, firmly intending to return to Rawalpindi. The specialists diagnosed multiple sclerosis (MS), incurable and in his case, entailing a slow death. Fr Jac began to read up all the literature he could find on this subject and in the meantime played draughts in local competitions, on one occasion even beating the national champion. Soon he became completely paralyzed. He knew precisely the course his disease would take and when the end would come. Yet he was never frightened, never discouraged. He was always smiling, always extremely enthusiastic and interested in the mission projects and problems. Those who visited him during the last three years of his illness, before he went to God on the 24th of December 1976, at the age of 55, will never forget the magnificent character of this priest in his suffering and pain.
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