KAIM, JAMIL (JAMES) (1892-21 Sept. 1971), businessman and leader in Lebanese-American affairs, was born in Aitaneet, Lebanon, graduated from American University in Beirut, and served with the American Red Cross 2 years before coming to Cleveland in 1920 and opening a confectionery. Knowing nothing about sweets, he patronized a popular PUBLIC SQUARE soda fountain, ordered a different treat each day, and wrote down the ingredients in Arabic. He later opened Kaim's Restaurant as part-owner. Kaim established AITANEET BROTHERHOOD, a charitable club to aid residents of his birthplace, in 1929. The next year, he organized the Cleveland-Lebanese Syrian Democratic Club in Cleveland, Akron, Canton, and Toledo, and was put in charge of all such Ohio clubs by Franklin D. Roosevelt. A Cleveland correspondent for a New York Syrian paper, he also announced local Syrian radio programs. He was finance director of the Cleveland Lebanese Syrian Foundation, a member of Cleveland Cosmopolitan Group, and a trustee of ST. ELIAS MELKITE CHURCH. During WORLD WAR II, Kaim chaired a "Help Win the War" campaign that funded an entire mobile canteen for the American Red Cross and sent Christmas presents to soldiers of Lebanese and Syrian descent. Kaim and his wife, Shafiica, whom he married in 1913, had left their sons Albert and William with their grandparents in Lebanon, sending money for their passage; but the grandparents, desiring company in their old age, sent William but kept Albert. Albert was not able enter the country until 1949. Kaim and his wife had 6 children: William, Caroline, Albert, Victor, Elizabeth, and Robert. Kaim was buried in CALVARY CEMETERY.
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