January 23, 2026
Jim found purpose through service and says, “When I’m feeding patients, it almost feels like a holy moment.”
For Jim, volunteering at Holy Family Hospice is not just something he does, it’s something he is called to. After retiring in 2018, Jim didn’t slow down. Instead, he stepped into a new season of purpose through service, faith, and human connection.
Jim was drawn to Holy Family for deeply personal reasons. Both him and his wife Sue’s parents received hospice care, and several family members passed away at this very facility – spanning decades. As a devout Catholic, the faith-based foundation of Holy Family also resonated deeply with him. “You just feel it when you’re here,” Jim shared. “It’s a whole different environment.”
After a career spent helping others plan for retirement, Jim knew one thing for certain – retirement without purpose wasn’t an option.
“I always told my clients it’s not enough to plan financially,” he said. “When you retire, you still need a reason to get out of bed in the morning.”
Within weeks of retiring, Jim was calling Holy Family to ask how he could help.
Over the past seven years, Jim has served in many roles: friendly visitor in the community, vigil sitter, reception desk volunteer, patient feeder, Eucharistic Minister, and soon, participant in the Rosary ministry. Jim also shares his gift of presence through pet therapy visits with his dog, Duke. Their visits often bring smiles, comfort, and moments of peace to patients and families. Each role serves a different need, and together, they reflect Holy Family’s mission to care for the whole person and the whole family.
“There’s something for everybody here,” Jim explained. “Some people see patient-facing work and think, ‘I can’t do that.’ But there are roles behind the scenes, in the kitchen, laundry, administration – whatever your talents are, there’s a place for you.” Of all his roles, two stand out as the most impactful: patient feeding and vigil sitting.
When I do feedings, it almost feels like a holy moment when I’m sitting there with people.
Before each feeding shift, Jim stops in the chapel to pray. “I ask God to bless my work before I get started. You don’t get that experience at a lot of secular places.”
Whether feeding patients breakfast or sitting vigil with those nearing the end of life, Jim sees his role as one of presence and reassurance, especially for families.
“Vigil sitting is really more for the family,” he explained. “Sometimes the patient isn’t aware, but the family knows their loved on isn’t alone. And that matters.”
Over time, those relationships leave a lasting impact. Jim has attended wakes and funerals for patients he’s grown close to, a testament to the bonds formed through simple, consistent care.
Hospice doesn’t just take care of the patient; they take care of the whole family. That’s what makes this place special.
Jim’s dedication to service didn’t begin at Holy Family. He spent 20 years actively involved in Rotary and has long volunteered through his church. Eleven years ago, he took service to an extraordinary level, donating a kidney to his parish priest after feeling a spiritual calling to do so.
“In the Bible it says there’s no greater gift than to lay down your life for someone, Jim said. “I felt like I needed to pursue this.”
That same sense of calling continues to guide him today. “This isn’t just volunteer work,” Jim shared. “It’s a ministry.”
Jim’s story is a powerful reminder that volunteering at Holy Family Hospice looks different for everyone, and every role matters. Whether you’re offering a meal, welcoming families, praying in the chapel, or supporting behind the scenes, each act of service brings comfort, dignity, and care to those who need it most.
Learn more about volunteering at Holy Family Hospice and discover where your gifts can make a difference.
