Jim is a vital cog in the wheel that turns HHNW. Trained as a biomedical technician he has had a full career of 40 years in the field. Shortly after he retiring in Jan. 2009, he got a call from Sandi Kessler asking him to work with HHNW. He felt he could use his talents and honed skills to help others. He enjoys the challenge of problem solving with all the different variables he finds here in Rwanda. For those who don't know what his work entails, Jim keeps all our machines running. When things don't work as they should, Jim fixes, jerry-rigs, splices or manufactures the solution, often under intense time pressure. No appliance, motor, or crisis is beyond his capabiliies! He endeared himself to the nurses when he went out and bought and installed a toilet seat in the ladies room (previous one was missing)!
Jim has traveled to European countries but never to Africa or a third world country. He really enjoys the Rwandan culture and people. It is the Rwandan people and the close interaction between himself and our doctors, nurses and patients that has brought him back for HHNW's second mission.
When not working for HHNW, Jim volunteers his time to P.E.T., a program based in Mead, Wa. P.E.T. Stands for personal energy transport and they manufacture and assemble a mode of transport similar to a bicycle for persons in third world countries who are missing a lower limb. Jim describes himself as a reserved but when engaged in conversation, he readily shares his wealth of knowledge and experiences.
Jim has been married to Bonnie for 47 years and has 3 children and 7 grandchildren, 2 of whom live with him.
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