Sometimes one act of selflessness begets another. Or in the case of Jim Hare, a lifetime of volunteerism. Jim remembers being captivated, as a young boy, by the story of his grandfather, who served as an army medic in France during World War I. The tales of his heroism led Jim—who never met his grandfather—to pursue opportunities throughout his life.

While in college, Jim taught woodworking to adults with intellectual disabilities. He also donated blood for the first time and learned that he had O-positive blood type, a universal donor. Throughout his college years, during which he received a degree in civil engineering and also got married, Jim continued to donate blood, sometimes as often as four times a year.

Jim spent the first two decades of his career in a range of testing and inspection roles for construction and insurance companies. His blood donations continued apace, and then his volunteerism blossomed in another direction as his family grew. His second daughter, born with Down’s Syndrome, became involved with athletics as a youngster.

As Jim tells it, “First it was swimming. We entered her into the Special Olympics. Then she started bowling with them, and a few years later, skiing, and then golf. All the while I led volunteering to coach all of these sports. At one point she was participating in four sports while I was coaching all four! I saw fellowship and companionship develop among participants.”

Jim has continued faithfully to donate blood as often as he is able. When asked about his loyalty to the American Red Cross, he cites their commitment to helping in disaster situations and local communities throughout the country, as well as addressing the perennial need for blood in hospitals and blood banks. He notes that not everybody can donate blood, but that there are many ways to be of service. He says, “Just reach out and see what you can do.”

For many years, Jim was in possession of his grandfather’s war mementos: cigarette lighters, helmets, swords, an army jacket. Eventually Jim donated them to the Snyder County Museum, where they sit on display, ready to inspire a new generation of visitors.

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- Written by Jackie Faiman