For over 20 years, Chris James went quietly and competently about his work for the Environmental Services department at FirstHealth Montgomery Memorial Hospital, walking to the hospital each day from his nearby home. He enjoyed every day at work, but on October 25, 2017, there was an extra special workday. He was paged to the Administration office to receive from FirstHealth's CEO at the time, Dave Kilarski, a personal thank you for a special act of kindness to The Foundation of FirstHealth. With his gift, the "Christopher S. James Endowment Fund" was created in memory of his parents, Lola S. and Lenue T. James.
Chris has deep roots in Montgomery County. He was connected to Montgomery Memorial Hospital at a young age through his father's work on the hospital Board of Trustees. After high school, Chris was employed at the local newspaper where he mixed the chemicals needed for running the presses. He then joined the hospital's Environmental Services department after getting that initial work experience. He has been a loyal member of the hospital team ever since.
For Chris, the hospital became much more than a place to work. He says, "It's like a big family here. We take care of each other." Between working at the hospital and singing in the choir at Trinity United Methodist Church, Chris knows nearly everyone in Troy by face, if not by name. His close connection to the community is evidenced by his gift. "I wanted to do something for the citizens of Montgomery County." To accomplish that, he has designated his endowment fund for cancer and diabetes care of Montgomery County residents.
He notes another purpose of his gift is to inspire others to give to their community. "If you can't give money, you can give time. Giving is what it's all about." Chris' contributions to the community are so much greater than the monetary value of his gift, for he embodies the true meaning of "philanthropy" - love of humankind.
To learn how you can create your own endowment fund through The Foundation of FirstHealth, please call our office at (910) 695-7500.
