About Jim

Hometown: Eddyville, Ky.
Hometown Chapter: Shelley Nickell Chapter
NWTF Involvement: As a founding member of the Kentucky State Chapter, Jim has been an NWTF member since its inception in 1973. His first membership card is on display at NWTF headquarters in Edgefield, S.C.

Q&A with Jim Williams

More than 35 years of commitment to conservation, education and volunteerism earned Jim Williams the first ever JAKES Volunteer of the Year Award.

With Jim Williams leading the way, the Shelley Nickell Chapter’s 2009 JAKES event attracted more than 75 young people who were visited by wounded military veterans and spent the day making birdhouses, shooting air rifles, participating in a turkey calling contest and more.

“As hunters, youth are our most important resource,” said Jim. “We have a lot of kids who don’t have mentors to take them hunting or to do anything in the outdoors. Mentoring is what the Shelley Nickell Chapter and I strive to do.”

NWTF: Tell us how you found out you had won the JAKES Volunteer of the Year Award.

Jim Williams: Well, it was a total surprise. JAKES Coordinator Mandy Harling had asked if I would help present the JAKES chapter awards at the convention, and I agreed. My wife and I brought along a really special JAKES member, Austin, and unbeknownst to me, he already knew I was going to win the award. Austin ended up presenting me the award on stage, which was so precious.

NWTF: What a great story! Jim, you’re a longtime NWTF member. How long have you been attending the convention?

JW: We started attending the convention in the ‘90s and have missed only one or two conventions since. The convention really is a great experience for youth and adults alike.

NWTF: How important do you think it is for parents to get their children involved in the outdoors and the JAKES outreach program?

JW: I firmly believe youth are our future and the most important resource we have. The Shelley Nickell Chapter encourages parents to take their children outdoors and get them involved in hunting. We believe if they do, parents will not have to hunt for their children later in life. Youth are far less likely to get involved in the bad things the world has to offer when they are involved in the outdoors.

NWTF: Do you think being an NWTF member has enriched your life?

JW: Yes, very much so. I feel like the luckiest person in the world, because I have extended my family to include people I have met through the NWTF. I feel so blessed to have so many good friends out there.
A lot of people did so many things for me when I was a child, and I have not forgotten them. I am truly thankful and love passing what I have received on to others.

I heard a wounded warrior say something last year that sums up the NWTF experience perfectly. He said, “To me, this is nothing but camouflage therapy.” — Melanie Swearingen