Long-time member Jim Pierce was recently the subject of the Post Crescent "Good Neighbors" page. Thank you Linda Dums for writing the story. Well deserved recognition Jim!
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Jim Pierce of Grand Chute grew up with a sense of giving back to the community. That is why he has dedicated 38 years to the Appleton-Fox Cities Kiwanis Club.
“I have a tendency when I get involved to stay involved for a long time,” said Pierce, 74. Last year, Pierce was presented with the Wilmar “Bill” Solberg Distinguished Service Award, which was presented on behalf of the Past Governors of the Wisconsin-Upper Michigan District of Kiwanis International. “It was a nice honor,” said Pierce, who was nominated by his organization.
A friend invited Pierce to join the Kiwanis chapter in Kenosha. He joined the Appleton chapter when he moved to the Fox Cities in 1985. “I just enjoyed giving back to the community,” he said. “I’ve been very blessed. It’s a good way to pay it forward.”
He enjoys Kiwanis because it offers a variety of service, fellowship and education.
“Personally, I joined because I do like being involved with service projects,” said Pierce, who was dean of business and marketing at Fox Valley Technical College. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for somebody whose career is over to give back to the community through service.”
Pierce is a past president, lieutenant governor and served on the board of directors and chaired various committees. He is currently chairman of the service committee, which is involved with hands-on service projects and giving money back to other groups. “I enjoy giving back through service and the fellowship that you get by being involved in a group like that, making lifelong friends,” he said.
Among the Kiwanis projects he has helped with is the Old Glory Honor Flights. And he's served meals and rang bells for the Salvation Army. “Those types of service activities are a way I can personally give back to the community along with some of my fellow Kiwanians,” he said.
Anthony Snyder, past president of the Appleton-Fox Cities Kiwanis, said that Pierce has a strong commitment to the organization, even when the group reorganized all of the committees and Pierce was made a chairman.
“I’ve been so impressed with him as he not only embraced the challenging new role himself, but also brought others along,” he said. “What impresses me so much about Jim is how often I hear him say, ‘Well, let’s try it.’ And that’s not common among 38-year members.”
Pierce also helps in the community with United Reading for Success through the Appleton Area School District, ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Appleton for 15 years as a volunteer at the cardiovascular center, chairman of the board of directors for 5 Stones and volunteering with a retiree group with FVTC.
“All of these have been positive experiences, which is why I stay involved,” he said.
Volunteering has a positive impact on a community, said Pierce. “Even communities like ours that are fairly prosperous and have a lot of good organizations, there are a lot of needs out there,” he said. “Kiwanis is one of those organizations that allows me to get involved and meet those special needs.”