Tom James

FLINT - Tom James didn't know much about the medical field when he joined Hurley Medical Center's board of managers nearly 15 years ago. He was a businessman by trade and knew full well that there wasn't a lot of money in volunteer work.

"My pay at Hurley is how many zeroes I get," joked James, a member of First Presbyterian Church of Flint for nearly 30 years. "But, I will do it as long as I feel that I can contribute. I learn so much and it makes me a better person."

Since he started volunteering at Hurley, James says he's learned hospitals inside out and upside down. It's just what happens when you get involved and stay involved.

"I've been on a lot of boards over the years, but I got to a point in my life when I wanted to help in the community I live in," he said. "I felt that this was a way to be really involved. I wanted to be where I could actually engage in what's really happening.
"I felt it was the best way for me to make a difference."

Since then, James has been on the ground floor of what he calls a truly community-minded hospital.

"A good friend once told me that we have to take care of our little corner of the world here, and I take that to heart," said James, who has also been heavily involved in Easter Seals.

James, who lives in Flint with his wife, Kate, is also a founding member of the Genesys/Hurley Cancer Institute.

"What we do there is actual development of the Institute," said James, who has been instrumental in the Institute's mission to provide free health services to anyone in need. "There's a lot of research and clinical trials. We do a lot of things for the community.  This community has always been good to me. I need to pay it back."

James, who currently works as a marketer for a home healthcare company, says that too many people let fear of the unknown keep them from getting involved in their community.

"Many people are scared about being in a situation where maybe they don't have enough knowledge," he said. "But, what I learned was that it's actually the fun part about it. You are working with others who are in the same boat. And when people work together your outcomes increase tenfold."

Hurley Medical Center is currently seeking volunteers who, like James, want to give a little something back.

"If you see someone in need you walk over and help them. That's community service."
To get involved, call Debi Peters, Volunteer Services Coordinator, at (810) 257-9152.