Retiree and longtime volunteer, Jim Watson, 87, is full of gratitude. Not only for the long and productive life he has been given, but for the way he gets to use his considerable interpersonal skills as a volunteer for Medical Teams International at their Tigard, Oregon based headquarters.

Jim is pleased to be tasked each Tuesday with sincerely thanking hundreds of incoming, new donors for making their first gift to provide loving, life-saving health care to people around the globe facing crisis. He also thanks current donors for “milestone” donations, notable for their generosity or the number of years of giving they mark.

Donning a headset at the volunteer desk promptly at 8:30, Jim rolls up his sleeves and starts dialing numbers representing new, charitable givers across the country. Medical Teams has provided him a script, but he adjusts it to his liking. He changes his repertoire a bit as he quickly assesses the personality and mood of the person to whom he is speaking.

“They often assume I’m soliciting, so they’re quite pleasantly surprised when I tell them that my sole reason for calling is to give them a personal thank you. Gratitude for its own sake definitely opens doors.”

Many 80-somethings are content to stay home and interact only with a close circle of friends or family. Not the case for Jim! Building on a lifetime of serving and uplifting others (as a pastor for 25 years and a police chaplain for 14), the Chicago native has chosen to fill his golden years with the gift of conversation.

“There is no greater joy than to serve,” states Jim emphatically, “and it’s always been important for me to give back. What drew me to Medical Teams was the opportunity to work closely with people, on behalf of people who are suffering.”

After time in the military, the for-profit world, and years of volunteerism, Jim has certainly found his niche as a skilled and well-loved thank you caller and networker for Medical Teams.

“What could be better than telling someone that their gift is helping to save lives?” asks Jim. He loves dropping facts and statistics to reinforce his statements; for example, he delights in telling donors that Medical Teams moved $19 million worth of donated medical supplies to 21 countries in 2024. Jim also loves the learning and growing that comes with his job – he faithfully attends Medical Teams’ Tuesday chapel service and has 10:00 am coffee time with staff in the Distribution Center.

Jim personifies dedication and commitment – he’s been married to his wife, Janet, for 64 years and they have four daughters. With age, he says he’s grown to see people and issues differently. He no longer focuses on the problems before him but delights in being solution-oriented and sharing that mindset with others however he can.

Not only is Jim the consummate “people person,” he is a man of deep faith who enjoys sharing biblical wisdom with others through his many memorized scripture verses. Before he became a pastor, he felt he didn’t have the speaking skills to be one. Now, he acknowledges that speaking to people one-on-one, one person at a time, is his calling – literally!

When asked for some words of wisdom to share with potential volunteers, Jim is quick to answer. “Volunteerism is great for anyone, but it’s especially suited for older adults. The things that God reveals to you over time in your life can benefit the world, and sharing those insights is an act of service to God. Don’t lose your joy. Speak heavenly words to other people, and to yourself. We all deserve it.”

“The purpose of trials in life are for them to be used to help others, period,” says Jim. God is long-suffering with us, and desired for us to rise above our circumstances. Do your best to make sense of suffering. As God says in Romans 8:28, we know that all things work together for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.”

“Essentially, in a negative society,” explains Jim, “we must forge a new way of thinking, remembering God’s promises and not giving in to self-pity, ever. Take a step of faith today and use what you have.”

To learn more and volunteer with Medical Teams, visit https://www.medicalteams.org/volunteer/