Jim Washington Honored with Humanitarian Award
United Way of Carlisle & Cumberland County is pleased to announce Jim Washington as the recipient of the 2016 Alexis de Tocqueville Humanitarian Award. The award was established in 2000 to acknowledge an individual or couple’s outstanding volunteer service to the community.
Jim was recognized at the United Way’s annual Humanitarian Award reception on June 14th, sponsored by Dickinson College and Martson Law Offices. Approximately 150 people gathered to honor Washington’s philanthropic contributions to the greater Carlisle area.
Jimmie George, Washington’s longtime friend, introduced him, and Kurt Suter & Dwayne Keller, co-chairs of the Alexis de Tocqueville Society, presented him with the award.
Jim Washington Jr., through his chosen life’s work, consistently proves himself to be a dedicated champion and servant of his country and fellow citizens. He served for 10 years in the United States Marine Corps, rising to the rank of Captain. Following his release from active duty, Jim became a life member of the Marine Corps League and continues to be an energetic and committed contributor to League programs, activities, and outreach. He’s a member of the Military Order of the Devil Dogs and, for his fervor in community work, has been honored with the silver and bronze distinguished citizens’ awards.
Jim has been a member of Exchange Club since 1990. He was a member of Amani Festival, Summerfair committee, South Central Sickle Cell Anemia Support Group, and Girl Scouts of America. Jim has volunteered his time and expertise as a contributing board member to a number of Carlisle non-profit organizations such as the Carlisle Senior Housing Association, Bison Foundation, Carlisle Volunteer Firefighters Association, Sadler Health Center, and Tapestry of Health. He also serves as an active contributor to the Hometown Development Corp., Carlisle Opportunity Homes, Carlisle Housing Opportunity Corp., Downtown Neighborhood Connection, Carlisle-Dickinson College Connection, Joint Veteran & Memorial Day Committee, Red Cross Blood Services, Penn St. Co-op Extension, Toys for Tots for Cumberland & Perry Counties, United Way of Carlisle & Cumberland County, The Arc of Cumberland and Perry Counties (CPARC) and Cumberland County Children and Youth Citizen’s Advisory Board.
In 1999, Jim became a technical advisor for Hope Station. In 2001, he began serving as a board member for the organization, and in 2002, became Executive Director, a role he has held ever since. Jim is a lifetime member of the American Legion Post 826, Am Vets Post 274, and VFW Post 477, as well as being a vocal and dynamic member of the West Street AME Zion Church. For decades, Jim has worked as a responsible and compassionate veteran, citizen, and role model, demonstrating what good can come of sharing one’s time, talents, and insights. Jim and his wife Roxanne have been married for 45 years. They have two children, James III and Jocelynn. They are blessed with five grandchildren:Alexis, Lyndsai, James IV, Dayoveon, and Joshua.
