Jim Jenkins (pictured above with his son, Ford) of City Gospel Mission simply cannot resist helping those in need. He’s that guy who will cut your grass if you are laid up, or bring you soup if you are sick, and he holds the door open for everyone, including me. He has the heart of a servant which makes him a fit for nonprofit work. His boundless energy for helping those who are willing to help themselves, aligns perfectly with City Gospel Mission’s core values.
Jim’s role at City Gospel Mission (CGM) centers around developing and maintaining relationships with donors who support the mission. It is a natural role for him because not only is Jim extremely likeable, but he demonstrates respect for every client he works with. Maybe he excels at his job because he believes so deeply in CGM’s cause, or maybe it is because he knows that all previous paths have prepared him for this career, and this is where God wants him to be. No matter the reason, he is a walking commercial for CGM, even though he has only been there for less than 6 months.
Roller coaster career journey
Jim compares his journey to find right career to a ride on a roller coaster. The ride began with a job in television as a videographer & sports reporter but he longed for something with a greater sense of purpose. He returned to school and tried his hand at teaching but quickly realized something still was missing. Leaning into his natural skills in relationship building, he found his way to financial services, working for over a decade directly with investment advisors and their clients. What happened next was a life changing moment for him. “One day about seven or so years ago, I found myself sitting in a posh upscale office overlooking Fountain Square and living a financially good life. Yet I knew in my core that there was a void. Looking in the mirror, I could not find God’s purpose in the face of the person staring back. So, I took a leap of faith and resigned from the investment management firm, trusting God to unveil the next step.”
Soon Jim’s journey intersected with the world of nonprofit & fundraising, first at St Joseph’s Orphanage and subsequently to City Gospel Mission. He has found his calling by helping people help themselves overcome some very real-life issues, and his sense of fulfillment has skyrocketed. Looking back on his journey it is clear that he is anything but complacent in life and he will be the first to tell you that after all he has been through, both successes and failures, he simply must work in an environment that provides other human beings an opportunity to create a better life. It is a calling much bigger than anything he has experienced before. Bigger than himself. As he puts it, “When I resigned from my investment career, I truly felt that the Holy Spirit would take care of me, and I did not question that. I was right!”
Healing with humor
I hope that someday you get an opportunity to meet Jim. He is truly funny and quick-witted, yet gentle and sincere at the same time. He uses his humor as a tool to counterbalance a career that can be quite heavy and stressful and treats everyone he meets with respect, whether it is one of his clients who graciously donate to the mission or one of the individuals that are fortunate enough to find sanctuary there.
Jim summarizes the origin of his passion as, “I am a giver and I want to put a smile on another person’s face and make their life better. Even for just that moment. I believe that is in my DNA and I am all-in wherever the Lord leads me.” Maybe this perspective offsets his multi-faceted career journey and while he may not have found his place earlier in life, he finds it now by giving to others.
Just for fun
Q: Do you ever question your faith?
A: No, but sometimes I do question my faith in myself. No matter, I know that God is with me.
Q: Has faith impacted your role as a father?
A: Absolutely. I feel so fortunate that my son Ford shares my faith. It is a reassuring thing for a father to experience and his faith serves to strengthen mine.
Q: How would those close to you describe you? What would they say about you?
A: I am a giver. My first question is what can I do? I like to make people laugh and make people feel good about themselves. I tried to find humor in everything. It helps me and helps others.
Q: Tell me some of your favorite things about our city.
A: I love the green spaces. Our parks and trails are fantastic. Cincinnati Nature Center is my favorite place!
Q: What is your favorite restaurant in Cincinnati?
A: Pelican Reef (in Beechmont) is my Cheers and I am “Norm”. I forget about life’s problems here. If I need fancy, The Precinct never fails.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now where would it be, and why?
A: The Galápagos Islands because of the unspoiled nature and wildlife.
Q: What is your favorite movie?
A: I like a good fight so, Mississippi Burning or Remember the Titans
Q; What advice would you give a crowd of people?
A: If your blessed – realize it, acknowledge it and be thankful for it. Then pay it forward. You have the power to bless someone else, no matter what or how small it is.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
A: Mostly travel. Be in water. Explore aquatic life and submerse myself in their world. Like the Galapagos Islands!
Q: What is your favorite music?
A: One can never go wrong with Tom Petty or Dave Matthews. Mercy Me is also on at the top of that list.
Q: What person, alive or passed would you like to have lunch with?
A: Without a doubt, Jesus!
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years?
A: Wherever the Lord leads me.
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
A: I have an underlying urge to do improv comedy on open mic night somewhere.
Q: What 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
A: Safe Haven, Unconditional Love, Laughter
Q: What do you do for you?
A: I like quiet time to re-calibrate, especially outdoors. Cincinnati Nature Center is my jam! I also spend time with diversions like sudoku or crossword puzzles. Also, I pray a lot and I pray with intention and look to the Lord for guidance.
Jim was kind enough to give me a tour of their beautiful facility on Dalton Street and I was delighted to discover that the building is on the site of old Crosley Field! It only got better when Jim showed me how they preserved Crosley’s base locations by embedding them into the concrete slabs. Additionally, there are tons of murals and old photographs of the Red’s former home and players placed strategically throughout the building. But enough about Crosley, if that is possible.
City Gospel Mission is a blessing to our community. There are layers and layers of goodness here impacting the ability for adults and children alike to be cared for and to learn fundamental life skills that can change the trajectory of their lives.
