Jim Barnett 

Jim got involved in the Knights of Columbus when a Council 10243 was forming at St. Bernard a few years back, though he admits thinking about the Knights ever since he was a child.  While at Notre Dame a friend had completed First Degree and invited Jim to get involved as well.  The time didn't seem to be ripe, so he waited and he confesses that when 10243 was getting started he was among the first standing in line to sign up. 

 

He is impressed by the ability to be involved in many different things in the name of the Knights, especially bell ringing for the Salvation Army, another organization close to his heart.  He also appreciates the thrust of the Knights toward "well rounded youth"--with KC activities focusing not only on athletic ability but also on other aspects of the person as seen in the Knowledge Contest and the Christmas Poster Contest.  Jim has a special love for the arts, being an accomplished cellist who played with the Green Bay Symphony for six years.  His wife, Marilyn, is also a pianist and many members of St. Bernard recognize their son Kevin who often plays the organ when he's in town at Christmas.  Jim & Marilyn celebrate their 39th Wedding Anniversary this year and also have a daughter, Ann, who teaches at St. Mary of the Angels.

 

Jim's life seems to have revolved around medicine--he recalls washing pots at a Milwaukee hospital many years ago.  He was a Department Director at St. Vincent Hospital for 22 years before returning to his present position of Nurse Anesthetist .  He hopes to retire in January of 1994.  His message to the Knights today: "The greatest gift is charity".  He sees the greatest strength of the KC's in the hands-on living of charity rather than on alms.  It is in the living out of that value of Charity that the Knights really shine.  "They are there".

 

May 1993