2008 FWD Fall Convention Dedicated to Jim Holder

The Far Western District Board of Directors and the District membership are proud to dedicate the 2008 Fall Convention to Jim Holder. Read on to find out why the Awards Committee selected this gentleman.

In 1963 a fellow member of Jim's church choir asked him if he thought he would like to do some barbershop singing. The question did little to instill any emotions in Jim. He explained to his friend that he really did not know what he was talking about, but he was willing to go to a meeting with him. That evening led to a subsequent meeting where Jim became exposed to the "SIDEWINDERS" singing over in a corner of the room. When one of the Sidewinders asked Jim if he cared to join in the singing, he was surprised and cautious, but he accepted the invitation. And so another young man was "HOOKED" for life right then and there. (Both Jim and Jerry Fairchild have verified this incident, but neither of them can recall which member of the SIDEWINDERS asked Jim to join them).

First and foremost, Jim is a family man. He and Marian have been married 55 years; they have four children (three boys and one girl), six grand children, and one great-grand child. In view of the fact that Jim has been in the society for 45 years, you know that Marian has supported him in his "career" as a barbershopper and that is a real plus.

Jim has been a member of several chapters during the past 45 years. They are Pomona Valley (1963/70), West Covina (1971/72), Arcadia (1973/1979), Pomona Valley again (1980/84) and Masters of Harmony, aka Santa Fe Springs (1985 to the current time). Jim won a gold medal with MOH in 1990. He has held office in each chapter where he was a member except that of treasurer. Jim has also qualified for and received the FWD Bachelor of Harmony Award. In addition, he has been the Barbershopper of the Year in three different chapters.

I call him "Mr. Volunteer," because he is almost always the first man to raise his hand when a volunteer is needed. His volunteer work started in about 1965 and it continues today. He has either greeted men or registered them at SoCal COTS for over forty years. Imagine that! When he is volunteering Jim always has a smile on his face. (I wonder if he smiles when he sleeps). He told me sometimes he is also a "gopher" and we all know what that means. In addition, Jim has assisted in various ways for several years at Harmony College West.

Jim has been an Area Counselor (later called Chapter Coach and then Chapter Counselor). Currently he is the FWD Sunshine Chairman, a fitting position for a guy with a happy smile.

Don't we all wish that we had more men like Jim in our chapter? The Far Western District is fortunate to have him among its members and it is our pleasure to honor Jim Holder at the 2008 Fall Convention in Bakersfield!