When Jim's wife died in 1996, he looked for support and found Hospice Caring (now CaringMatters). He attended one of the organization's grief support groups for widowed spouses, an experience he calls "life-changing." He pledged to give back and become a trained support group facilitator.  His work with the grief groups was so rewarding, Jim continued volunteering and has served in several roles in the organization over the past 21 years, mainly with the Adult Bereavement program.

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When Jim retired from his medical career in Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, most recently at Leisure World, Jim was excited to use his experience and pursue a second career as the Director of Adult Bereavement Services at CaringMatters. 

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Since assuming his position in 2018, Jim has worked to expand the scope of CaringMatters' grief support groups throughout the community, including new groups for Parent Loss, Adult Child Loss, Loss by Suicide and several mixed loss groups. He also coordinates other CaringMatters projects and events, such as the Bereaved Caregivers Retreat and the annual Tree of Love Celebration.

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"I'm honored to help people at a time when they need it the most as they try to rebuild their lives and find hope in a future," said Jim. "No one should have to grieve alone."

 

Jim has two adult children living on the West Coast, and married his wife, Jean, in 2005. 

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Contact Jim at jimr@caringmatters.org or 301-990-0854