Now he has taken on another huge challenge. He’s heading the capital campaign to raise $11.7 million for Loveland Village in Venice. “We’re building apartments for adults with developmental disabilities, people who will outlive their parents or their parents’ ability to care for them,” Jim says. Besides housing and social interaction, the Village will provide job opportunities and education. “To me, this is a way to serve families for generations to come.”
Through the efforts of Florida Senator Nancy Detert, the state has allocated $4.8 million for Loveland Village, the first of its kind in Florida and one of only a few nationwide. Jim’s activities
have raised over $4 million since December.
Loveland Village is a complex with a clubhouse and three apartment buildings that will provide affordable, independent living for 94 developmentally disabled adults. Scheduled to open in September 2015, it will be owned by the Loveland Center and operated by CASL, Inc. (Community Assisted & Support Living). The respected Loveland Center was established in 1962 by parents who wanted a productive, safe place for adults with developmental disabilities.
Based on his extensive record of community service and numerous honors bestowed in gratitude, it isn’t surprising that Jim would take on this cause. He also has personal motivation. Karen, his wife of 51 years, had a developmentally disabled brother. “Their mother cared for him almost all of his life, into her eighties when she had to go into a nursing home. The closest facility for her son was 100 miles away so they only saw each other one more time. Neither lived much longer. Loveland Village will help people to avoid similar problems,” Jim says. He and Karen have made a donation in the name of his late mother-in-law.
Jim retired from the Bon Secours Venice Hospital Foundation, where he had been president. He had also been Chief Executive Officer of the Venice campus of then-Manatee Community College (now State College of Florida), among many other positions. He holds a B. A. from Muskingum College, M.A. from Chapman University and Ph.D. from George Peabody College for Teachers of Vanderbilt University.
A devoted barbershop quartet baritone, Jim serves on the board of Sunshine District Barbershop Harmony. He has sung for Tampa Bay Rays baseball and Tampa Bay Lightning hockey games. His new quartet, “Afternoon Delight,” sings at retirement homes. To contact Jim, email jrwoods3@hotmail.com.
Caldwell Trust Company
Caldwell Trust Company is an independent trust company with offices in Venice and Sarasota, Florida. Established in 1993, the firm currently manages over $800 million in assets for clients throughout the United States. The company offers a full range of fiduciary services to individuals, including services as trustee, custodian, investment adviser, financial manager and personal representative. Additionally, Caldwell manages 401(k) and 403(b) qualified retirement plans for employers.