Jimmy graduated from ETSU with a degree in Building and Construction. He worked for 28 years; 25 of them for the Virginia Department of Transportation as a construction inspector. Along the way he was drinking and partying, and this aspect of his life nearly ended up destroying him. 

After partying with some friends at the lake who were drinking and taking pills, he agreed to take one of them home that was too drunk to drive. Along the way, Jimmy became distracted and lost control of the car. It veered off the road and then rolled back onto the payment where it ground to a stop on its side. 

It was then that Jimmy realized his passenger was no longer in the car. After a brief search without finding him, Jimmy panicked and left the scene. It was only later that he found out his passenger had been ejected from the car and was paralyzed. 

In the aftermath of the accident and his subsequent arrest, Jimmy lost everything on the years that followed. He ended up being involved in a local church where he gave his life to Christ, and the following day came to the Haven of Rest, where he began to work towards putting his life back together. He stayed long enough to get into the Lighthouse program, but several months in, he left to try life on his own again. 

Jimmy had still not overcome his drinking problem, which he could not admit that he had. He began drinking again, and this time he ended up in the hospital where he had to be resuscitated. His doctor told him if he ever drank again, he would end up dying. Jimmy was defiant and bought a 12 pack of beer, but after consuming a few of them ended up throwing the rest away. 

"God just took away my taste for alcohol. Now I can't stand it," he related. He has not had a drink since. 

Soon after, Jimmy returned to the Haven, went through the emergency shelter, and then re-entered the Lighthouse program. He has become a changed man. 

Jimmy has excelled as a hard worker and committed Christian. He earned the trust of the staff and has worked for the Haven as a Ministry Assistant, and now as the manager of the Food Pantry. He is kind and amiable, and quickly forms bonds with the homeless and hungry he deals with daily. He is a valued member of the Haven team. 

"The Haven has taught me a lot about true happiness and contentment. I have grown closer to God and all I want to do is help others know Jesus and the peace He gives. I am thankful for all the Haven has done to get me where I am today." -Jimmy