James 'Jim' Jenders

Jim knew without a doubt he wanted to be an organ donor, because his father was a transplant recipient of a liver and kidney 12 years prior to Jim giving his ultimate gift of life. To Jim, the extra time his dad received through organ donation was treated as such a gift and his family was so grateful for the extra time they had. A little over two years ago, Jim suffered a heart attack that he could not recover from, and he ultimately gave the gift of life to countless individuals, including two recipients that received his kidney. One of those recipients was actually a close friend of Jim's father who was in need of a life-saving kidney and my husband, Jim, was a match. He not only gave the gift of life, he gave the gift of time. Time to make more memories, follow their dreams, have hope and experience a lifetime of love, something that was cut short for Jim. Jim left behind his wife and son, who was 16 months at the time, who will always know his daddy to be a hero, a life-saver, and genuinely wonderful man. When Jim decided to be an organ donor, he did so with the intent to help others, just as others did for him and his family. Jim is now reunited with his father, and though we miss him more than words can describe, there is peace in knowing he is reunited in heaven with his dad. We all love you, Jim.