Cheers for volunteers
Jim Ramlow, a native of Whitefish, graduated from Whitefish High School and attended college in Washington, D.C., Boston and the University of Montana, where he earned his degree in law.
His parents, Russ and Mary Ellen, are retired owners and operators of the Coast to Coast store. Friends remember occasions when they needed something at night and Russ would come down and open the store for them.
Jim's wife, Alma, came here from Anchorage, Alaska. They have two sons, Bruce and Hugh, both of whom are attending Whitefish High School.
Though involved in many aspects of the community, such as high school sports, Glacier Symphony and Chorale, Hope Ranch, Cross Currents Christian School and others, Jim's primary focus is on Boy Scouts. Having served on local and state boards, he is active in all its aspects.
He feels guilty about being singled out for attention saying, "A lot of people do as much or more than I do," but his co-workers do not agree. They are lavish in their praise of his dedication, saying that as assistant scout master, he performs various functions including orientation of new members in the arts and principles of scouting. His work with merit badge candidates in citizenship is described as "fabulous."
He manages the volunteers at the Whitefish Community Foundation's Duck Derby. He was instrumental in obtaining a partnership with the Bob Marshall Wilderness Association and manages a group of scouts who annually spend a week camping and maintaining trails.
He spent many years in regaining the use, and ultimate scout ownership, of Melita Island, (www.melitaisland.org), He partakes in camping trips once every month, which, in season, involves snow caves and winter survival. His reward comes from seeing his young charges grow into useful citizens.
Jim, when co-workers describe you, the words "hard work" and "dedication" recur. Countless young men are better citizens because of you, and we thank you.
— Jake Heckathorn
This column is dedicated to those who give freely of their time and energy to worthwhile community projects, but whose efforts often go unnoticed. If you know such a person, please e-mail jheckathorn@centurytel.net.