For years, Lawrence County’s hungry families have had Jim Middleton to count on.

Monday, September 11, 2000

For years, Lawrence County’s hungry families have had Jim Middleton to count on. The tireless volunteer has been the backbone of the Central Christian Food Pantry.

This year, at age 76, with some health problems looming, Middleton has decided to retire from his work at the pantry.

And, just ask him, this was a difficult decision that came only at the insistence of his doctor.

The pantry is a tough job. Forget the constant need and worry about making sure there is enough food available for the families who need it, Middleton also had to transport the donations, arrange the shelves and coordinate the volunteers.

Without him – and the many others who gave their time and effort to help others – there would have been one less place for hungry families to go when they were in trouble.

Middleton feels bad about having to give up his job – those with hearts of gold usually do, but there is no question that he has earned this rest.

But as he goes, this community should take the time to thank him for his selfless generosity and his commitment to making his city and church better places to be.

Forget the fancy speeches and gifts. Middleton wouldn’t want that. Instead, he would like to see the rest of us pick up where he left off.

The best tribute to this wonderfully kind man is for us to make sure that no little boy or girl in this county goes to bed with an empty stomach and no mother has to not eat so her children can.