55 Years of Service: James Curry

Truck, Bus & Heavy Equipment Operator, Andrews University Farm

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View the recorded presentation here.

Dedicated, as defined by Webster, says “1: devoted to a cause, ideal, or purpose; 2: given over to a particular purpose.” I think this definition correctly describes the individual that we celebrate this evening. Jim Curry accumulated 55 years of service as of June 30, 2021, and continues to work for the Farm on a part-time basis. I need to point out that he did not come work for Andrews University as soon as he was out of college, he worked for a different employer first! I will let you do the math to try to figure out his age. At this time, it is my understanding that he can be considered as the person who has the most service to Andrews University of anyone, ever. That is quite an accomplishment!

Jim is a quiet, humble man that lives his Christianity. He always has a smile on his face and a quick laugh to greet you with. All you have to do is have a short conversation with him to see these things. He has a humorous side as well and is full of stories about “Those Good Old Days!” retelling all the pranks and experiences he and his friends were involved in over the years.

The first time I met him, I hopped a ride back from Indiana Academy in the semi-truck with him as he hauled a load of cattle back up to Berrien Springs. We hit it off immediately when he found out I was a farm kid from Minnesota and had grown up with livestock. As we chatted away, he looked at me seriously and asked if I ate ice cream. I answered quickly, “Of course, who doesn’t?” He replied, “Great, because we are going to stop up the road a bit and have a Dairy Queen.” What a great beginning to our friendship!

Jim still works most days of the week for the Farm, doing whatever needs to be done. He occasionally gets loaned out to Transportation for heavy equipment work as well, like building a small new road this past summer and reenforcing the riverbank with a landing for kayakers. When he is working you can almost always find him in the company of one of his favorite sidekicks, Ron Graham.

Congratulations, Jim, on a very tremendous job well done!