Bio of James W. (Jim) Dame

Family: Married to Laura. Children: Erika - 23; Allison - 21; Stephanie - 19; Geniel - 16; Leslie - 13; and finally Christopher – 11. Laura is a wonderful wife, mother and organizer. My two oldest daughters are married. Erika has a son, Cayden. Both married in the Orlando Temple. Stephanie, 19, is a freshman at Fl. State Univ. and plays soccer for the Lady Seminoles and loves it. Geniel, 16 is a sophomore; is artistic and quite a comedian. Plays soccer. Leslie is in 8th grade; manager for boys wrestling team and has lots of friends. Chris is the athlete (baseball and soccer). All are wonderful children.

Callings: I must say I have about done it all: Young Men President; Ward Mission Leader; Gospel Doctrine Teacher; Asst. Ward Clerk; Executive Secretary; Counselor in various Bishoprics, both in Tallahassee and Sarasota, Fl.; Bishop twice; Stake Y.M. Pres.; Stake High Councilor; Stake Executive Secretary; currently First Counselor Stake Presidency.

Education: I graduated from Florida State University in August 1973 with a Bachelors of Science from the Business School. Major was in Banking and Finance. Served my mission after graduation (long story).

Work: I worked for the first five years after my mission for the Comptroller of State of Florida in the Division of Banking, then the Division of Securities. Started working for my mother-in-law in my current profession as a Licensed Hearing Aid Specialist. I have owned my own dispensing practice here in Panama City, FL. for almost 14 years.

Hobbies: Since I'm still raising children, they take most of our free time. Their sports interests keep us going. Can you call church a hobby or interest? It takes up much of my time but I love it so. I play golf when I can. I am an avid FSU football fan and now an avid FSU soccer fan. I like to kick back and watch a good movie at home and just relax when I can. I belong to the Panama City Lions Club and am a past President. Member of the Bay County Chamber of Commerce.

Comps: Gaylen Lawyer; Mark Muhlestein; Terry Splattstoeser; Kent Jensen; Tom Orrell; Ernie Wallengren(the brain); Garry Witte; Kirk Yates; Victor Solano; Don Blackham; Bob Worthen; Rahn Price; Mel Smith; Robert Looslie; David Lee; John Moffat and Antonio Sierra.

Areas Served: Comayaguela; Tegucigalpa, Honduras. La Chorrera; Chitre, Panama. Leon; Managua, Nicaragua. San Jose, Costa Rica.

Dichos: !Que le vaya bien! (a veces, bien lejos!) !Adiosn! (Honduran greeting)

Mission Memories: Easter in La Chorrera, Panama was quite interesting. They reenacted the crucifixion, no nails though. Remember seeing John Morgan up to his neck in the Atlantic Ocean when he slipped off a rock. I could not count the thousands of times that I have thought back to my mission. The Eagars were wonderful and were like mom and dad. I have referred to mission experiences in talks and lessons dozens of times. Some of the best times have been sharing my experiences with my children. My son can't wait to have those same kinds of experiences.