Service Dogs: How a Pup Becomes One and How They Change the Life of a Person with Disabilities

In his business career, Jim was a financial service manager involved with trust services and corporate banking products.  Originally from Indianapolis, Jim first moved to Hawaii 40 years ago, and it was here that he met his wife, Vickie who is a Sacred Hearts alum; so am I.   They have three children and six grandkids.

Jim’s career took them back to the mainland for about 20 years, and they retired back here in 2006.  He is currently the Executive Director of Hawaii Fi-Do Service Dogs, a small but mighty 501(c)(3) that provides, at NO charge, service dogs to people here in Hawaii with disabilities other than blindness.

Jim believes in giving back to community.  Each year since 1969, when Jim graduated from the University of Notre Dame, he has actively been involved with volunteerism, many times in senior leadership roles.  Hiswife has been totally blind since 2000 and has been a guide dog handler since.  Jim is thrilled to help Fi-Do as he knows firsthand how a well-trained service dog can change a life forever.