Spotlight on Volunteers – Jim Jackson

Jim Jackson’s Volunteer Service is the Cornerstone of Old Town Cottonwood

Jim Jackson has donated thousands of hours as the public contact for Old Town Cottonwood Visitor’s Center located in the Old Town Jail not far from the Verde River. Old Town is the historical center of the city, a thriving part of Cottonwood that provides a sense of place for the Upper Verde Valley.

Historic Old Town’s Main Street was created in 1908 when Charles Stemmer and Alonzo Mason used a mule team to pull and drag through brush near the Verde River. Locals and tourists still enjoy shopping in unique stores and galleries featuring art, antiques, jewelry, pottery and many other items. Old Town features excellent restaurants and professional services such as engineering and cabinetry making. Lodging is also available.

Acting City Manager Marianne Jimenez says Old Town merchants and visitors can always count on Jim. “Jim has been a valuable asset to the Old Town Association. He cheerfully provides tourists who stop by the Old Jail with not only information regarding Old Town, but the Cottonwood and Clarkdale areas as well. He has always been willing to volunteer extra time and help with Old Town events, and you know you can depend upon him to be there when asked.”

Jim says that he has the desire to serve where he can in the community, and his goal is to make a difference. He states that without the help of certain Old Town Association leaders, his ability to run the Visitor Center would be difficult. 

How long have you lived in the Verde Valley? Where did you grow up? I have lived in Clarkdale for 14 years. I grew up in Simi Valley, Calif. 

Is there anything about your family that you wish to share with the community? My family stands behind me in every task that I decide to undertake, and my father especially stands behind me. 

Education and/or career: I completed elementary, junior high and graduated high school in Semi Valley. I also attended college for a short time. 

You have volunteered for the Old Town Association for four years. What are your duties, and how does the time you donate to our community enrich the lives of our citizens and visitors? My duties as an Old Town Association volunteer are to give people information about Old Town, either by pamphlet or by what I know. Another one of my duties is to show the visitors the old jail cells, and point out the uniqueness of the historical Old Town Jail. I donate time to Old Town to help the Old Town merchants and enrich the lives of our citizens and visitors. 

Old Town has great historical value to the community. It is Cottonwood’s history. What do you think Old Town means to the City’s future? Old Town is the beginning of Cottonwood. To me, it shows how Cottonwood came into being, and that Cottonwood will continue growing bigger, but the past is very important, too. The community progresses and Old Town helps people want to make Cottonwood their home. Old Town is a vibrant business community and a wonderful place for people to gather. 

What are your views about volunteerism? Other volunteer activities:  My view on volunteerism is that if you are able to give of your time as a volunteer, you will establish a friendly relationship with all the people you come in contact with. Plus, as a volunteer, you will become well known by all the merchants. 

Where do you see the community of Cottonwood in 10 years? I see it more developed with more housing and popular stores, and more restaurants. My wish for Cottonwood in the next 10 years is that people would treat the town with more care and love. 

Do you have a favorite quote? My favorite quote is, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” 

What is the most interesting or exciting thing that's ever happened in Cottonwood since you’ve lived here? The most exciting thing that’s happened to me since I’ve lived here is being recognized for volunteering for the City of Cottonwood, especially the Old Town Association. 

What are your hobbies or enjoyment besides volunteerism? My hobbies are computers, fishing and walking. 

If you could get every single community member to do just one thing, what would that be? I would get everyone to help out in their community however they could.

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Cottonwood City Council members recognize the invaluable contributions volunteers make to the betterment of city government and the community. Spotlight on Volunteers is written by Mayor Diane Joens. There are many opportunities to volunteer and make a positive difference. Council members encourage everyone to get involved. Volunteer today!