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Volunteer Profile: Jim Gates Congratulations to Richmond National Battlefield Park's volunteer Jim Gates for receiving the Northeast Region's Interpretive Volunteer Award for 2000. The "Excellence in Interpretation" awards banquet was held on March 22, 2001 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Richmond, Virginia. This award recognizes outstanding performance in the area of interpretation by a volunteer in the Northeast Region. Jim Gates has been a volunteer at the Cold Harbor battlefield since 1992, and has worked several hours nearly every single day since the Cold Harbor Visitor Center opened in 1995. He enthusiastically greets visitors, answers questions on the battlefields of Gaines' Mill and Cold Harbor and provides guided walking tours. Numerous letters from visitors across the country have been received at the park describing the wonderful experience they had because of Jim's willingness to share his knowledge and time. Jim has lived in the Richmond area for much of his life. He graduated from Hanover County's Battlefield Park High School in 1941. After serving in the Army Air Force in World War II, Jim began a 35-year career with Eastern Airlines. Once retired he pursued his interest in the American Civil War and model building. Volunteering at Richmond National Battlefield Park allows Jim the opportunity to share his love and knowledge of Civil War history. With all the support he has given and the visitors he has touched, Jim's dedication and enthusiasm are as strong now as they were on the first day he volunteered. |
Last updated: February 26, 2015