Hi, I'm Jim

I speak German, love German food, and I am a Mormon.

About Me

I am the husband of a loving wife. We have five living children and 19 grandchildren. I am a retired Federal Law Enforcement Agent. I love retirement. I like to fill out surveys, on line. It makes me feel that my ideas are being heard by someone. I was born in the Western United States but have lived in the East for many years. I love sports and used to referee and umpire but now only watch others do it. My wife and I have spent a total of four years living in Europe and love the people in the German speaking areas of Europe.

Why I am a Mormon

I was born to Mormon parents and they taught me the Gospel of Jesus Christ. For the first part of my life I lived on my parents testimonies. There came a time in my life when that was not good enough and I needed to know for myself. I read the Book of Mormon and studied the teachings of all the Prophets. That is in the Bible, Book of Mormon, and the Prophet Joseph Smith and those Prophets who have followed him. I prayed and didn't get an exact answer. A friend pointed out the often we need to fast and pray to get some answers. As I continued to study and pray, I added fasting. I found a wonderful spirit came upon me and I knew that the Gospel was an is true. As I continue to study, fast, and pray my testimony has grown stronger. I can now say that I know that God lives, Jesus is the Christ and the Savior of the world. More special to me is that He is my Savior. Joseph Smith was and is a Prophet of God. The Book of Mormon is the word of God, given to us to help us prepare to return to God's Heavenly Home to live with Him for all eternity.I know that if I will live His commandments I will be together with my family in that eternity. Because of this experience, I know that God hears and answers my prayers and gives me direction through the Holy Ghost.

Personal Stories

Please share your feelings/testimony of Joseph Smith.

I have a special blessing as my g-g-g g grandfather Joseph Knight and his son, Newel Knight were personal friends of the Prophet Joseph Smith. As-a matter of fact Joseph Smith and his wife Emma used his horse and buggy to receive the gold plates from the Hill Cumorah. These are the plates that the Prophet Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon. I have a copy of Newel journal and have read what Joseph Smith told him about his visions. Part of my gaining of a testimony of Joseph Smith, as a Prophet, came as I read of his interaction with my family. I know that Joseph Smith did receive the gold plats and translated them through the gift of God. Everyone can gain this same testimony by reading Joseph Smith's account and asking God if it is true. I know everyone will gain this testimony when they honestly seek it in prayer.

What is hope and what do you hope for?

I have great hope, through the Lord Jesus Christ that I will again be able, with my family to live with God and His Son Jesus Christ. My hope is not just a desire but a knowledge that because of the Atonement of Christ I will be resurrected. This is a gift of God that is given to everyone that ever walked the earth. But I have a greater hope in Christ. Because He suffered in the Garden and took my sins upon Himself, through repentance I will be forgiven of all the evil I have done on this earth. He has promised us that and God does not lie. I have felt the Spirit confirm to me that sins that I have given up have been forgiven. I am not perfect and must repent daily. This I know, that if I am on His straight and narrow path when I go go the other side. All will be well with me. If I am not, I must suffer even as He did, such suffering caused, even Him, the Son of God, to wish that the cup be removed from Him. Praise the Lord He fulfilled his duty and if I accept Him I will not have to suffer as he did. This is my hope.

How I live my faith

As a member of the Church I have been taught to serve others. I have been blessed to have been called to serve in many callings in the Church. I served a mission to Austria in my youth and after I retired, my wife have served six years as missionaries for the Church. I have also served as a teacher for the youth and adults. I have been allowed to serve as a leader in our congregation and other leadership positions. I look forward to serving in the Church until the day I die. My wife and I now also serve to help others in our Mormon Temple. This is a great blessing for us.

What is the role of the husband and the wife in the family?

Jim answered...

The role of the husband and the wife in the family is to be equal partners in bring up a family and teaching their children to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ. They are to work together in all family matters. The husband is given the primary responsibility for the support of the family. The wife is given the primary responsibility for nurturing of the family. I love to quote Paul in this matter. 1 Corinthians 1111, "Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord." We must work together if we want to spend eternity together.
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Katie answered...

Husband and wife in a marriage are meant to be equal, partners. The husband is the head of the household and is responsible for the temporal welfare of his family. His role is to support his wife. The wife is also to support her husband and to nurture her family both spiritually and emotionally. Husband and wife are meant to work side by side in providing a safe haven from the world for their family. Their roles are different, but equally important and essential to building the family and the community.

Can you tell me about Mormon customs: how you dress for church, what holidays you celebrate, etc.?

Graeme answered...

Mormon customs throughout the world do not vary widely. In fact in my travels around the world, the church is one big family which welcomes you as one of their own. Most of the major national and Christian holidays are celebrated Christmas, Easter, New Years when ever oit occurs, and nation's founding, and personal birthdays. Mormons dress up for Sunday services. When traveling, casual, modest clothing is normal. For other activities, any modest attire is acceptable. There are occasional "theme" activities with approprite dress.